8 Ways to Find Event Tickets on a Budget

By Kailey Walters on February 18, 2020

Even when you’re a student on a tight budget, you probably still want to make time for having fun. Sure, you could binge-watch Netflix every Friday and Saturday night, but there are also other ways to enjoy yourself with some high-quality entertainment for an inexpensive price. With options such as movies, concerts, shows, sports games, and other fun events going on around you, why pass up the opportunity — especially when you have the chance to score some decently priced tickets? Read on to find out a few ways you can get your hands on some event tickets while on a budget.

via Pexels

1. Buy tickets from a reseller.

Sometimes, buying resale tickets from a legitimate reseller can be the cheapest option. Poke around on some ticket search engines and marketplaces, such as Ticketmaster, StubHub, and SeatGeek, and you may be able to find some tickets for a cheaper price than if you bought directly from the box office.

2. Wait until the last minute to buy your tickets.

This may seem like a bit of a risky move, but sometimes, ticket prices may become much cheaper as the event approaches. Of course, ticket prices fluctuate pretty often, so you should definitely keep an eye on the prices so that you can snag the best deal when you see it. But if you do decide to wait until the last minute, some gems might turn up.

3. Get the nosebleed seats.

Sure, this is certainly not the most desirable option, but it works. Especially if you are attending a musical performance of some sort (as opposed to a play), the nosebleed seats aren’t so bad because you’ll still be able to hear the music. And of course, the seats all the way in the back are going to be less pricey than front row seats.

4. Go alone.

Attending an event solo is another way to score a cheap ticket. Since many people tend to go to events, such as concerts, in groups, it may be easier to find a solo ticket at a lower price. For example, if a group of friends buys several tickets but then realizes one friend can’t make it anymore, they may try to sell that one ticket for a lower price than it was originally — which is where you can find a good deal.

5. Search for events in a different city or town.

If many of the events nearby are a bit over budget for you, you might want to try searching for events in other nearby cities and towns. Sometimes, you may be able to find something a little less expensive, and you’ll have the chance to turn it into a fun weekend or day trip, too.

6. Attend local events.

On the other hand, if the big-name concerts and events are threatening to eat a hole in your wallet, you can look to the smaller, local events going on right in your own backyard (or college town). Local concerts, fairs, markets, and other live performances are often significantly less expensive than many huge, well-known events — and sometimes they may even be free. Maybe there’s a concert next Saturday featuring a singer you’ve never heard of; it doesn’t hurt to give it a try, and you’ll be able to support a local artist at the same time.

7. Take advantage of social media.

Sometimes, word of mouth (on social media) can help you find the cheap tickets you so desire. If you have several different social media accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter, you can use them to your advantage by posting regularly to let people know that you’re looking for tickets. It may sound like a long shot, but out of all the people you are friends with or follow on social media, you may have a chance of attracting someone’s attention. And if they happen to have an extra ticket to an event, or they have connections to help you find cheap tickets, you’re in luck. Don’t underestimate the power of social media!

8. Attend your university’s events.

Your student status really comes in handy here. The cheapest and most convenient events you could attend are likely right where you are at your university. Among sports games, orchestra concerts, celebrity guest speakers and performers, and more, you have a lot of options to choose from. Ticket prices are significantly lower for students compared to the general public (and sometimes they’re even free for students). What’s more, you’ll have the chance to support and cheer on your friends and fellow classmates who are performing. What’s better than that?

All in all, there are a number of ways you can go about saving on event tickets. Just remember to be smart, look for good deals, and enjoy yourself!

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