5 Smart Ways to Save Money on Entertainment and Event Tickets—And One Way to Get Them for Free!
Because having fun shouldn’t mean draining your bank account.
By OTL Team
Let’s be real—going out is expensive. Whether it’s a concert, a play, or a comedy night, those tickets add up fast. But good news: you don’t have to choose between having a social life and paying your electric bill.
There are actually some super doable ways to cut costs without cutting out the fun. Here are five tried-and-true strategies to help you save on entertainment and event tickets—and a bonus trick to get into events for free (seriously).
Yes, it’s a one-woman show. Yes, it’s two hours long with no intermission. And no, you won’t be bored for a second.
1. Early Bird Discounts: Catch the Worm and Save
You know the saying—the early bird gets the worm. In this case, the worm is cheaper tickets and better seats.
Many events offer discounted prices if you buy your tickets early. So, if you're the type who likes to plan ahead (or wants to start being that person), keep an eye out for early announcements and grab your spot as soon as tickets go live. Your future self (and your wallet) will be very proud.
2. Join Membership Programs and Fan Clubs
If you’re a die-hard fan of a particular artist, band, or sports team, joining their official fan club might be worth it.
Yes, there’s often a small fee, but you’ll usually get early access to tickets, special discounts, and sometimes VIP perks. If you're going to be buying tickets anyway, it often pays off—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a little VIP treatment?
3. Use Discount Websites and Apps
There are few things more satisfying than scoring great seats at a bargain. Luckily, the internet is full of tools to help with that.
Sites and apps like StubHub and SeatGeek often have discounted tickets for everything from Broadway shows to nosebleed sports seats. And don’t sleep on Eventbrite and Brown Paper Tickets, especially for smaller or local events—they’re full of hidden gems. Also check out OTL Seat Fillers for hidden gems and last-minute deals.
4. Sign Up for Email Newsletters
I know, no one’s thrilled about more emails. But hear me out: newsletters from event organizers and ticket platforms can be gold.
Subscribing often means you’ll get promo codes, early access to big shows, and heads-up alerts for flash sales or limited-time discounts. Sometimes you even get invites to media previews or soft openings. One email could land you front-row seats for half the price—worth the inbox clutter.
5. Buy in Bulk or as a Group
Going out is more fun with friends anyway, right? And it just so happens that buying tickets as a group can save you money too.
Some venues offer group rates or discounts for season passes or subscription packages. If you’re planning to see multiple events, bundling your tickets can be a budget game-changer. Also, don’t forget to check your company’s employee perks—you never know what discounts are hiding there.
What Not to Do When Saving on Tickets
Yes, deals are great. But don’t let savings tempt you into buying from sketchy resellers or online scalpers. Unofficial sites might sell fake tickets, or worse, nothing at all. Stick with trusted ticket vendors and follow the tips above to keep things affordable and legit.
Saving money on tickets is not only financially savvy but also allows you to attend more of the events you love. So, the next time you're looking to purchase tickets, keep these tips in mind and relish the savings!
Bonus: One Way to Get Tickets for Free (Yep, Free)
If you really want to step up your ticket-saving game, there’s one trick that might just blow your mind: join OTL Seat Fillers.
For the cost of a single movie ticket each month, you can attend plays, concerts, comedy shows, and other local events—for free. Even better, you get to bring a guest, so you’re effectively doubling your ticket value.
What Kind of Events Can You Actually See?
Wondering what you can see with OTL Seat Fillers? Think of it as a mystery box of live entertainment—you never know what’ll pop up, but it’s always something fun. Think plays, musicals, comedy shows, concerts, indie performances, even the occasional magic act or dance recital. It’s like your inbox turns into a backstage pass to the city’s live scene—and you didn’t even have to fight through a ticket queue.
Beyond the budget-friendly perk (which, let’s be real, is amazing), it’s also a fun way to try things you wouldn’t normally pick. One month you’re watching Shakespeare, the next you're at an improv show in a basement that somehow ends up being the highlight of your week.
And because every ticket includes a plus-one, you’re not just saving money—you’re making memories. Whether it’s date night, friend night, or “drag someone with me on a whim” night, OTL makes it easy to say yes to more fun without the “ugh, but the cost” hesitation.
Final Thoughts
Having fun doesn’t have to mean overspending. Whether you’re planning ahead, teaming up with friends, or jumping into the seat-filling life, there are so many ways to make entertainment more accessible.
So next time you're tempted to pass on tickets because of the price—don’t. Try a few of these tips and get back to enjoying the shows, concerts, and events you love.