Here’s the Best Time to Buy Concert Tickets in 2025 (And When to Wait)
CHICAGO — As concert ticket prices continue to skyrocket, many fans are left wondering if there’s any strategy to scoring affordable seats. According to a new analysis by FinanceBuzz, there absolutely is — and it all comes down to timing.
The study, which examined thousands of ticket purchases from StubHub and other resale platforms, revealed key insights that can help concertgoers save big on both concert tickets and festival passes.
Buy Late, Save Big: The Golden Rule of Concert Resale
If you’re hoping to catch your favorite artist live without breaking the bank, waiting until the last minute might be your best bet. The data shows:
- Tickets purchased the day of the concert cost 33% less than average.
- Buying one day before the show still nets a 27% discount compared to average resale prices.
- Only 7% of tickets are purchased on the day of the event, but those buyers reap the biggest savings.
Despite the temptation to book early and secure a seat, those who buy three months or more in advance often pay nearly 14% more than the average resale price.
Festival Fans: Don’t Wait Too Long, But Don’t Jump the Gun Either
Festivals are a different story. Though 15% of festival passes are sold in the final four days before the event, the best deals are found 12–13 days out:
- 13 days before the festival start: Prices are 30% below average
- 12 days out: 24% cheaper than average
One example from the study is BottleRock Napa Valley, where festivalgoers who waited until two weeks before the event scored passes for just $297 — compared to over $1,400 during the early rush.
Where to Find Last-Minute Concert Deals
These platforms dominate the secondary ticket market and are essential tools for late buyers:
- StubHub
- SeatGeek
- Vivid Seats
Because prices fluctuate based on demand, monitoring these platforms during the final week before a show is often the key to unlocking big savings.
Other Smart Tips for Saving on Concert Tickets
- Use rewards credit cards: Some offer cash back or points for entertainment purchases.
- Try browser extensions: Tools like Honey, Capital One Shopping, and Rakuten can apply coupon codes or find rebates.
- Avoid impulse buys: Take a day to monitor pricing trends before clicking “Buy Now.”
Real-World Example: The Lumineers Show
At a Lumineers concert in Jacksonville, ticket prices dropped from $284 just six days out, down to $71 two days before the show. That’s a $213 savings just by being patient.
So, When Should You Buy Concert Tickets in 2025?
- Concerts: Buy the day of or the day before
- Festivals: Purchase 12–13 days ahead
These findings flip conventional wisdom on its head. Instead of rewarding early birds, the resale market favors flexible and patient fans.
What’s Your Ticket-Saving Strategy?
Have you scored a deal using last-minute tactics or price-watching tools? Tell us how you save on concerts — and who you’re planning to see this year — in the comments on ChicagoMusicGuide.com.