Broadway Matinee Tickets
Enjoy the best entertainment in New York on your own schedule with Broadway matinee tickets. Afternoon performances are perfect if you want to head out on the town for a late dinner or take your kids to see a musical without staying up past their bedtime. Not only do matinees offer flexibility, they can also be great for your wallet: midweek NYC matinee shows are sometimes cheaper than evenings.
Most Broadway shows have matinees scheduled at least twice a week all year round, so you can easily catch a show before 6pm. Many even add extra matinees during school holidays too. Keep reading for our guide to performance times at the most popular plays and musicals on Broadway, and get ready for the perfect afternoon of theater when you’re next in the Big Apple.
Most Broadway shows have matinees scheduled at least twice a week all year round, so you can easily catch a show before 6pm. Many even add extra matinees during school holidays too. Keep reading for our guide to performance times at the most popular plays and musicals on Broadway, and get ready for the perfect afternoon of theater when you’re next in the Big Apple.
1. The Lion King
This popular Disney musical is one of the most iconic shows on Broadway and still incredibly popular, so you should book a matinee for The Lion King ahead of time. The whole family will be inspired by its incredible stagecraft, puppetry and music, including “Circle of Life”, and after an exhilarating couple of hours at the theater you will all have time for a relaxing early dinner.
Schedule: Saturday - 2.00pm | Sunday - 1.00pm
Schedule: Saturday - 2.00pm | Sunday - 1.00pm
2. Wicked
This gravity-defying musical, set before Dorothy ever stepped foot in Oz, is the story of a chalk-and-cheese friendship between the Witches of Oz. Wicked is one of the most popular shows for kids and adults in New York City, and is still going strong after 20 years! Matinees are usually on Saturdays and Sundays but during school breaks, you will see extra performances added mid-week.
Schedule: Tuesday - Friday - 2.00pm | Saturday - 2.00pm | Sunday - 2.00pm
Schedule: Tuesday - Friday - 2.00pm | Saturday - 2.00pm | Sunday - 2.00pm
3. Hamilton
You can be in the room where it happens whenever suits your schedule thanks to Hamilton’s flexible midweek and weekend matinees! The 11-time Tony Award-winning musical is one of the biggest shows to hit Broadway in the last decade and a real bucket list option for anyone who wants to catch a show. Check various dates - midweek matinees are sometimes cheaper than weekends.
Schedule: Wednesday - 1.00pm or 2.00pm | Friday - 1.00pm | Saturday - 1.00pm or 2.00pm | Sunday - 1.00pm, 2.00pm or 3.00pm
Schedule: Wednesday - 1.00pm or 2.00pm | Friday - 1.00pm | Saturday - 1.00pm or 2.00pm | Sunday - 1.00pm, 2.00pm or 3.00pm
4. Aladdin
Disney’s Aladdin is a treasure trove for theater fans, with dazzling sets and special effects transporting you from the streets of NYC to Agrabah. This is one of the best matinee Broadway shows in NYC to take children to - they will be amazed by the flying carpet - and afternoon performances are available at least twice a week.
Schedule: Saturday - 2.00pm | Sunday - 1.00pm
Schedule: Saturday - 2.00pm | Sunday - 1.00pm
5. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Step back into the Wizarding World with a Harry Potter matinee, and you will be spellbound by the incredible effects that bring Hogwarts to life on stage. This official sequel to the books is a feast for the senses, and perfect for families to take older children to while reliving some nostalgia for themselves.
Schedule: Wednesday - 1.00pm | Saturday - 1.00pm | Sunday - 2.00pm or 3.00pm
Schedule: Wednesday - 1.00pm | Saturday - 1.00pm | Sunday - 2.00pm or 3.00pm
6. Hadestown
Go way down to Hadestown and enjoy one of the best new musicals of the last 5 years. Its folk and blues-infused songs are unlike anything else in NYC right now, making for an unforgettable afternoon at the theater. A Hadestown matinee is perfect for anyone who wants to down a few drinks and enjoy a hell-raising night out after the show!
Schedule: Wednesday - 2.00pm | Saturday - 2.00pm | Sunday - 2.00pm or 3.00pm
Schedule: Wednesday - 2.00pm | Saturday - 2.00pm | Sunday - 2.00pm or 3.00pm
7. SIX the Musical
British musical SIX is the perfect matinee show: it has a running time of just 80 minutes with no intermission, so you will be out of the theater by 4.30pm at the latest. This bite-sized show is a mega-hit on both sides of the Atlantic, especially with teens who love its sassy story about Henry VIII’s wives competing in a Pop Idol-style sing-off.
Schedule: Wednesday - 3.00pm | Friday - 3.00pm | Saturday - 3.00pm | Sunday - 2.00pm
Schedule: Wednesday - 3.00pm | Friday - 3.00pm | Saturday - 3.00pm | Sunday - 2.00pm
8. The Book of Mormon
Say hello to your new favorite comedy musical! The Book of Mormon has been making audiences howl with laughter for over a decade and is perfect for anyone who enjoys humor that doesn’t pull its punches. It also has plenty of heart, so you’ll leave the theater with a spring in your step. Matinees for this show are usually at the same time whatever the day, but always double-check for any schedule changes.
Schedule: Wednesday - 2.00pm | Saturday - 2.00pm | Sunday - 2.00pm
Schedule: Wednesday - 2.00pm | Saturday - 2.00pm | Sunday - 2.00pm
9. Moulin Rouge! The Musical
The famous cabaret club may be known for its evening entertainment, but Moulin Rouge on Broadway is just as show-stopping in the afternoon. This hit musical, based on Baz Luhrmann’s iconic movie, is a decadent theatrical event that brings glitz, glamor and star-crossed lovers to the stage, backed by a mashup of Hot 100 hits.
Schedule: Wednesday - 2.00pm | Saturday - 2.00pm | Sunday - 1.30pm or 3.00pm
Schedule: Wednesday - 2.00pm | Saturday - 2.00pm | Sunday - 1.30pm or 3.00pm
10. Chicago
Chicago is the longest-running American musical on Broadway and a feel-good option for all tastes. Its familiar songs, sultry music and entertaining story make for a great afternoon of theater, and you’ll have time to head out and “paint the town - and all that jazz” afterward! Some midweek matinees are available at certain times of the year; check the calendar for more information.
Schedule: Saturday - 2.30pm | Sunday - 2.00pm
Schedule: Saturday - 2.30pm | Sunday - 2.00pm
What day are Broadway matinees on?
Most Broadway shows have Saturday matinees, and Sundays are also very popular matinee days; some shows have just a mid-afternoon performance on Sunday rather than one in the evening. Weekend matinees are popular because they are perfect for families and people visiting NYC for a long weekend, so we advise booking in advance.Midweek matinees are most common on Wednesdays, although many shows have matinees on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at certain times of the year.
These are often added during holidays such as Thanksgiving and summer break, so you will have more choices if you want to take kids to the theater. Weekdays can also be cheaper than weekends, and it is worth comparing prices when you book.
See all Broadway matinees by day of week:
Matiness by Show Genre
Find a matinee by show genre (Matinee musicals, Matinee plays, Kids matinees) or discounted matinees on cheap Broadway tickets.What time do Broadway matinees start?
Matinee start times are usually between 1pm and 3pm. Broadway matinee times can vary on the same day of the week, depending on whether the performance is during a school break or term time. For example, Hamilton often starts at 2pm on Sundays but can also start at 1pm.Most matinees will finish by 6pm at the latest.
Always double-check the details on your booking confirmation to make sure you arrive on time.
What should I wear to a Broadway matinee show in NYC?
There is no Broadway matinee dress code, and you should wear whatever you feel comfortable in as long as it is appropriate in public. Some theatergoers like to dress up for the occasion but others will arrive in jeans and sneakers. Theaters usually ask that you remove any hats that may obstruct the view of people behind you.In rare cases, formal dress codes may be in place for certain performances or shows, and this information is often shared either when booking or in your confirmation email.
