When do Broadway shows play? Wrapping your head around the typical Broadway schedule is the key to planning like a pro, and seeing as many shows as you possibly can! In this guide, we'll breakdown the standard Broadway schedule, popular matinee times, two-show days and helpful exceptions to keep in mind.
Standard Broadway Week
Most Broadway shows perform eight times a week, usually six evening performances and two matinee performances. One day per week (most commonly Monday) is considered dark, meaning there are no performances at all that day.
| Day | Afternoon Showtimes | Evening Showtimes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | None | Most shows are dark, though there are some exceptions |
| Tuesday | None | Most shows begin at 7:00PM |
| Wednesday | 2:00PM | 8:00PM |
| Thursday | Rare | 7:00PM or 8:00PM |
| Friday | Rare | 8:00PM |
| Saturday | 2:00PM | 8:00PM |
| Sunday | 2:00PM or 3:00PM | Dark; occasionally 7:00PM |
| *Always confirm the start time of your performance by referencing your tickets after purchase. | ||
Broadway.com's Find Tickets by Date feature is a helpful tool for an up-to-date look at Broadway showtimes for each production on any specific day you plan to visit Broadway.
Broadway Matinees
Matinee performances are afternoon shows typically held on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. These are perfect if you're visiting with kids, attending with a group, or want to fit in a show before dinner or evening plans.
Wednesday and Saturday matinees usually start at 2:00PM. Sunday matinees can begin at 2:00PM or 3:00PM. Always check your ticket or the official show calendar to confirm times.
Two-Show Days on Broadway
Did you know that it's possible to see two Broadway shows in one day? Most productions offer both a matinee and evening performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays, creating the perfect setup for a Broadway two-show day.
Looking for things to do in Times Square between shows? Check out our guide to the Best Things To Do Around Times Square to fill the time between curtain calls. With Broadway theaters located within blocks of one another, there's a lot you can add to make your two-show day even more exciting!
Seasonal Variations
Planning to see a Broadway show during the holidays? Keep in mind that Broadway productions often adjust their performance times during peak seasons such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and summer break. Many productions will add extra performances to accomodate more theatergoers during New York City's busiest seasons, while others may have more matinees or early curtain times. If you're planning to visit Broadway for the holidays, be sure to check the performance schedule for each show you hope to attend to get ahead of any variations! Our Broadway Tickets By Date feature is a helpful tool that lets you see exact showtimes for any day you are planning to visit.
Kid-friendly shows also take the school calendar into account, and may have a different playing schedule during the summer. Family favorites like Aladdin and The Lion King add extra weekend performances during the school year, but have Wednesday matinees when kids are on summer break, making a summer outing with the kids that much easier.
Broadway Schedule Exceptions
While many shows follow a standard routine, there are always outliers. Some productions tweak their schedules with different showtimes or even perform on typically dark days. For instance, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child begins matinee performances at 1:00PM due to its epic run time while Oh, Mary! offers 5:00PM matinees, pushing its evening curtain to 8:30PM. This schedule quirk also makes a rare Three-Show Day possible for diehard fans!
Some productions also opt to perform on Monday evenings, and have their dark day on another day of the week. Here’s a list of shows with Monday evening performances:
| Show | Performance Time |
|---|---|
| Chicago | 7:00PM |
| SIX: The Musical | 7:00PM |
| The Great Gatsby | 7:00PM |
Additionally, though it is generally uncommon, some Broadway shows will perform on Sunday evening:
| Show | Matinee Showtime | Evening Showtime |
|---|---|---|
| Aladdin | 1:00PM | 6:30PM |
| & Juliet | 1:00PM | 6:30PM |
| The Book of Mormon | 2:00PM | 7:00PM |
| Chicago | 2:00PM | 7:00PM |
| Hamilton | 1:00PM | 7:00PM |
| Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | 1:00PM | 7:00PM |
| Mamma Mia! | 1:00PM | 6:30PM |
| Moulin Rouge! The Musical | 1:30PM | 7:30PM |
| Oh, Mary! | 2:00PM | 6:30PM |
| SIX: The Musical | 2:00PM | 7:00PM |
| Stranger Things: The First Shadow | 1:00PM | 7:00PM |
| The Lion King | 1:00PM | 6:30PM |
| Wicked | 2:00PM | 7:00PM |
Before You Book Broadway Tickets...
Broadway show schedules can shift due to holidays, special performances, or production changes. Always check the official performance calendar and your ticket start time before heading to the theater. Planning ahead ensures you won't miss a single note, spotlight, or standing ovation.
As always, whether you purchase online via our website or app or by talking to one of our customer representatives at 1-800-BROADWAY, all tickets are official Broadway tickets and 100% guaranteed. Our terrific Broadway.com customer service team is available to answer any questions you have and help you with your order. We hope you enjoy the show!
