New York’s cultural calendar is perpetually full—an unruly bloom of operas, dance productions, and museum retrospectives. You might think you have to fork over hundreds of dollars to take full advantage of it. But in fact, cultural organizations seeking to draw younger audiences offer special bargains to get them in the door. Think: $25 tickets for the under-30 set at The Shed, complimentary entry for the under-25 crowd at the Whitney, and much more citywide.
So set down the $7 oat latte. Text the friend who still hasn’t seen that musical you both bookmarked a decade ago. Your next show is waiting.
ART AND FILM
Whitney Museum of American Art
Age Range: Under 25
Discount: With the Free 25 and Under Anytime Pass, just book a ticket and enjoy unlimited visits—at no charge.
Film at Lincoln Center
Age Range: 17 to 25
Discount: With the 2026 FLC 25 & Under Membership, gain year-long access to member discounts on all tickets, exclusive events, pre-sale access to FLC series and festivals (excluding NYFF), and more. Sign up to enroll for 2026.
MUSIC
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Age Range: 18 to 40
Discount: Pay $20 up front for a CMS 40 & Under subscription and receive access to two $20 tickets per performance, free exchanges, complimentary digital encores, and exclusive subscriber events.
New York Philharmonic
Age Range: 17 to 35
Discount: With the MyPhil subscription, enjoy $35 tickets for regular concerts and $55 tickets for events on special dates. All you have to do is verify your age by filling out a form.
Perelman Performing Arts Center
Age Range: Under 30
Discount: Guests 30 and under can purchase $30 tickets for most events using the promo code UNDER30.
Carnegie Hall
Age Range: Under 40
Discount: Among the pricier options on this list, the Notables membership costs $500 a year and secures you four complimentary tickets a year, 10 complimentary passes to open rehearsals, as well as $20 discounted tickets.
THEATER
Manhattan Theatre Club
Age Range: Under 35
Discount: Free to join, the MTC35 program allows you to go to a show of your choice for just $35. You’ll also be invited to exclusive post-show parties with other members. (You can buy tickets in person to avoid service fees.)
Second Stage Theater
Age Range: Under 30
Discount: With the code 30UNDER30, access $30 tickets for all Second Stage productions.
Playwrights Horizons
Age Range: Under 35
Discount: Join as a Young Member at no cost up front and get one ticket to every show for $39 (including $3.50 facility fee and $5.50 processing fee).
Metropolitan Opera
Age Range: Under 40
Discount: On Fridays, those age 40 and under can pay $50 to $110 for exclusive tickets and receive access to pre-performance parties with complimentary drinks and bites.
Lincoln Center Theater
Age Range: 18 to 35
Discount: Get a LincTinx membership for free and access to $35 tickets, invitations to post-show parties, and more. Buy tickets in person to avoid a $3.50 Telecharge service fee.
Roundabout Theatre Company
Age Range: 18 to 40
Discount: Enjoy $30 tickets to all shows and invites to parties with Hiptix—Rounadbout’s discount ticket program.
Irish Repertory Theatre
Age Range: 18 to 39
Discount: With GreenSeats, members get one free ticket for the first show, then $25 tickets to all other main stage productions. Your guest of any age will receive a 20 percent discount.
The Shed
Age Range: Under 30
Discount: Bring a valid photo ID and pick up an under-30 ticket for $25 at the box office or online.
Classic Stage Company
Age Range: Under 40
Discount: The Future Classic Tickets: $40 For 40 and Under offer can be accessed with the promo code Classic40. Secure $40 tickets for entry-level and standard seats for all regular performances.
Theatre For A New Audience
Age Range: Under 30
Discount: Apply the promo code NEWDEAL when checking out online or buying in person to get a $20 ticket.
York Theatre Company
Age Range: 40 and under
Discount: Patrons younger than 40 can get 25 percent off all membership passes with proof of age. Email boxoffice@yorktheatre.org for the code.
New York City Center
Age Range: 40 and under
Discount: Sign up to Access Club and get $28 tickets to any City Center production.
Signature Theatre
Age Range: 18 to 35
Discount: Enjoy $30 tickets for all shows by signing up to the SIG30 membership for free. Other perks include a 10 percent discount at the cafe.
Vineyard Theatre
Age Range: Under 40
Discount: Join the 40 Under 40/Theatre Artists mailing list and receive access to low-cost tickets as productions open.
DANCE
New York City Ballet
Age Range: 13 to 30
Discount: Looking for last minute shows? Grab $30 for 30 week-of rush tickets with the code 30F30. You can buy a maximum of two tickets, so get them fast before they run out.
Paul Taylor Dance Company
Age Range: Under 40
Discount: The $20 Under 40 program offers under-40s just that: $20 tickets. To avoid the $8 convenience charge applied to online orders, buy in person at the Koch Theater Box Office.
American Ballet Theatre
Age Range: 13 to 30
Discount: Register online and get your hands on $30 tickets for select NYC performances.
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