Live music is back and bigger than ever – and so is demand.

Scoring tickets can feel like a game of chance. Whether you’re heading to an arena tour, sweaty club show or summer festival, the rules keep shifting. Presales are more fragmented, queues are more ruthless, and ticket resales are more tightly controlled than ever.

In 2026, getting to the gigs you want isn’t about luck, it’s about timing, prep and understanding how the ticketing system really works to avoid paying scalper prices.

If you want to beat the rush and get your hands on gig tickets in 2026, this is your essential guide.

Know When Tickets Go On Sale

One of the biggest mistakes fans make is waiting too long. Major shows often have multiple release phases, from official presales and fan club drops ahead of general public sales.

• Sign up early: Join artist mailing lists, fan clubs, and venue newsletters. These often grant early access codes.
• Set reminders: Ticket sale times can be surprisingly precise and down to the minute. Mark your calendar and set your alarm for launch times.

In 2026, many UK promoters also use countdown pages on ticketing sites, so be sure to check out the dedicated event page in advance.

Register With Ticketing Platforms

If you’re relying on major ticketing services like Ticketmaster, Gigantic, AXS or See Tickets, make sure you’re already registered and logged into your account before sales begin.

• Download apps: Many platforms prioritise app users with quicker checkouts and smoother queues.
• Save your details: Pre-enter your payment info and delivery preferences to speed up checkout.

Platforms now often use verified fan systems to weed out bots and resellers, requiring you to register ahead of time to be able to buy tickets.

Be Ready Early on Sale Day

High-traffic ticket drops can mean long online queues and virtual waiting rooms.

On launch day:

• Log in 10–15 minutes early.
• Avoid opening multiple tabs for the same event as this can confuse the queue system and slow you down.
• Use a reliable internet connection and avoid public Wi-Fi.

Patience is key, and many ticketing queues will show estimated wait times on their websites, so stay logged in and don’t refresh obsessively unless instructed.

Understand Delivery Options

2026 continues the shift toward digital and mobile tickets, but some events still offer physical options.

Ideally opt for:

• Mobile tickets: Most secure and usually immediate. Make sure your phone is charged and your ticket app is updated.
• Print-at-home: A good option if you prefer a physical copy.

Also check if the event uses transferable tickets, which will allow you to send tickets to friends securely.

Presales Aren’t Just for VIPs

Presales used to be exclusive to fan clubs or credit card holders.

Now:

• Venues and promoters often host newsletter presales.
• Some apps also allow early access to loyal users.

Don’t ignore these opportunities, presales often have the best seats before general release.

Stay Safe Online: Avoid Scalpers & Bots

Secondary market platforms are alive and well, but they can be pricey and risky.

• Stick to official resale portals.
• Avoid deals from strangers on social media or forums as these can be fake or duplicates.

In the UK, event organisers increasingly use anti-bot technology and ID checks to curb unfair reselling, so last-minute purchases can be unpredictable.

Know The Venue & Demand

Some venues famously sell out in minutes so knowledge and flexibility is key.

• Research how quickly tickets typically sell for your chosen artist and venue.
• Join fan communities as they often share insights about presales, layout maps, and seat quality.
• For in-demand shows, a VIP ticket or hospitality upgrade can significantly improve your chances.

Understanding demand helps you plan realistically. Sometimes a slightly later show date or different venue can make tickets easier to secure.

If at first you don’t succeed – try again

If tickets sell out instantly:

• Check official resale or exchange websites.
• Look for shows added later as artists often add dates in response to demand.
• Follow the artist and promoters on social media or sign up to mailing lists for surprise drops.

Many fans snap up tickets even after the first wave if they stay vigilant.

Final Tips

Buying concert tickets in 2026 may seem competitive, but with the right preparation you can maximise your chances. Register early, stay organised, and embrace platforms that prioritise fairness. After all, the thrill of live music is worth the chase.

Join our mailing list for daily or weekly updates on the latest tickets on sale, and check our homepage regularly for new announcements and ticket releases.