Most major cities boast some type of entertainment ticket discount outlet. In Vancouver, it’s Tickets Tonight.

As the name suggests, Tickets Tonight provides a catch-all venue for those searching for last-minute entertainment bargains. Since most offerings are for same-day performances/games, the selection of available options varies from day to day and, indeed, hour to hour.

While I applaud the idea of local residents and visitors having access to one-stop-shopping for last-minute entertainment deals, I rather wonder at the wisdom of the Tickets Tonight location. Unless you’ve just stepped off a cruise ship, the ticket outlet is located several blocks from most things visitors or residents want to see/do. If ,however, you’re looking for tourist information about Vancouver and environs, you can get all the in info you could want plus pick up those discount entertainment tickets. That’s because the Tickets Tonight booth makes its home in the city’s main tourist information outlet on the plaza level at 200 Burrard Street. Hours are from 10am to 6pm daily.

Before heading down to Burrard Street, you might want to check the Tickets Tonight website (www.ticketstonight.ca) to see what tickets are on offer. On more than one occasion, I’ve saved myself a hike across town because a) tickets on offer weren’t for performances of interest to me, or b) there were no half-price tickets offered that day.

If you really have your heart set on seeing a specific performance, you might do better by going directly to the source. Several performance venues and attractions around Vancouver offer seniors reduced admission. Note that, in the case of live performances, the venues and performing companies don’t offer discounts for all performances, so be sure to ask about any potential discounts when booking your tickets. Here are some places to inquire about discounts:

Arts Club Theatre – Granville Island Stage and Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
www.artsclub.com
In addition to offering seniors discounts on single and season tickets, the Arts Club puts on several complimentary/free performances. If you’re planning to go to a free event, be sure to arrive early as seats are taken up quickly. Be sure to check the Arts Club website to the dates and times of these special events. FYI, the cake and tea is quite yummy, too!
Wednesday High Tea Series
Enjoy delightful afternoons of theatre at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Specially blended tea is served in gleaming china from the Secret Garden Tea Company, alongside elegant pastries from Anna’s Cake House.
Sunday Prologue Lecture Series
Enlightening afternoon lectures on topics related to the shows at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Freshly brewed coffee from Starbucks Coffee accompanies delectable cake from Anna’s Cake House.
Monday Mix Lecture Series
Engaging evening lectures on topics related to the shows at the Granville Island Stage. Tasty appetizers provided by Dockside Restaurant.
Talk Back Tuesday Series
Ever wonder how actors get into character or where directors get their inspiration? Find out more about Arts Club productions at post-show chats with cast and crew at both of the Arts Club stages.

Vancouver Playhouse
www.vancouverplayhouse.com
As if seniors discounts weren’t enough of a bargain, the Vancouver Playhouse also hosts a Pay-What-You-Can Matinee Series. Offered on the first Saturday matinee of each production, all remaining unsold seats on the day of performance are sold at whatever price patrons are able to pay. Recommended donation is $10, and it applies to cash purchases and at-the-door sales only. This is a great chance to take in professional theatre productions for a fraction of the price.
Rush Tickets
Available 15 minutes before show time and are subject to availability. Cash purchases and at the door only.

Here are some other entertainment venues regularly offering senior discounts:

Capilano College Performing Arts Theatre
http://www.capcollege.bc.ca/news-events/performing-arts.html

Hollywood Theatre (rep cinema)
www.hollywoodtheatre.ca

Vancouver Symphony Orchestara
www.vancouversymphony.ca

Ballet BC
www.balletbc.com

Science World
www.scienceworld.bc.ca

As ticket prices often change without notice, be sure to ask about applicable discounts when purchasing tickets at these and other venues around town. Hey, it never hurts to ask!