Senior Discount Guide for
Entertainment
While many people fear aging, there are numerous benefits to getting older. Forget wrinkly skin and back pain. Think of the senior discounts you’re eligible for when you’re over a certain age. From transport to restaurants, you can save money in every aspect of your life. Moreover, you can access excellent senior discounts for entertainment.
Are you wondering why you never saw a Broadway show? Or are you determining whether it’s worth signing up for yet another streaming service?
This guide will provide an overview of senior discounts available in the entertainment industry to enable you to treat yourself in retirement. We’ll review all senior discounts from movie theatres, venues, cable TV, and streaming services so you can get the best deal possible. Are you wondering what to watch next? Read on to find out.
What Are Senior
Discounts?
Everyone from students to military veterans can get discounts at the right places. So, what about seniors? Older adults can enjoy discounts at plenty of entertainment venues across America. Senior discounts are an excellent way to stick to your fixed income budget while relaxing during retirement. All those days out you planned during your working life? Enjoy them at a lower price.
Remember that not everywhere will offer a discount to older adults as it’s not a legal requirement. Ask before you buy, and you might be pleasantly surprised. We’ve compiled our favorite senior discounts for top entertainment venues throughout America. Enjoy everything you love, from movie theatres to Broadway shows, at a lower price.
What Is the Standard Ticket
Discount for Seniors?
The National Association of Theatre Owners research suggests that the average movie ticket cost $9.16 in 2019, up more than a dollar from $8.13 in 2013. Broadway tickets can cost anywhere between $20 to $145. Streaming platforms, like Amazon Prime, can cost $139 a year.
The National Association of Theatre Owners research
$8.13 – $9.16
Movie Ticket Cost
$20 – $145
Broadway Tickets
$139
Streaming Platforms
Senior discounts at movie theatres and venues are vital with rising costs in all areas of life. Getting your hands on deals can save you a fortune. Seniors tend to have fixed incomes that require careful budgeting and don’t rise with other costs.
Even if we don’t list your preferred movie theatre or streaming service below, it’s worth getting in touch to discover whether they do have any concessions available.
At What Age Do You Start
Receiving Discounts?
What counts as ‘senior’? Each venue will have a different definition of people eligible for their senior discounts (and we’ll list the ages below), generally speaking, adults above 60 years. Although, some venues offer discounts for anyone over 50.
Movie Theater Discounts
Going to the movies is an American tradition that everyone loves, no matter their age. Whether you go with the grandkids or by yourself, there are plenty of cost-cutting movie theater discounts at your favorite venues. Don’t worry about missing out on the latest blockbuster with the senior discounts available below.
AMC Theatres is the largest cinema theater chain worldwide, with more than 8,000 screens in North America. With venues everywhere from Dallas, Texas, to Times Square in New York City.
AMC offers guests over 60 years of age a discount on tickets all day, every day. When purchasing your ticket, you must select the ‘senior discount’ option before checking out. Veterans can also save on their tickets with a military ID.
Plus, you can enjoy a matinee as easily as an evening performance as a retiree. Participating AMC theaters offer 30% off all matinee showings before four o’clock, any day of the week. While not specifically aimed at seniors, the excellent discount is worth taking advantage of when you’re not bound by nine to five working hours. Similarly, members can access $5 tickets on Tuesdays.
Regal Entertainment Group has 546 theaters with 7,200 screens across 38 states in North America. It is the second largest theater brand in the world, behind AMC.
The three main brands include Regal Cinemas, Edwards Theatres, and United Artists Theatres. Guests aged over 60 can access 30% off discounts on standard ticket prices.
Select the ‘senior’ ticket pricing online or at the ticket booth in your local movie theater. In addition, members can save money on all ticket prices every Tuesday and access a 50% off popcorn discount.
You might recognize your local Cinemark theatre under another name, such as Century Theatres, Tinseltown, CinéArts, or Rave Cinemas. Cinemark. Cinemark has 521 theatres and 5,849 screens across North and South America.
What discounts does Cinemark offer? Cinemark has a designated ‘Senior Day’ one day during the week. Older adults can see any movie anytime with up to 35% off the ticket price. Head to your local Cinemark theater’s website or ticket office to see when you might catch an excellent deal on the latest movie you want to see.
Landmark has 40 theatres with 325 screens throughout North America. Guests 65 years of age or over can access cheaper tickets at every Landmark theater in the US. On Mondays, seniors get 20% off the standard senior admission prices (already discounted from regular prices) and 20% off concessions.
As a member, you can collect points for every movie you see and put them towards watching future shows. In admission, anyone can watch movies before noon for 40% discounts, or save up to 40% on cinema tickets all day and night, every Tuesday.
Marcus Theatres has more than 90 locations throughout Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Marcus Theatres offers ‘Young At Heart Fridays,’ which offers guests over 60 years of age discounts. Seniors can access tickets for as low as $6 for any show before 5:30 pm, although you will have to pay more for 3D movies.
Throughout the rest of the week, Marcus Theatres offers senior pricing for standard tickets. You can also access $5 admission for any movie on Tuesdays, see any movie for only $6 before 11 am, or claim $8.50 military veteran prices.
Harkins Theatres chain is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and has theatres throughout Texas, Colorado, California, and Oklahoma.
The company operates 33 theaters with 501 screens. Anyone over 60 years of age can save between $1 to $3 on regular ticket prices.
Harkins also offers birthday discounts, so make sure you celebrate your next birthday with the latest blockbuster or independent film. Members can access ‘frequent-flyer’ movie-goer discounts.
The Goodrich Quality Theater chain runs 22 movie theaters with a total of 174 screens in the United States. Most theater locations are in Michigan, but others include Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Alabama, and Pennsylvania.
Senior tickets are available for anyone 62 years and older, with about $1 to $3 off regular ticket prices.
As a member, you can also receive discounts and rewards for birthdays and anniversaries and collect points. At most locations, you can get morning tickets for $4.99 and matinee tickets for $5.99. Some theatres have tickets for $5.50 on Mondays and Tuesdays, regardless of age, movie, and timings.
The Grand primarily shows foreign and independent movies to promote the art of film—although they show the latest blockbusters too. The theater offers $5 movies for anyone on Thursdays and discounted admission fees to seniors who are over 60 any day of the week. Matinee tickets for seniors and military veterans cost $6.49, while evening tickets cost $7.49.
Maya Cinemas is a relatively new chain in North America, serving family-oriented, Latino-dominant communities throughout the US. With venues in Salinas, Bakersfield, Pittsburg, Fresno, Delano, and Las Vegas, Maya Cinemas offers state-of-the-art entertainment at competitive prices for seniors.
All seniors aged 63 and over can enjoy discounted admission prices and unique discount combos on concessions. On Tuesdays, anyone can access discounted tickets for any show at any time.
The company has 276 theaters with 2,954 screens in 41 states. As of 2016, it is the fourth largest movie theater chain in the United States. Carmike Cinemas offer guests over 60 years of age a discount on tickets all day, every day. When purchasing your ticket, you must select the ‘senior discount’ option before checking out. Veterans can also save on their tickets with a military ID.
Seniors aged between 55 and 65 plus can access up to 35% off movies, although the discounts vary by location.
Busch Gardens in Florida is an animal-themed park that features many roller coasters and thrill rides for younger family members. Older adults can enjoy live entertainment shows such as:
Busch Gardens offers $5 off single-day tickets for adult customers aged 50 and older.
The Georgia Theater Company runs 253 auditoriums at 24 different locations throughout Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia. It is one of the top 20 largest theater companies in the United States of America.
To access senior tickets, you must be 55 years of age or older. In addition, Georgia Theater Company offers a $6 discount for showtimes on Tuesdays—watch any movie at any time.
Music and Live Performance Discounts
What better way to enjoy an evening with family or friends than attending live music performances and shows? Theatre shows have a reputation for costing a lot. But, you don’t have to sit in the box seats to watch the latest Broadway show. There are plenty of discounts available for older adults to enjoy live performances and music shows.
From seeing Hamilton to catching your favorite band, there are plenty of shows across the US to watch at discounted prices.
Ticketmaster is a go-to for many music and show lovers. The company sells tickets for music performances, theater shows, comedy shows, and more. You can get concessions on everything from concerts and plays to sporting events and more.
The company sells tickets for
Music Performances
Theater Shows
Comedy Shows
Sports Events
In order to help make it more affordable for seniors to enjoy live events, Ticketmaster makes it easy to find discounts on tickets through their website and mobile app. Senior discounts vary between events, but older adults can easily find special prices when booking through the Ticketmaster platform.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
To get a good deal on all your tickets through Ticketmaster, sign up for the AARP membership (The American Association of Retired Persons).
Members can find daily deals, including:
To qualify for senior discounts and concessions on Ticketmaster, you must be 65 or older or an AARP member. You might need to show your ID or AARP membership when you arrive at an event. Military veterans can also claim discounts at checkout with Ticketmaster. You can also save money with Ticketmaster by booking in advance.
Ford’s Theatre is a top entertainment venue in Washington, DC. With a history stretching back to the Civil War, Ford’s Theatre has shown opera, Shakespeare, and many other performances for over 150 years.
Ford’s Theatre has shown opera, Shakespeare, and many other performances for over 150 years.
On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln and his wife visited the theatre to see the comedy Our American Cousin—where the president was assassinated.
While the theatre remained closed for more than 100 years, seniors and guests of any age can now see shows all year round at this historic theatre. The venue reopened in 1968, offering inspiring theatrical productions, interactive exhibits, and engaging education programs.
Starting prices for most performances at Ford’s theatre are just $28 to $34. However, older adults and seniors aged 60 and above are eligible for discounted matinee tickets for some performances. Members can access an additional 10 to 20% off all show prices.
Moreover, if you’re quick, you can get free tickets to the first preview of any of their shows. Military veterans can receive an extra 50% off all performances.
The Straz Center is another historic theatre with America’s past at its core. Built-in an abandoned gravel lot to provide an underserved city with culture and entertainment, the Straz Center has performed shows for over fifty years in Tampa Bay.
Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre tickets tend to give special discounts to those aged 60 and older. There are several ways to access discounted admission to shows across Broadway and off-Broadway.
The Senior Theater Enrichment Program from the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens and TDF provides senior citizens with excellent discounts. Older adults can access deep discounts on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off-Broadway theatre shows, dance performances, and music concerts in New York City.
TDF members can buy tickets for a range of shows from as little as $9 to $47.
Even the top Broadway shows are eligible for incredible discounts. You can become a member of the TDF for just $40 a year. If you’re in New York catching shows regularly, you could easily make your money back within just a few performances. You must be 62 or older to qualify for a TDF membership.
TV, Satellite, and Streaming Discounts
One of the joys of retiring is that time becomes your own. Sure, sometimes you’ll want to dress up to go out and watch a show on Broadway, but other times you might prefer to sit at home and catch up on the streaming show everyone has been raving about.
With so many streaming services and cable TV channels, limiting yourself to one or two subscriptions is sometimes tricky. But, when each subscription eats away at your bank account, you can’t afford them all. Fortunately, most services offer older eligible adults senior discounts to enjoy their favorite shows without breaking the bank.
Here are the best senior discounts across TV, satellite, and streaming platforms.
Streaming
Amazon Prime has a vast library of movies and TV shows available for adults of all ages. You can also buy or rent other films and shows that aren’t included in your prime membership (although these are without the senior discount).
Top picks on Prime Video for older adults include The Imitation Game, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and Paddington.
Amazon Prime offers senior discounts to eligible adults with a valid EBT Card or on Medicaid. Older adults can get an Amazon Prime subscription for just $6.99 per month if enrolled in any qualifying government assistance programs, such as ANF, SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. The senior discount is available to customers who are aged 65 years or older.
Seniors might be able to expect discounts on groceries and restaurant delivery, as well as more age-appropriate movies and TV shows on the streaming platform.
You must select ‘I am a senior citizen when applying for your Prime membership. You can also save money on your Amazon subscription by paying annually.
Other streaming services to consider
Hulu is free for people of all ages, although you can add paid subscriptions. While you don’t get a specific discount, you don’t have to pay for basic content. Hulu sometimes offers a discount for people over 55 on some subscriptions.
Apple TV has a free trial to begin watching shows before paying.
Dish
Dish offers a discount to customers over 55. When you sign up for a Dish network package, you can save money with their senior discount deal. Add your favorite channel to the package so you and your family can watch what you want whenever you want.
Dish also offers seniors six months of Dish Protect Plus to protect older adults from cyber threats. Seniors get at-home visits at no extra cost and additional tech support for all their TV and broadband needs, with free equipment replacements.
Xfinity and
Comcast
In the last 20 years, the internet and cable have become essential for youngsters and elderly adults alike. This has especially been the case throughout the recent pandemic when shopping, speaking with doctors, and visiting friends and family were far safer over the internet than in person.
Two-thirds of seniors
shop online
Today, almost two-thirds of seniors shop online. However, the online world is unreachable for many older adults without an affordable and reliable internet and cable provider connecting them. A secure internet and cable connection are more important than ever.
Xfinity is a cable provider with speeds of up to 6,000 Mbps. With high-speed plans, bundles, and nationwide availability, Xfinity is an excellent choice.
Moreover, seniors can get excellent discounts on the standard $30 per month fee. For instance, if you qualify for their low-income plan, you only have to pay $9.95 per month. Xfinity also offers a lower-priced bundle for seniors. You can get cable packages for as low as $18.95 per month.
Other Entertainment
Discounts for Seniors
Everyone loves a day out, whether it’s to a cinema or to a museum. Seniors can get discounts wherever they go. If you don’t see one advertised, it’s worth asking. Here are other entertainment discounts for seniors:
Enjoy a meal before your movie or show with a 10-15% discount for people over 60.
Feel like Forrest Gump at the Times Square restaurant before catching a Broadway show with 10% off for AARP members.
Go on holiday with selected discounts for seniors on Carnival Cruises.
Grab a quick 10% discounted coffee or a free donut if you’re over 55.
Take the family to a jungle-themed meal for 10% off food and nonalcoholic beverages.
Enjoy a discounted $20 annual park pass or $80 lifetime park pass; pass holders also get up to 50% off amenities costs.
What Are the Latest Movies
and Shows for Seniors to
Watch?
It might seem like all the latest high-budget blockbusters are jam-packed with stunts and special effects targeted at youngsters. While older adults may love the new superhero action movies, plenty of films and TV shows are explicitly aimed at the older generation. Additionally, there are many Broadway and off-Broadway productions for anyone of any age.
Take advantage of your senior discounts and catch a movie or theatre production. Here are our best picks of movies, shows, and productions for the older generation:
The Irishman
A 2019 crime movie based on the 2004 nonfiction book by Charles Brandt, I Heard You Paint House. Available on Netflix.
Downton Abbey
Two films and a six-season drama telling the story of an upper-class family in the rural English countryside in the early 20th century. Available on Amazon Prime.
Judy
A 2019 biographical drama based on the life of Judy Garland and starring Renee Zellweger.
Drunk Shakespeare
With something for everyone, join the rowdy cast of Macbeth as the actors get increasingly intoxicated on this Off-Broadway show.
Grace and Frankie
A six-season comedy about the unlikely friendship of two elderly women. Available on Netflix.
The Duke
A heartwarming British comedy based on a true story about a 60-year-old taxi driver who steals the ‘Duke of Wellington’ portrait from the National Gallery in London.
Elizabeth is Missing
Maud tries to unravel the mystery of her missing friend as her dementia threatens to erase all the clues.
Guys and Dolls
An award-winning Broadway musical about the unlikely love story that takes place between Times Square, the cafes of Havana, and the sewers of NYC.
Going to the Movies Is
Greatly Beneficial to
Seniors
Everyone loves going to the movies, watching a Broadway show, or streaming the latest TV show. It’s the perfect way to unwind, relax, and engage in culture. Moreover, it’s a highly social activity. Whether you’ve retired or plan to in the near future, watching entertainment with others is an excellent way to bond with friends and family.
And that’s not all. According to the National Institute on Aging, research suggests that older adults who engage in social activities live longer lives. Something as simple as going to the movies can aid healthy aging, including memory, comprehension, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Going to the movies or catching a show is something many seniors love to do, whether to see an actor you like or catch a new release.
Movie once a month
According to a recent survey, about 25% of aging adults go to the movies once a month or more. Reclining seats, salted popcorn, and quality sound speakers make going to the theatre an exciting experience. Plus, with the excellent bargains on senior tickets, it is an affordable activity to enjoy on a pension.
Entertainment for
Seniors
With so many discounts on movie tickets, live shows, and streaming services, seniors don’t have to pay a fortune for their entertainment. Take advantage of the significant cost savings you’ll find across a whole range of entertainment. Never been to an off-Broadway show before? Not catch the latest streaming TV show? Buy a cheap ticket and discover something new.