Jul 27, 2025
·Emily Kho
New York City may be the heart of Broadway, but you don’t need to visit Times Square to experience top-tier musical theatre. Across the U.S., major cities boast historic venues, vibrant theater districts and loyal fan bases that support Broadway-caliber productions on national tours. h
Whether you’re craving Hamilton, Hadestown or a Disney classic, these cities deliver unforgettable musical moments without the New York price tag or crowds.
If you love live theater and want an incredible experience without traveling to Manhattan, here are the best U.S. cities to catch touring musicals right now.
Chicago, IL
Chicago has long been considered Broadway’s unofficial “second city” and for good reason. With a thriving local theatre scene and iconic venues like the Cadillac Palace Theatre and CIBC Theatre, Chicago attracts nearly every major touring production.
Broadway In Chicago, the organization that coordinates shows in the city, consistently books hit musicals before they head out on broader national tours.
The Windy City’s rich arts culture means you’ll be surrounded by theater lovers, and ticket prices are generally more accessible than NYC.
Bonus: Chicago’s walkable downtown and world-class food scene make it easy to build a full weekend around your show.
Los Angeles, CA
LA might be better known for movies and TV, but it’s also a major stop for national tours. The Hollywood Pantages Theatre is a top-tier venue that regularly hosts blockbuster musicals, with seating for over 2,700 people and a glamorous Art Deco interior that rivals any Broadway house.
Thanks to LA’s size and status, shows often linger here for extended runs, giving fans more flexibility when purchasing tickets. Whether it’s a pre-Broadway tryout or a high-profile revival, Los Angeles consistently delivers top-quality productions with strong local support.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is a theater-lover’s paradise with a long-standing tradition of excellence in the performing arts. The Kennedy Center, in particular, has emerged as one of the premier venues for touring musicals, attracting both large-scale productions and intimate revivals.
The Eisenhower Theater and Opera House offer two distinct experiences depending on the show’s size.
The city’s diverse population and strong tourism industry create consistent demand, so you’ll want to plan ahead. But if you're lucky enough to score a ticket, the acoustics, ambiance and city backdrop make D.C. one of the most elegant places to catch a musical.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theatre and Orpheum Theatre regularly host Broadway blockbusters, and the city’s long love affair with the arts makes it a top destination for musical fans.
Shows like Wicked, The Lion King, and Moulin Rouge often stop here for multi-week runs, and the proximity to Silicon Valley ensures plenty of buzz and turnout.
San Francisco’s blend of historic charm and modern flair elevates the entire experience. Add in the city’s incredible food, coastal views and rich theater history, and it’s easy to see why musicals thrive here.
Boston, MA
With a loyal student population and a deep appreciation for culture, Boston continues to be a reliable stop for the best of Broadway. The Boston Opera House and Citizens Bank Opera House are both beautifully restored venues that serve as homes for the Broadway In Boston series.
Thanks to the city’s compact size, it’s easy to grab dinner in the theater district and catch a show in one evening. Boston also plays host to occasional pre-Broadway runs, so you may even get to see a musical before it hits NYC.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta has emerged as a major tour stop thanks to its large, passionate audience and the thriving Fox Theatre. This historic venue seats nearly 5,000 and is known for its unique Egyptian-style architecture and superior sightlines. It’s one of the most beloved performance spaces in the South.
The city has seen a surge in theater attendance in recent years, and national tours increasingly treat Atlanta as a high-priority market. Ticket prices are often lower than major coastal cities, making it a smart pick for families or group outings.
Seattle, WA
Seattle may fly under the radar for some theatergoers, but the Paramount Theatre is a hidden gem that hosts major touring musicals year-round. Seattle’s arts scene is passionate and growing, and the city has become a reliable stop for long-running hits as well as emerging favorites.
With its progressive crowd, support for the arts and Pacific Northwest charm, Seattle is a great place to catch a show in a more relaxed atmosphere, especially for West Coast travelers who don’t want to fly across the country for Broadway.
Philadelphia, PA
Just a short train ride from NYC, Philadelphia has made a name for itself with the Kimmel Cultural Campus, which includes the Academy of Music and the Miller Theater.
Broadway Philadelphia regularly brings in large-scale musicals, and the city’s deep history and loyal fanbase create a lively atmosphere for theatergoers.
Whether you’re a Philly native or making a side trip from New York, the quality of productions here is on par with Broadway and often at a fraction of the price.
Denver, CO
Denver’s Buell Theatre, located in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, is one of the largest theater venues in the country, making it a frequent stop for touring musicals.
The Mile High City is quickly gaining recognition as a Western arts hub, with growing demand for tickets and a city government that actively supports the performing arts.
Shows often stay for multiple weeks in Denver, offering more options for flexible travelers and last-minute ticket hunters. Add in the stunning mountain backdrop, and you’ve got a perfect destination for culture and adventure.
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis may surprise some, but it boasts a vibrant theater scene anchored by the Hennepin Theatre Trust and the historic Orpheum Theatre. Touring musicals have strong support here, and the Twin Cities regularly make the list for top-selling tour stops nationally.
What makes Minneapolis especially attractive is its affordability and hospitality. With a strong arts infrastructure and engaged audiences, it’s an ideal city for discovering new shows and revisiting old favorites without the Broadway rush.
Final curtain call: you don’t have to be in NYC to see Broadway-caliber shows
While New York City will always be the epicenter of musical theatre, these cities across the U.S. prove that you don’t need to stand in line at TKTS or fight through Midtown traffic to enjoy world-class productions.
Touring musicals bring Broadway’s biggest hits to fans nationwide, and these cities consistently offer the best venues, audiences, and ticket value.
So next time your favorite show hits the road, check SeatGeek for tickets in one of these standout theater cities. You might be surprised how easy and rewarding it is to see a spectacular musical without ever setting foot in Manhattan.