KIDS NIGHT ON BROADWAY Returns With Free Tickets For Under-18s

This year’s KIDS NIGHT ON BROADWAY will land on 4 March (with two shows holding their kids’ night on 5 March), granting audiences an evening of unbridled excitement and—best of all—free tickets for patrons aged 18 or under, provided they come with a full-paying adult. Put another way, if you’re a parent, grandparent, auntie, uncle, or friend desperate to introduce a young mind to the magic of live theatre, you’ll have a hard time finding a more appealing offer.

As an annual initiative organised by The Broadway League, this scheme highlights a truth about theatre that every enthusiast knows in their bones: seeing a live show can be life-changing, especially for fresh, impressionable eyes. Year upon year, this event helps demystify the idea that only a privileged few can experience top-tier productions. By removing the ticket price barrier for children, it opens up an entire realm of possibility, forging new fans who could become the next generation of theatregoers—or even future performers.

According to past data from The Broadway League, events like these often see a surge in family attendance and inspire significant word-of-mouth buzz. The younger crowd can’t help but gush about their experiences, which in turn captivates friends and classmates who might never have considered a trip to the theatre. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the finest form of cultural advocacy you’ll find.

What To Expect This Year

For 2025—KIDS NIGHT ON BROADWAY features a wide range of shows, ensuring that there’s something for every taste. The participating titles are:

ALADDIN
& JULIET
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB
CHICAGO
THE GREAT GATSBY
GYPSY
HADESTOWN
HAMILTON
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD
HELL’S KITCHEN
THE LION KING
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING
MJ
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL
OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL
THE OUTSIDERS
REDWOOD
SIX: THE MUSICAL

While most of these hold their KIDS NIGHT ON BROADWAY on 4 March, THE GREAT GATSBY and SIX: THE MUSICAL have opted for 5 March instead. Tickets go on sale 11 February—so if you fancy taking the little ones (or a not-so-little teen who’s dying to see HAMILTON or HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD), be sure to mark your calendar.

One perk that sets the event apart is the broader celebration that permeates the Theatre District. Twenty local restaurants, such as Applebee’s, Bar Mexicana, and Carmine’s, among others, will offer exclusive deals and free kids’ meals (with the purchase of an adult entrée). Suddenly, a simple night out can morph into a full-blown family extravaganza—dinner, show, and a sprinkling of Broadway magic. I can’t think of a more enchanting way to introduce youngsters to the energy of New York’s theatre scene.

Why Australia Should Follow Suit

Reading about KIDS NIGHT ON BROADWAY, my immediate reaction is: Why don’t we do something similar in Australia? Yes, various promotions and discounts exist, but a large-scale, highly publicised programme that waives ticket fees for children—even for just one night—would be a game-changer for Aussie theatre. Shows like FANGIRLS or MURIEL’S WEDDING have proven that Australian musicals can ignite the same kind of fervour we see on Broadway. Imagine an event that explicitly welcomes kids with open arms, stamping out the notion that theatre is too formal, too expensive, or too “adult” for younger audiences.

Consider the potential for such a scheme at Melbourne’s East End theatres, or along Sydney’s Theatre Royal precinct. Not only could it drum up foot traffic and media coverage, but it would also bolster an industry still recovering from pandemic disruption. And let’s face it: if a child is captivated by a performance at age 10, that’s a future theatre buff well into adulthood. It’s a long-term investment in the cultural landscape. We’d be planting seeds that could blossom into a fresh wave of creative-minded individuals who treasure and support the performing arts.

Financial feasibility needn’t be an insurmountable barrier. Corporate sponsorships, philanthropic donations, and government arts grants could help offset initial losses. Meanwhile, the increased attendance and associated spending on merchandise, programmes, or post-show dinners could recirculate economic benefits right back to the venues and local businesses. Australia’s theatre scene is brimming with talent and innovative storytelling—why not ensure as many children as possible can experience it?

Bringing New Audiences Through The Doors

One of the central reasons for launching a free-kids scheme is the desire to rejuvenate and diversify the theatre audience. The average theatre-goer in many major cities skews older. That might be financially beneficial in the short term—more disposable income for top-price tickets—but it poses risks for the long-term sustainability of the industry.

Whether it’s your first brush with the Genie in ALADDIN or witnessing the wonder of a swirling Pride Lands in THE LION KING, these early impressions often kindle a lifelong connection to the performing arts. Children, by nature, are open-minded. They’re not yet entrenched in preconceived notions about what’s “cool” or “classy.” That means theatre can impress them in profound, elemental ways—unlike anything else. By capturing their imaginations at a young age, we pave the way for a future generation that values live performance over screens, invests in local arts communities, and champions cultural exploration.

Plus, for families struggling to budget for theatre outings, KIDS NIGHT ON BROADWAY is a golden opportunity. Parents who might otherwise be forced to say, “Sorry, we can’t afford it,” suddenly have the chance to provide an unforgettable experience for their children. And who knows—the experience could reveal hidden talents or inspire new dreams. One child might be enthralled by the dance numbers in CHICAGO, while another may wonder about the intricacies of stage design in BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB. The possibilities are endless.

The Ripple Effect Of Dining Deals

An often overlooked but key draw to the KIDS NIGHT ON BROADWAY concept is how it elevates the entire local economy—restaurants, souvenir shops, and even transport services see a spike in patronage. And it’s not just about revenue; it’s also about forging positive cultural associations. When a child pairs their first theatre outing with a memorable pre-show meal (perhaps at Tony’s Di Napoli or Hard Rock Cafe), they form a holistic perception of the theatre district as an inviting, vibrant place they’d like to revisit. It transforms the theatre from a one-off treat into a complete entertainment hub, fostering a sense of belonging and tradition.

Imagine replicating that synergy in Australia. Parents could pop into their favourite café in Melbourne’s city centre before catching the matinee of a local musical, all while encouraging the next generation to sample the many offerings of the city’s arts precinct. The intangible effect—a communal sense of excitement—can be just as valuable as ticket sales.

Bringing The Curtain Down

KIDS NIGHT ON BROADWAY is more than a promotional gimmick; it’s a grand invitation for children to step into a world of storytelling, choreography, music, and design, all coming to life under the spotlight. It’s a chance to forge lifelong memories in a single evening. For the theatre world, it’s an essential ritual that invests in its own future, nurturing curiosity and wonder in young minds who might one day become tomorrow’s stars, or directors, or simply the best cheerleaders for live performance you could ever hope to meet.

Australia has a golden opportunity to learn from this initiative: a single night, once a year, where the gates of theatre fling open to admit the next generation for free. We already know the payoff—boosted ticket sales in subsequent months, a fresh wave of fans, and an energetic, inclusive atmosphere that reaffirms exactly why the arts matter. Whether it’s seeing the luminous brilliance of HADESTOWN or the dazzling brilliance of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL, there’s something transformative about that first live show.

So here’s my closing word to parents, guardians, or anyone who has ever felt the thrill of watching a young person light up in a theatre seat: seize this moment. KIDS NIGHT ON BROADWAY returns on 4 March (and 5 March for certain shows), with tickets on sale 11 February. Don’t just read about the magic—experience it. Because in that precious interval between the dimming of the house lights and the final curtain call, a spark might just ignite a lifetime of artistic passion. And truly, what greater gift can we pass on than that?