What Time Do Broadway Shows Start? Matinee vs Evening

Broadway evening shows typically start between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m., according to Broadway.com. Matinees usually run Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons around 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.; amNY reported in 2024 that some start as early as 1:00 p.m. Most shows are dark on Monday, according to Broadway.com, with some exceptions. Times vary by production.

Checked October 2026 against Broadway.com, amNY, and New York Theatre Guide.

What Time Do Broadway Evening Shows Start?

According to Broadway.com, most evening performances begin at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, while Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings generally start at 8:00 p.m., and Thursday shows may begin at either 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. amNY reported in 2024 that evening start times included 7:00, 7:30 and 8:00 p.m., a shift from Broadway's mid-20th-century "golden age," when evening performances began at 8:30 p.m. Sunday evenings are usually dark, with an occasional 7:00 p.m. performance, according to Broadway.com.

When Are Broadway Matinees?

Matinee performances are typically held on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons, according to Broadway.com. Wednesday and Saturday matinees usually start at 2:00 p.m., while Sunday matinees can begin at 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. amNY noted in 2024 that some matinees may start as early as 1:00 p.m. New York Theatre Guide adds that most shows pair their matinees with Wednesday and Saturday evening performances, and many shows hold only a matinee, with no evening show, on Sunday.

Are Broadway Shows Open on Mondays?

According to Broadway.com, most shows are dark on Monday, though there are some exceptions. One day per week, most commonly Monday, is considered dark, meaning there are no performances at all that day. Some productions perform on typically dark days.

How Do You Know When a Particular Show Starts?

Broadway show schedules can shift due to holidays, special performances, or production changes, according to Broadway.com. The site notes that some productions tweak their regular schedule with different showtimes, or even perform on typically dark days. We suggest confirming the start time on the official show page when you buy Broadway tickets.

What Time Will It End?

Once you know the start time, you can estimate when the show lets out using how long a Broadway show typically runs. We suggest allowing for transportation or a late dinner after the curtain. For a specific show, see how long Aladdin runs.

FAQ

Do Broadway shows ever perform on Sunday evening?

Occasionally. Broadway.com lists Sunday evenings as dark, with an occasional 7:00 p.m. performance.

Is Monday ever a performance day?

Occasionally. Monday is the most common dark day across Broadway, according to Broadway.com, but it notes there are some exceptions, so some shows do perform that day.

How do I find the start time for a specific show I'm seeing?

We suggest checking the show's official page for the posted time on your specific date. Broadway.com notes that a show's regular schedule can change around holidays or special performances.

Sources

• Broadway.com, "Broadway Show Times," https://www.broadway.com/broadway-guide/48/broadway-show-times/
• amNY, Matt Windman, "Broadway performance times keep getting earlier," posted July 2, 2024, https://amny.com/entertainment/broadway/broadway-performance-times-keep-getting-earlier
• New York Theatre Guide, "Broadway matinee guide," https://newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/broadway-matinee-guide-which-broadway-shows-have-matinees