Broadway Monday Schedule Checker
Check Broadway Shows on Mondays
Most Broadway shows don't run on Mondays. Enter a show name to see if it's scheduled for Monday night.
Important exception: This show sometimes runs on Monday during holidays or special events.
It’s a question every first-time visitor to New York asks: Broadway shows on Mondays? The short answer? Most don’t run. But it’s not because the theatres are closed for rest-there’s a practical, financial, and historical reason behind it.
Why Monday Is the Only Night Most Broadway Shows Take Off
Most Broadway shows are dark on Mondays. That means no performances. Out of the 41 active Broadway theatres in 2025, around 30 of them don’t hold shows on this day. The rest might have a matinee, a special preview, or a holiday exception-but Monday remains the quietest night of the week. This isn’t a recent change. It’s been standard since the 1950s. Back then, theatre owners noticed that ticket sales dropped sharply after Sunday, when families returned from weekend trips and audiences were tired. Monday nights were the lowest grossing of the entire week. Running a show meant paying actors, stagehands, ushers, musicians, and technicians-even if only 100 people showed up. That’s a financial drain. So they stopped. And it stuck.What About the Exceptions?
Not every show follows the rule. Some productions run Monday nights for specific reasons. Holiday weeks often add Monday performances-like Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. Touring shows sometimes adjust their schedules to fit local demand. And previews for new shows? Those often happen on Mondays to test audience reactions before the official opening. For example, Hadestown and The Lion King have occasionally added Monday performances during peak tourist seasons. Wicked has run Monday matinees during school holidays. These are exceptions, not the norm. Always check the official show website before making plans.What Do Broadway Workers Do on Mondays?
Monday isn’t a day off for everyone-it’s a day of work, just not for audiences. Stage crews use Monday to repair sets, repaint backdrops, fix lighting rigs, and replace worn costumes. Sound engineers run diagnostics. Dancers and actors have rehearsals or conditioning sessions. Stage managers update cue sheets. Props departments rebuild broken items. It’s the only full day of the week to make changes without interrupting performances. For actors, Monday is often the only day they can schedule dentist appointments, doctor visits, or family time without missing a show. That’s why so many cast members post about their Monday routines on social media-coffee, laundry, a walk in Central Park.
What If You Want to See a Show on a Monday?
You still have options. First, check the Broadway.com calendar. It’s updated daily and clearly marks dark nights. You’ll see which shows are running and which aren’t. Second, look at Off-Broadway. Many smaller theatres in Manhattan-like those in the East Village or Chelsea-run shows seven days a week. Hadestown started Off-Broadway, and so did Dear Evan Hansen. Some Off-Broadway shows even have higher critical ratings than their Broadway cousins. Third, consider matinees. Sunday afternoon shows are common, and they’re often less crowded than Saturday nights. You’ll get the same experience without the Monday wait.Is It Worth Planning Around?
If you’re visiting New York for just a few days, Monday might feel like a setback. But think of it this way: Monday is your chance to explore the city without the crowds. The theatres are quiet, but the city isn’t. Museums like the Met and MoMA are open. The High Line is empty. You can grab a coffee at a sidewalk café without waiting in line. Plus, many theatres offer rush tickets or lottery entries on Monday mornings. If you’re flexible, you might snag a $30 ticket to a sold-out show the very next night.
How This Compares to Other Cities
Broadway’s Monday dark night isn’t universal. In London’s West End, most shows run every day except Sunday. In Toronto, Chicago, and Sydney, seven-day schedules are common. Even in regional U.S. cities like Boston or Washington D.C., you’ll find shows on Mondays. New York’s model is unique because of scale. Broadway has 41 theatres, 15,000+ seats per night, and a workforce of over 10,000 people. It’s a machine. And like any machine, it needs maintenance time.What to Do If You Booked a Monday Show by Mistake
If you’ve already bought tickets for a Monday night and the show isn’t running, don’t panic. Most Broadway theatres offer free exchanges or full refunds if the performance is canceled. You can call the box office directly or log into your account on Telecharge or Ticketmaster. The policy is usually clear: if the show is dark, you’re not charged. Some theatres even send automated emails with rescheduling options. If you don’t hear from them, reach out. Don’t assume you’ve lost your money.Final Tip: Plan Ahead, Not Last Minute
The best way to avoid disappointment? Check the schedule before you book. Don’t rely on a travel blog or a friend’s memory from five years ago. Broadway schedules change. A show that was dark on Monday last year might be running now. Or vice versa. Use the official Broadway League calendar. Bookmark it. Print it. Share it with your group. It’s the only source that’s updated daily and verified by every theatre. Monday isn’t a day off for Broadway-it’s a day of rebuilding. And that’s why the shows you see on Tuesday night are better than ever.Are there any Broadway shows on Mondays?
Most Broadway shows are dark on Mondays, but not all. Around 30 of the 41 Broadway theatres don’t perform on this day. Exceptions include holiday weeks, previews for new shows, or special events. Always check the official show website or Broadway.com for the most accurate schedule.
Why do Broadway shows close on Mondays?
Broadway shows close on Mondays because ticket sales historically drop after Sunday. Running a show with low attendance means losing money on staff, utilities, and maintenance. Since the 1950s, producers have found it more sustainable to take one night off each week. Monday became the standard because it’s the least profitable night.
Can I get tickets for a Monday show?
You can only get tickets for a Monday show if the specific production is running that night. Most aren’t, but you can find exceptions during holidays, for previews, or for long-running hits like Wicked or The Lion King during peak tourist seasons. Always verify on the show’s official site before buying.
What’s the best alternative if I want to see a show on Monday?
Try Off-Broadway. Many smaller theatres in New York-like those in the East Village or Lower East Side-run shows seven days a week. You’ll find critically acclaimed productions at lower prices. Some, like Hadestown and Dear Evan Hansen, started Off-Broadway before moving to Broadway.
Do Broadway actors get Mondays off?
Most do-but not because they’re resting. Monday is when they rehearse new choreography, fix costumes, or attend medical appointments. It’s also the only day the entire crew can make major repairs to sets and lighting without interrupting performances. For many, it’s a rare chance to do laundry, see family, or catch up on sleep.
Is Monday the only day Broadway is dark?
No. Some shows also take Tuesday or Wednesday off, especially during holiday breaks or if the cast needs a break. But Monday is the only day nearly every show shuts down. It’s the industry standard. Other days vary by production.
What should I do if I bought tickets for a Monday show that’s canceled?
If the show is canceled because it’s a dark night, you’re entitled to a full refund or free exchange. Contact the box office directly or log into your Ticketmaster or Telecharge account. Most theatres automatically process refunds within 72 hours. Don’t assume you’ve lost your money-reach out if you don’t hear back.
