The chill in the air and pumpkins on the stoops of brownstones across the city mean one thing: October has finally arrived in New York. The coziest — and spookiest! — season of the year is a perfect time to see a Broadway show, whether you’re looking for a long-running hit or a show that’s closing soon (nothing scarier than the thought of running out of time to see a beloved production…). October also brings a thrilling host of new plays opening on Broadway, including star-studded revivals and a new one-man show from a top comedian and actor.
Get tips on how to stay safe when buying Broadway tickets online with our handy guide, and as always, snag Broadway tickets via Ticketmaster.
Shows Opening on Broadway in October 2026
Other Desert Cities
Nearly 15 years after the original production premiered, Other Desert Cities is being revived for the very first time on Broadway. Helmed by John Benjamin Hickey, the timely revival of Jon Robin Baitz’s political family drama — which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2012 — officially opens October 18 at the Hudson Theatre. The star-studded cast includes Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ed Harris, Allison Janney, Lily Rabe and Joe Keery.
Buy tickets to Other Desert Cities on Ticketmaster.
The Imaginary Invalid
Hypochondria never goes out of style as Molière’s 17th century comédie-ballet receives a riotous new adaptation courtesy of the Roundabout Theatre Company. Adapted by Bill Irwin, the new iteration of The Imaginary Invalid opens October 22 at the Todd Haimes Theatre featuring a top-tier cast including Tony winner Bill Irwin, Tony nominees Brooks Ashmanskas and Dylan Baker, Rachel Bloom in her Broadway debut and more.
Billy Crystal 860
Billy Crystal makes his grand return to Broadway with his new one-man show, Billy Crystal 860. Directed by Scott Ellis, the Tony-winning comedian’s new show was inspired by unimaginable devastation — losing his home of more than 45 years in the Pacific Palisades fire. Taking the show’s name from the street number of his longtime address, Crystal relives his memories and moments that mattered the most, and reflects on how the power of laughter can overcome even the hardest of times. Billy Crystal 860 premieres at the Imperial Theatre for a 14-week limited engagement starting October 1, with opening night slated for October 21.
Buy tickets to Billy Crystal 860 on Ticketmaster.
A Few Good Men
More than three decades after it spawned an Oscar-nominated film adaptation, A Few Good Men is being revived on Broadway courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater. Aaron Sorkin’s timeless legal drama will begin performances October 8 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater for a 13-week limited run. Starring Bradley Whitford, Tom Blyth and Krysta Rodriguez, opening night is scheduled for October 29.
Buy tickets to A Few Good Men on Ticketmaster.
Top Broadway Shows in October 2026
Wicked
With Wicked Day just around the corner on October 30, it’s the perfect time for a trip to Oz! Experience the magic of Elphaba and Glinda’s parallel journeys from enemies-turned-besties at Shiz University to the bona fide Witches of Oz. Featuring fan-favorite songs like “The Wizard and I,” “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” Wicked has been delighting audiences of all ages at the Gershwin Theatre for more than two decades and counting.
Buy tickets to Wicked on Ticketmaster.
Warriors
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s newest musical may still be months away from taking its first bow on Broadway in March 2027, but the anticipation for Warriors is already palpable. Based on the 1965 crime novel by Sol Yurick as well as its cult-loved 1979 film adaptation, the new musical sends an all-female gang on an unforgettable trek from the Bronx to Coney Island after they’re collectively framed for murdering a rival gang leader.
The near-EGOT winner wrote the music and lyrics alongside Eisa Davis — tickets for the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre-bound musical officially go on sale later this month. In the meantime, fans can check out the composers’ 2024 concept album featuring stars like Ms. Lauryn Hill, Shenseea, Colman Domingo, Ghostface Killah and more.
Tickets for Warriors will be available soon via Ticketmaster.
Buena Vista Social Club
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Buena Vista Social Club’s self-titled 1997 album sold more than a million copies and won the Grammy Award in 1998 for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album, and now the record-breaking Cuban ensemble’s music has taken over Broadway to the tune of five Tony Awards. Buena Vista Social Club transports audiences to Old Havana, where a woman named Omara leaves a steady gig at the Tropicana nightclub to discover the music that will change her life forever, including boleros like “Lágrimas Negras,” “Dos gardenias,” and “Silencio.”
This month, baseball fever officially takes over Buena Vista Social Club with not one but two legends of the sport joining the company. Former MLB All-Star and recent New York Mets player José Iglesias serves as the musical’s narrator through November 15. Plus, New York Yankees icon and four-time World Series champ Bernie Williams also joins the company on October 22 for a six-week run playing guitar in the band.
Buy tickets to Buena Vista Social Club on Ticketmaster.
Just In Time
Jeremy Jordan continues to have the time of his life stepping into Bobby Darin’s dancing shoes in Just In Time. The two-time Tony nominee is joined in the basement of Wicked by Carrie St. Louis as Sandra Dee, Debbie Gravitte as Polly, Joe Barbara as Charlie Maffia, Emily Bergl as Nina/Mary, Lance Roberts as Ahmet Ertegun and Caesar Samayoa as Don Kirshner.
And while Love Island USA host Ariana Madix just began her limited engagement in the show as Connie Francis, (which runs through November 22), Jordan will soon hand leading man duties back to Matthew Morrison, who returns to the production for a second “Splish Splash” as Bobby Darin for just three weeks only starting October 20.
Buy tickets to Just In Time on Ticketmaster.
Shows Closing Off-Broadway in October 2026 (Last Call)
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
It’s time for “The Last Goodbye,” Spellers. The Off-Broadway revival of The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee is wrapping up the final round of the bee on October 11 at New World Stages. The final cast of dictionary-obsessed preteens and administrators includes Jon Cryer as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez as precocious competitor Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, The Glee Project standout-turned-Tony winner Ali Stroker as co-moderator Rona Lisa Peretti and more.
Buy tickets to The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on Ticketmaster.
Heathers
After more than a year of ruling the halls of Westerberg High, school’s out for Heathers, the musical revival based on the pitch-black 1988 teen comedy of the same name. Fans of the cult-loved musical only have until October 11 to visit Veronica Sawyer and the Heathers — that’s Chandler, McNamara and Duke — at the “Candy Store” inside New World Stages for one last night of big fun filled with croquet, 7/11 slushies and murdering their frenemies. How very!
Buy tickets to Heathers on Ticketmaster.
Planning Your Broadway Visit in October 2026
If you’re looking for things to do in NYC or are planning a Broadway visit this October, here’s what else you need to know.
Which Broadway Shows Have Matinees in October 2026?
Every show on Broadway offers weekly matinees, though the day of the matinee tends to vary by show. Here are some ideas for shows with matinees in October 2026:
Other Desert Cities
- Matinee times: Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m., Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
Billy Crystal 860
- Matinee times: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2:00 p.m., Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
Wicked
- Matinee times: Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
For more matinee options, always be sure to confirm the exact performance time on each show’s Ticketmaster event page.
Best Family-Friendly Broadway Shows in October 2026
Plenty of Broadway shows are perfect for the whole family, with offerings all over the Great White Way from Disney, the Wizarding World and more. If you’re taking a kid to a first-time Broadway show, these choices are especially great. Popular current family-friendly shows include the following:
Disney’s The Lion King
- Age recommendation: 6 and up
- Runtime: 2 hours and 30 minutes with one 15-minute intermission
- Matinee times: Saturdays at 2:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m.
- Why it’s family-friendly: As one of Broadway’s longest-running hits, The Lion King has delighted audiences at the Minskoff Theatre for a generation. Kids will learn all about the “Circle of Life” in a dazzling production that employs state-of-the-art puppetry to tell the story of Simba’s rise to become King of the Jungle.
Disney’s Aladdin
- Age recommendation: 6 and up
- Runtime: 2 hours and 30 minutes with one 15-minute intermission
- Matinee times: Saturdays at 2:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m.
- Why it’s family-friendly: In the famous words of the Genie, “You ain’t never had a friend like me!” Disney’s Aladdin brings the classic 1992 animated film to colorful life with hidden treasure, talking parrots and magic carpet rides galore.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- Age recommendation: 8 and up. (Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.)
- Runtime: 2 hours and 55 minutes with one 20-minute intermission
- Matinee times: Saturdays at 2:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m.
- Why it’s family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will be spellbound by Harry Potter on Broadway. Set 19 years after the events of the popular book series, the hit play sends audiences back to Hogwarts for a production filled with magic, mystery and mind-blowing special effects you simply have to see to believe.
How Far in Advance Should You Book Broadway Tickets for October?
Broadway fans coming to New York in October should consider booking popular weekend and matinee performances as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. October’s autumnal allure can mean better availability than in the peak summer months, but it’s still always easier to plan ahead and get started early — particularly for productions that are closing (like Heathers), for shows with big celebrity names and/or that have limited engagements, and for groups seeking seats together.
Check each show’s Ticketmaster event page for current schedules, seat availability and displayed prices.
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