Denver is a world-class city, when it comes to the arts and so much more. And, fortunately for theater lovers on a budget, the city makes the arts more affordable for all. Among the Denver Center for Performing Arts’ discount programs, the most popular is its DCPAccess. The much-loved program provides affordable access to its shows — even the occasional touring Broadway production.
For more than 30 years, taxpayers have supported the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), which enables the DCPA to offer award-winning theatre and inspiring educational programs.
As part of the partnership, each organization offers free or discounted tickets to the public for select performances.
PRICE INCREASE: For the second time this year, The Denver Center for the Performing Arts has increased the DCPAccess tickets from as little as $15 to $20.
In addition, the service fee has increased from $2.25 flat rate to an 18% service fee. Tickets will now be as little as $23.60. (Previously, it was $17.25.)
Comment below and let us know how your feel about the price increase. Does anyone remember when the tickets were totally FREE?
How does DCPAccess work?
The discounted ticket price varies by show — with an additional 18% service fee per ticket. Limit four tickets per show. (All sales are final. No refunds.)
Other shows may also be available at a discounted price throughout the year. Discount and availability varies by show.
If a DCPAccess ticket is available for a show date, the option to purchase will show as “DCPAccess.”
The discounted tickets can only be purchased online at DCPA — click here.
You can also check show dates here for when discounted tickets are available.
A special announcement will be made, when discounted tickets are available for one of the touring Broadway shows.
If you want to be in-the-know first, sign up for DCPA’s e-mail alerts here.
Here’s what’s on the DCPAccess schedule:
Tickets go on sale at noon on the following dates:
More shows are expected to be announced for each on-sale date.
The following shows go on sale January 6, 2026:
Cowboys and East Indians — $25 Tickets SOLD OUT!
Image: Denver Center for Performing Arts
Cowboys and East Indians plays the Singleton Theatre from January 16 to March 1, 2026.
“Adapted from Nina McConigley’s award-winning collection of short stories, Cowboys and East Indians follows the Sen family as they grapple with expectations and cultural collisions moving from India to Wyoming.
Lakshmi “Lucky” Sen’s dad calls her a prairie dog — hesitant and scared on the side of the road. Now on a mission to fulfill her mom’s final wish, Lucky has to figure out saris, how to stop burning the spices, and the many other things she didn’t pay attention to while she was busy trying to fit in. But on the eve of her sister’s wedding, a family secret resurfaces, and Lucky realizes there might be a lot more about her mom and being a “good Indian daughter” that she doesn’t know.
A rare exploration of rural immigrant experiences in the American West, Cowboys and East Indians examines the question of how one understands their identity when they don’t see a reflection of it in their community.”
Godspeed — $25 Tickets
Image: Denver Center for Performing Arts
Godspeed plays the Kilstrom Theatre from January 30 to February 22, 2026.
“It’s 1865. Slavery has just been abolished in Texas. And a gunslinger named Godspeed returns to the Lone Star State with a six-shooter, one bullet, and vengeance on her mind.
Having escaped bondage by fleeing to Mexico a decade earlier, she’s ready to stare down danger and near-certain death as she sets out on a perilous journey across the frontier with both wanted and unwanted companions in tow. But, when the time comes to satisfy her own personal vendetta, an unexpected discovery will make her question if the vengeance she desires can deliver the justice she’s been seeking.
Steeped in the ethos of a classic Western, Godspeed casts light on an often-ignored chapter of American history while taking audiences on an epic theatrical adventure.”
The Choir of Man — $35 Tickets
Image: The Choir of Man
The Choir of Man plays the Buell Theatre on January 16 and 17, 2026.
“Known across the globe as ‘the ultimate-feel good show’, The Choir of Man offers up 90 minutes of indisputable joy for all ages! It’s a party. It’s a concert. It’s the best pub ‘lock-in’ you’ve ever been to.
Featuring pop, classic rock, folk, Broadway and pub tunes, THE CHOIR OF MAN has something for everyone. A multi-talented cast of nine talented guys combines hair-raising harmonies, foot-stomping singalongs, world-class tap dance and poetic meditations on the power of community in this riotously enjoyable homage to that gathering place we all love so much: your local pub. With a real working bar on stage, come ready to drink in the action.”
The Simon & Garfunkel Story — $35 Tickets
Image: The Simon & Garfunkel Story
The Simon & Garfunkel Story plays the Buell Theatre on January 24 and 25, 2026.
“The Simon & Garfunkel Story covers the duo’s humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry, to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60s, as well as their dramatic split in 1970. The Simon & Garfunkel Story culminates with the pair’s famous ‘The Concert in Central Park’ reunion in 1981 which had more than half a million fans in attendance.
The show features a set list of nearly 30 songs and uses state-of-the-art video projection, photos and original film footage. A full live band will perform all of the hits including Mrs. Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more complete with the unmistakably perfect harmonies that will transport audiences down memory lane.”
Water for Elephants — $35 Tickets
Image: Water for Elephants
Water for Elephants plays the Buell Theatre from February 11 to 22, 2026.
Based on the critically-acclaimed novel and film: “After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.”
Mark Twain Tonight! — $35 Tickets
Image: Mark Twain Tonight!
Mark Twain Tonight! plays the Buell Theatre on January 31, 2026.
“Emmy-Award winning Actor Richard Thomas brings to life one of the nation’s true comic geniuses in Mark Twain Tonight!, written and originally performed by Hal Holbrook.”
March 17, 2026
April 7, 2026
The discounted tickets can only be purchased online at DCPA — click here. (NOTE: If a performance or show is no longer displayed on the DCPA site, it is sold out.)
What shows are included in this sale?
NOTE: Ticket price includes all taxes and fees.
Want More Things To Do?
Look at our full events calendar, where you can type in any date, or check out what’s happening over the next few days right here:
Jeydie W says
I’m a bit disappointed with how things are being managed at the DCPA when it comes to discounted tickets. They recently cancelled a showing of Sweet & Lucky: Echo, which I had bought with a BOGO code, without sending an email as to why. The positive spin, is that I was refunded the money and they rarely do that. So the rise in ticket price for the DCPAccess is appalling.
stephanie says
I remember when they offered FREE tickets because of the SCFD tax funding they receive. The taxes are still being collected but now DCPA just offers occasional “discounted” tickets. It is very disappointing.
Hope says
When you compare it to community theater tickets which are more than the discounted DCPA tickets, then it is a deal. However, I do miss the free tickets lottery!
Todd says
DCPAccess,
Ticket prices going up, just like everything else, even faster than inflation, while still receiving SCFD funding, real nice.
Shannon says
Along with what others have said, the most disappointing part is making the service fee a % amount instead of a flat fee. It isn’t any different to process a ticket for a $30 show vs a $50 show. And I’ve never understood why I have to pay the fee on each ticket if it’s only one order that’s being processed.
Joan says
I relied on SCFD funded activities to incorporate culture into our lives when my children were young and our family income was well below poverty level. That’s the whole point of it. DCPAccess $11 tickets back then were barely manageable or justifiable when we were scraping by but worth it to me. $24 tickets are too much to justify when basic needs are barely covered. The ticket increase is making cultural access inaccessible to the people it’s supposed to most be helping.
Debbie Waddill says
This increase makes me appreciate the Littleton Town Hall Arts Center rush tickets even more. It’s the best kept little secret in Denver-area theatre – and I may regret sharing this bargain! Haha! I’ve seen many great plays there for just ten bucks. Every seat is a good one in this intimate venue. One hour before each performance, you can purchase rush tickets for just $10.00 each. Limited quantity available.
Elizabeth Finfgeld says
Thank you Debbie Waddill for letting us know about Littleton Town Hall Arts Center’s ‘rush tickets’😊Like many others out there who have a limited budget, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to afford (let alone justify) little indulgences like cultural outings, but if we don’t alllow little sparks of joy into our lives, ‘adulting’ can be a bit grey.
I only found out about DCPA discount tickets this year, so I missed out on how legitimately affordable the discount used to be. Nonetheless, I have seen 2 performances this year *compared to NONE in previous years* thanks to that discount, so I am grateful :)
Brenda says
These “service fees” are getting outrageous! Computers do most of this work, and as pointed out above, there is no need to charge the fee on every ticket in an order. It’s just another way to get more money out of people when the real price is higher price than the “reel you in” advertised price, and this is not the only business that does it. Even booking a campground now you have the fee for the campsite AND a service fee. I wish they would do away with these ridiculous fees.