As of this morning (2/19/26), discounted tickets remain for three shows! 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.
Tickets go on sale at noon on the following dates:
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.)
NOTE: Ticket price includes all taxes and fees.
February 17, 2026
Hell’s Kitchen — $35 Tickets
Image: Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen plays the Buell Theatre from April 14 to 26, 2026.
“Ali is a 17-year-old girl full of fire – searching for freedom, passion and her place in the world.
How she finds them is a New York City coming-of-age story you’ve never felt before –Hell’s Kitchen, a new musical from 17-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, whose new songs and greatest hits about growing up in NY inspire a story made for Broadway.”
The Music Man — $35 Tickets
Image: The Music Man
The Music Man plays the Buell Theatre from February 27 to March 1, 2026.
“There’s trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian.
Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.”
Next to Normal — $25 Tickets
Image: DCPA / Next to Normal
Next to Normal plays the Wolf Theatre from April 3 to May 3, 2026.
“Winner of three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Next to Normal deploys wry humor and brutal honesty to explore how a family navigates their darkest hours — and finds the path to new beginnings.
On the surface, Diana has it all — a house in the suburbs, a successful architect husband, and two sharp-witted teens. But beneath this perfect facade is a nuclear family on the verge of exploding, doing everything they can to make it through another day in one piece. Propelled by an unforgettable pop-rock score, this is an honest and unflinching ride through the complexities of mental health and unconditional love.”
Future DCPAccess On-Sale Dates
More shows are expected to be announced for each on-sale date.
March 17, 2026
April 7, 2026
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.