Free Online Concerts and Broadway Shows: Get a Front-Row Seat at Home!

Let’s face it: going to a live performance these days can feel like preparing for battle. There’s traffic, parking, weather, uncomfortable seats, someone unwrapping a butterscotch candy during the quiet part… and don’t even get us started on bathroom lines during intermission!

But what if we told you there’s a way to skip all of that and still enjoy Broadway musicals, live concerts, and world-class operas — from the comfort of your living room recliner, with your fuzzy slippers on and your snack of choice in hand?

Welcome to the wonderful world of free online performances. You get all the showstopping talent, none of the hassle—and you don’t even have to buy a ticket.

Let’s take a look at the best places to catch the magic.

🎭 Broadway & Theater Magic — No Times Square Required

Internet Archive

Internet Archive is like the attic of the internet — packed with treasures like Cats, Les Miserables, and Little Shop of Horrors. You won’t find a glitzier digital library. And it’s 100% FREE!!

The site has so much on it, however, it can be hard to find what you’re looking for. Use the link below to find a collection of free musicals:

👉 Visit: archive.org

Filmed on Stage

This site is kind of like a digital Sherpa for Broadway show streaming. It tells you what full musicals and plays are currently available — some for free — and where to find them.

I’ve been a little frustrated with this site as many of the free links lead to videos that are private or have been taken down. That said, with a little patience, you can still find some good shows to watch for free here.

👉 Visit: filmedonstage.com

PBS Great Performances

You know it, you love it, and yes — it’s still classy. Catch high-quality theater, ballet, opera, and musical specials from Lincoln Center, Broadway, and beyond.

👉 Visit: pbs.org

National Theatre at Home

For those who love British theater with dramatic fog and intense gazes, the UK’s National Theatre serves up beautifully filmed plays like Frankenstein and Jane Eyre. Some are free, others are pay-per-view.

👉 Visit: nationaltheatre.org.uk

BroadwayHD

It’s like Netflix, but for musicals. It’s a paid site, but sometimes you can get seven free days to binge-watch Into the Woods, She Loves Me, Present Laughter, and other stage favorites.

👉 Visit: broadwayhd.com

Lincoln Center Theater

Catch archived plays and musicals — often posted for free — from one of New York’s premier performance spaces.

👉 Visit: lct.org

YouTube Broadway Shows

Search for “full Broadway show” on YouTube and you’ll find performances uploaded by theaters and fans. For best results, stick to official or well-reviewed channels.

👉 Example playlist: YouTube Full Broadway Shows

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🎶 Musical Performances and Live Concerts — Socks Optional

Internet Archive

Yep, we’re putting this site in this section, too. Besides Broadway shows, they’ve also got a ton of musical performances and live concerts. Again, all for free!

👉 Visit: archive.org

Kennedy Center Digital Stage

From jazz to symphonies to poetry slams (seriously), the Kennedy Center’s online stage brings you top talent from across the performing arts.

👉 Visit: kennedy-center.org/digitalstage

Qello Concerts

A streaming library of classic concerts from Queen, Streisand, Madonna, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, and more. Free trial available.

👉 Visit: qello.com

YouTube (aka Free Music Heaven)

So many artists and orchestras stream shows for free. Search for the Metropolitan Opera, London Symphony Orchestra, Coldplay, or NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts.

Audacy Live

Free acoustic sessions and exclusive sets from top-name performers.

👉 Visit: audacy.com/live

nugs.net

Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Phish, Dead & Co., and more — streamed live and archived for future grooving.

👉 Visit: nugs.net

VEEPS

A mix of ticketed and free concerts. Shows range from big-name pop stars to intimate performances from up-and-comers.

👉 Visit: veeps.com

On Air

Think of this as the HBO of concert streams. You get a cinematic experience with high-end sound and visuals. Among the artists you’ll find here are Sheryl Crow, Miles Davis and Def Leopard (quite a mix!).

👉 Visit: onair.events

Songkick Live Streams

A calendar of upcoming concerts from around the globe, streamed right into your living room.

👉 Visit: songkick.com/live-stream-concerts

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🌟 Live Theater, Cabarets, and Streaming Events

54 Below Live (Feinstein’s/54 Below)

Want to watch Broadway stars sing up close? This cozy NYC venue livestreams themed nights like Sondheim Unplugged and Angela Lansbury Power Playlist.

👉 Visit: 54below.com/series/live

Stars in the House

A YouTube channel hosted by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, this series features Broadway celebs performing, sharing stories, and raising money for The Actors Fund. It’s funny, heartwarming, and totally free.

👉 YouTube: Stars in the House

Eventbrite Online Concert Listings

This one’s great for finding lesser-known gems. Filter by “online,” “free,” and “concert,” and you’ll discover livestreams happening around the world — and right on time for your cup of tea.

👉 Visit: eventbrite.com/d/online/free–performances/concerts/

Arte Concert

Europe’s best-kept secret — this site offers a rotating buffet of opera, jazz, rock, and dance. You’ll feel very cultured just by visiting.

👉 Visit: arte.tv/en/arte-concert

📺 Tech Tips: Getting the Show on the Big Screen

Let’s get your Broadway binge off that tiny tablet and onto your glorious TV.

🛋 Option 1: Smart TV

If your TV has YouTube, PBS, or another streaming app, just search for the show and hit play.

🧠 Option 2: Cast from Your Phone or Tablet

Look for the little rectangle-with-waves icon (the “Cast” button) and send the video straight to your TV using Chromecast, Roku, or Apple TV.

🧰 Option 3: Use an HDMI Cable

Connect your laptop to your TV with a trusty HDMI cord. It’s the tech version of duct tape — it just works.

Bonus Tips:

• Turn on subtitles or captions — especially helpful for musicals and British dramas where everyone whispers dramatically.
• Use Bluetooth speakers or headphones if your TV sound isn’t quite Broadway-ready.
• Snacks are encouraged. Dress code: elastic waistband.

🎉 Final Bow: You’ve Got Front Row, No Traffic Required

No more coat check. No overpriced snacks. No stranger singing louder than the performer.

With just a little know-how and a comfy seat, you can turn your living room into a theater, concert hall, or cabaret. So grab your favorite beverage, fluff your pillows, and hit “play.”

The show’s about to begin. And this time? You’re the one with the best seat in the house.