Online tickets are safer, but walk-up is often fine

It depends on the event, but you can usually buy at the door — unless it’s sold out online first.

For big concerts, festivals, or anything with a known name attached, buying ahead is basically required. They’ll sell out weeks before and the “at door” option doesn’t exist because there’s nothing left.

Smaller venues — local shows, museums, theater companies — almost always let you walk up and pay cash or card. They might even prefer it because they skip the processing fees.

The middle ground: check the event’s website or social media an hour before you go. If tickets are still available online, they’ll be available at the door. If the site says “sold out,” don’t bother driving.