Want to be in the studio audience for a taping of the Tonight Show? Whether you live in the tri-state area or are planning a trip to New York City, getting tickets to see Jimmy Fallon in person can be really easy if you plan in advance! As long as you're 16 or older and can dedicate 4 hours to a weekday taping, you can get on the waitlist for The Tonight Show once tickets are released. If you aren't able to get a ticket, you can also get standby tickets at 30 Rockefeller Plaza the morning of the show. This minHour article will teach you two easy ways to get free tickets to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Booking in Advance
Create an account at 1iota.
The Tonight Show recommends creating an account at 1iota, the show’s ticketing provider, in advance of ticket release. This way, you’ll be among the first to find out when new Jimmy Fallon tickets are released and be able to join the waiting list for your preferred date. To sign up, point your browser to https://fallon.1iota.com/account/signup and follow the on-screen instructions to create your account.
- Another great way to be notified when tickets are available is to follow @FallonTix on Twitter.
- You can also use your 1iota account to get free tickets to other popular shows, including Jimmy Kimmel Live and Late Night with Seth Myers.
Visit https://www.tonightshowtix.com to check availability.
Tickets are typically released anywhere from 2 weeks to a month ahead of time, so you’ll want to check your preferred dates in advance. Click the calendar dates to check the taping time and availability on each date.
Click JOIN WAITLIST on the date you want to attend.
Due to the popularity of the show, you’ll have to sign up for the waitlist to get your spot at a taping.
- Signing up for the waitlist, unfortunately, does not guarantee you a ticket—if you’re planning a trip to NYC, you’ll want to keep that in mind. However, if the show is able to fill your ticket request, you’ll be notified through the ticket provider (1iota).
- You’ll need to be 16 or older to join the waitlist and to attend a taping, even if a parent or guardian is present.
Enter your request details and click Next.
Choose how many tickets you’d like to reserve (you can request up to 4 tickets at once) and explain why you’d love to see the show. There’s no magical combination of words that will guarantee you a ticket, but being enthusiastic is always a good idea!
Sign in to your 1iota account.
If prompted, enter your 1iota login details to log in to your account. Once you’re signed in, you’ll see a summary of your request.
Click COMPLETE REQUEST to request your tickets.
You’ll see this right below your request summary. Once you submit your request, your request will be added to the queue.
- To check the status of your request, sign in to https://www.1iota.com and click MY REQUESTS at the top-right corner.
Confirm your ticket if you’re contacted by The Tonight Show.
Typically, you will be contacted anywhere from 2 weeks to a few days before the show if you make it off of the waitlist. Follow the instructions provided in the email to claim your e-tickets.
- You’ll need to provide the full names of everyone in your party once you receive the email from The Tonight Show. When you check in, all people in your party must be present, and they’ll all need valid ID.
- Tickets are non-transferrable—the names you enter must match the names of the people you bring to the taping of the show.
Claim your tickets at check-in.
Most tapings for the show begin around 5 PM, but it depends on how many shows are being filmed that day. Sometimes there will be two tapings in a single day, with tapings starting as early as 3:30 PM and as late as 8 PM. Check your ticket for the exact time to be there, but plan to show up early to ensure you don’t miss your spot.
- On the day of taping, you and your party should go to 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and use the West 50th Street entrance to check in. Everyone will need to provide valid ID to secure their tickets.
- Tickets may be oversold to ensure a full crowd for the taping. To make sure your ticket gets you access to the show, make sure you check in as early as possible.
Set aside at least 4 hours for the taping.
The entire experience (from check-in to the end of the show) will last about 4 hours, so plan your transportation and other details accordingly.
- Personal items such as backpacks, luggage, or shopping items aren’t allowed into the studio, and there’s no place on site to store your belongings. Leave your personal items at home or in your hotel room before you attend the taping.
- If you need to cancel or change your reservation, you can contact The Tonight Show at tickets@tonightshow.com.
- The dress code for The Tonight Show is smart casual, so dress appropriately. No costumes are allowed.
Getting Standby Tickets
Go to The Shop at NBC Studios between 10 AM and 3PM on the day of show taping.
Even if you didn’t get off of the waitlist, you may be able to get in on the day of taping with standby tickets if there is last-minute availability. To qualify for a standby ticket, you’ll first need to get in line for a standby card, which you can later redeem for a standby ticket if any ticket holders cancel before check-in.
- The Shop at NBC Studios is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, just like the Tonight Show, except you’ll need to go to the 6th Ave (Avenue of the Americas) entrance between 49th and 50th St.
- Standby cards are distributed on a first come, first served basis. While staff won’t start giving out cards until 10 AM, many people line up much earlier than that—sometimes even as early as 1 AM. Begin standing in line by 5:00 am at the latest for the best chance of getting your card.
- Standby cards are limited to 1 card per person—if you have a larger group, make sure everyone who wants to attend the taping is present, as each person can only collect one standby card.
Return to Rockefeller Plaza with your standby card around 3 PM.
If you secured a standby card, NBC employees will begin giving out tickets around this time. You will be called by the card number that’s printed on your standby card. If your number is announced, claim your ticket for the taping. If it is not, you can always try again on another day.
- Like the waitlists, having a standby card does not guarantee you a ticket. If there aren’t enough cancellations, your standby card may not grant you a ticket when you return for the show.
- When you return for your standby ticket, make sure you’re ready for the show! Leave shopping bags, backpacks, and other large items at home or in your hotel room, as you won’t be able to bring them into the studio or store them anywhere on site.
- The dress code for The Tonight Show is smart casual, so dress appropriately. No costumes are allowed.
Tips
- If traveling to 30 Rockefeller Plaza by subway, you can take the B, D, F, & M to 47-50th St.
- You must turn off your cell phone and all other electronic devices before entering the studio. Don’t try to take photos while you’re there, as you will likely be asked to leave.
- If you want to try for a standby ticket, you may be standing in line all day. It will be helpful to bring items to make the wait easier and more comfortable. For example, take a blanket for cold weather, an umbrella for rainy weather, or a portable fan for hot weather. It’s also good to bring drinks, snacks, and entertainment—like a book or magazine.