Government Shutdown Yields Ticket Deals

As the U.S. government shutdown enters its second day, two Washington D.C. venues are offering deals on shows. However, there is one small catch regarding one building – you have to be a federal government employee to take advantage of the offer.

The Howard Theatre in Washington D.C., is the venue offering federal employees free entry to select shows, including tonight’s Big Boi of Outkast gig with Killer Mike, Fishhawk and Renegade. Federal employees will also receive free admission to Friday night’s dual Take 6 shows and Saturday’s Alice Russell performance. The venue is offering a 50 percent discount to Sunday’s Rufus show featuring Sly Stone. Employees must show their valid government I.D.s to get in on the deals. Tickets are based on availability. Click here for more information.

Photo: Matt Rourke/AP

Meanwhile, the 9:30 Club is offering a buy one, get one free deal on select October shows to everyone, but that deal expires at the end of today.

Calling it the “Affordable Ticket Act,” the folks at the 9:30 club are offering the discount for tonight’s engagement featuring Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg with Andrew W.K. on vocals with Figo & Booze Riot; Boy with Greg Holden Oct. 3; Clap Your Hands Say Yeah with Arc Iris Oct. 5; Soul Asylum & Fountains Of Wayne plus Evan Dando Oct. 9; and Lee Fields and The Expressions Oct. 17.

But wait, there’s more. The 9:30 Club is offering the buy one, get one free deal to shows the venue is promoting at other buildings, including Chazz Palminteri’s “A Bronx Tale” at the Lincoln Theatre Oct. 3; Middle Distance Runner with Teen Mom at U Street Music Hall Oct. 4; The Flaming Lips & Tame Impala with The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger at Merriweather Post in Columbia, Md., Oct. 4; and Steve Aoki with special guest Pharrell Williams plus Waka Flocka Flame, Borgore and Garmiani at Merriweather Post Oct. 25.

But you better hurry. The 9:30 Club’s offer expires at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time tonight. Use promo code 930ATA. Click here for more info.