Dancing with the Stars: Free Audience Tickets in LA

Dancing with the Stars tapes live in Los Angeles, and fans can watch it happen from the studio balcony without paying for a ticket. On Camera Audiences is the show's official audience service, and its listing has a show date on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. If you keep a running list of Things Happening In Los Angeles that cost nothing but time, this one belongs near the top.

The show runs from Television City, the long-running studio lot in the Fairfax district. You're there for the taping itself, with the dances and the judges' scores happening on the floor below you.

How the ticket lottery works

This isn't first come, first served. The show is popular enough that OCA runs a weekly lottery instead. You sign up on the Dancing with the Stars page, land on the waitlist, and winners get pulled at random each week. OCA usually emails that week's picks on Friday with a link to claim tickets.

Miss out one week and you stay on the list for the next draw. There's no need to re-register.

OCA says it can't release tickets any earlier, because production tells them each week how many audience members it needs. Show dates go up no more than 60 days ahead.

Where you'll stand

Set expectations here. These are fan tickets for standing-room-only viewing from the upper balcony. The floor seats go to production and to guests of the celebrities and pros. You'll be on your feet for the taping, so wear comfortable shoes and skip anything you'd hate to hold for a couple of hours.

Ages and entry rules

• Minimum age is 12.
• Anyone under 18 has to come with a parent or legal guardian.
• Only ticket holders can line up. Anyone who shows up without one gets turned away.

The services overbook on purpose. OCA says outright that it hands out more tickets than there are spots, so the room fills even when people cancel. Entry is first come, first served, so a ticket gets you priority in line, not a guaranteed spot. Arrive early. The people at the back of the line are the ones who get sent home.

Getting there

The listing names the Genesee gate at Television City. OCA's show page lists the lot at 7800 Beverly Boulevard. Street parking around Beverly and Fairfax fills up fast, so a rideshare or the Metro buses along Beverly and Fairfax are easier. Check your confirmation email for check-in time and any updated gate instructions before you leave.

Why it's worth the effort

Most things to do in Los Angeles that involve a famous TV set come with a price tag and a tour guide. This one puts you in the building for a network dance competition taping for free, as long as you're patient with the lottery. Sign up now, watch your inbox on Fridays, and keep the show dates open on your calendar.

More free tapings are in our live audience section, and there's more around the city on the Los Angeles page.