You’ve heard it before. The "farewell" tour that lasts for five years. It’s a classic rock trope that usually makes fans roll their eyes. But as 2026 rolls around, looking for tickets for rod stewart feels a bit different. Sir Rod is eighty-one now. While he still has that legendary spiky hair and a wardrobe that would make a peacock jealous, there’s a real sense of "now or never" in the air.
Honestly, the man is a machine. He just added a massive 15-date extension to his One Last Time tour, and it’s not just a quick lap around the UK. He’s hitting everything from the humid Florida amphitheaters to the red rocks of Colorado.
If you're trying to figure out if it's worth the $300 average price tag, you aren't alone. It’s a lot of money. But then again, how many more times are you going to hear "Maggie May" or "Stay With Me" live from the guy who actually wrote them?
The 2026 Tour Schedule: Where He’s Heading
Rod isn't sticking to one corner of the map. He’s bouncing from the East Coast down to Texas and then out West.
The spring leg kicks off on March 13, 2026, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville. From there, it’s a whirlwind. He’s visiting Knoxville on April 15 and Huntsville on April 17. By the time June hits, he’s taking over the iconic Hollywood Bowl on June 10 and doing a double-header at Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado, on June 15 and 16.
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If you’re a fan of the outdoor summer vibe, the July 31 show at Jones Beach Theater in New York is probably the peak experience. There’s something about hearing "Sailing" while looking out at the water that just hits different.
The Special Guests Making the Rounds
One thing that makes these 2026 dates interesting is the support. This isn't just some random local opener. Depending on which show you snag tickets for, you’re either getting Howard Jones or Richard Marx.
- Howard Jones: Joining for the April dates (Knoxville, Huntsville, Houston, Rogers).
- Richard Marx: Taking over the summer leg starting in June (Phoenix, LA, Chula Vista, Salt Lake City).
It basically turns the night into an 80s and 70s nostalgia bomb. If you grew up with these guys on the radio, it's a hell of a double bill.
The Vegas Factor: "The Encore Shows"
You can’t talk about tickets for rod stewart without mentioning Las Vegas. He basically owns the Colosseum at Caesars Palace at this point.
Even with the touring schedule, he’s carving out time for a residency stint from May 27 to June 6, 2026. Vegas shows are a different beast. The production is tighter, the sound is pristine, and Rod seems more relaxed because he doesn't have to pack a suitcase every morning.
If you’re deciding between a stadium show and Vegas, go Vegas. The Colosseum was built for Celine Dion, so the sightlines are incredible. You won't be squinting at a giant screen from the "nosebleed" section like you might at a massive amphitheater.
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How to Get Tickets Without Getting Robbed
The secondary market is a minefield. Average prices are sitting around $360, but I’ve seen some VIP floor seats listed for over $4,500. That’s enough for a used car.
If you want the best deals, you have to be smart about the timing.
- Join the Fan Club: It sounds dorky, but the Rod Stewart Online Fan Club is the only way to get legitimate presale codes. It’s a yearly membership, but it usually pays for itself in the money you save by getting face-value tickets instead of resale.
- The "Day Of" Gamble: If you aren't picky about where you sit, check sites like Vivid Seats or StubHub about three hours before the show starts. Scalpers get desperate. I’ve seen $200 seats drop to $60 because they just want to recoup something.
- Check Venue Box Offices: Believe it or not, some venues still hold a small batch of tickets that don't go online immediately. A quick phone call can sometimes bypass those "convenience fees" that Ticketmaster loves to tack on.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Farewell"
People assume Rod is retiring because he's "done." He isn't. He’s actually working on a country album and another original record.
Basically, he’s retiring from the grind of massive world tours, not from music itself. This is likely the last time he’ll bring the full "lavish production" with the backup singers, the brass section, and the Celtic-inspired stage design to your local city.
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He’s admitted in interviews with People that "all things have to come to an end," but he still loves the stage. You can see it in the way he still tries to kick soccer balls into the crowd during "Stay With Me." It’s a bit slower now, sure, but the energy is authentic.
Actionable Tips for Your Concert Night
Don't just buy the ticket and wing it. Rod Stewart fans are a dedicated bunch, and the logistics can be a nightmare if you aren't prepared.
- Check the Bag Policy: Most of his 2026 venues (like the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL) have strict clear-bag policies. Don't be the person walking back to their car ten minutes before the show starts.
- Arrive Early for Merch: The 2026 "One Last Time" tour merch is actually pretty decent—lots of vintage-inspired prints. It sells out fast, especially the smaller sizes.
- Set Realistic Seating Expectations: If you’re at a place like the Orion Amphitheater, the "Pit" is great but loud. If you want to actually see the choreography and the full band, look for seats in the lower bowl, slightly off-center.
To get started, head over to the official Rod Stewart website to check the specific presale dates for your city. If the general sale has already passed, use a site like SeatPick to compare prices across different resale platforms so you don't overpay. If you're planning on the Vegas residency, book your hotel at Caesars Palace early; room rates spike the second those concert dates are announced.