Upcoming Sesame Street Live dates
Dates and live ticket listings appear here as soon as they are on sale. The guide below covers what to know before you buy.
Toddler seating, decided: orchestra, aisle, a few rows back
For Sesame Street Live, book orchestra seats (the ground-level section) a few rows back from the stage, on an aisle if you can. Small children see Elmo and friends at nearly eye level, nobody has to crane, and you can slip out for a meltdown, a diaper change or a bathroom run without climbing over a row of other families. The current touring show, as of October 2026, is Elmo's Got the Moves, made for children ages 1 to 7.
Each level, from a parent's point of view
Orchestra
The right default for most families. A few rows back gives a complete view of the dancing. The very front puts you nearest the confetti and lights, which thrill some toddlers and overwhelm others.
Front mezzanine
A smart backup when the orchestra is full, and a good fit for older kids. The raised angle lets a small child see over the heads in front, which matters in the orchestra once adults stand up to dance.
Upper balcony
Hard to recommend. The characters look tiny, and the stairs are a slog with a toddler and a diaper bag.
Row position
At any level, the middle of a long row is the spot to avoid. Getting out means disturbing a dozen families, and with children under 3 you will probably need to get out.
Elmo's Got the Moves: what happens on stage
Sesame Street Live brings characters from the long-running children's television series to touring theater stages. The 2026 production, Elmo's Got the Moves, opened that spring. Its set list mixes the title number with favorites like "Letter of the Day" and "Sunny Days," performed by Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby and the rest of the gang, and the whole audience is invited to join in. The producer is Round Room Live, which holds a license from Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit that makes the television series.
- Length: about 1 hour 20 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission, so each half fits a preschool attention span.
- Effects: per the FAQ, expect confetti blasts, stage smoke, roving lights and some loud moments.
- Participation: shouting answers and dancing in the aisles are welcome, and plenty of kids spend the show on their feet.
- Noise-sensitive kids: the producer leaves the call to parents; ear protection and an aisle seat help.
- Doors: open an hour before showtime, enough time for restrooms, snacks and merchandise.
Infant tickets are a venue decision. Some theaters require a ticket for every person, babies included, so check with the local box office before you buy.
A family tour running since 1980
The first Sesame Street Live was staged in the fall of 1980 by Vincent Egan's VEE Corporation, which premiered it at Bloomington, Minnesota's Metropolitan Sports Center. By that Christmas it was playing four weeks at the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden. VEE ran the tour for 35 years, at times with a second company and an Australian one. Blue Star Media bought VEE in 2015 and renamed it VStar Entertainment Group; Feld Entertainment produced the show from 2017 to 2023, with titles such as Make Your Magic and C is for Celebration; and Round Room Live took over in 2024 with Say Hello, followed by Elmo's Got the Moves in 2026. New storylines let the tour come back to the same cities year after year as each new set of toddlers comes of age.
One-day stops in theaters across North America
This is a proscenium-stage tour, booked into civic theaters and arts centers, not arenas, and most cities get one date. Venues that appear on the show's website range from the Saenger theaters in Hattiesburg and Pensacola to the Durham Performing Arts Center, the Lyric in Baltimore and Johnstown, Pennsylvania's Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center. Since a visit often lasts just a day or a weekend, it is easy to miss. The website lists confirmed dates only; see the Sesame Street Live schedule for upcoming cities.
Photo add-on and the shows that sell first
The Photo Experience is a separate purchase: after the curtain, families go up on stage to meet characters and pose for a picture. Every adult and child in the photo needs a Photo Experience ticket, and no specific character is guaranteed. If your child has a favorite, buy it along with your seats.
- First to sell: weekend morning and early-afternoon shows that work around naps.
- Higher demand: dates near holidays and school breaks.
- Big groups: grandparents, siblings and cousins sit together more easily when you book early.
Every Reserved Seat order is backed by a 100% guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Where should a family with a toddler sit at Sesame Street Live?
In the orchestra a few rows back, ideally on an aisle. You get a near eye-level view and an easy exit for breaks.
How long does Sesame Street Live last?
About 1 hour and 20 minutes, which includes a 20-minute intermission.
Will the effects scare my child?
Confetti blasts, stage smoke, roving lights and some loud moments are part of the show. Sensitive children often do better with ear protection and a seat a few rows back on an aisle.
Does my baby need a ticket?
It depends on the venue. Some require a ticket for every person, including infants, so ask the local box office first.
Which characters appear in Elmo's Got the Moves?
Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby and other favorites, in the touring show that opened in spring 2026.
Can children meet the characters?
Buy the separate Photo Experience for a post-show meet-and-greet and photo on stage. Each adult and child needs one, and specific characters are not guaranteed.