2026 Tour — FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about ANTIQUES ROADSHOW's Tour!
EVENT TICKETS
What cities are you visiting in 2026?
- Tucson, AZ — Tue, May 19
- Indianapolis, IN — Mon, June 1
- Mumford, NY* — Wed, June 17
(* Rochester area)
Enter the free Ticket Sweepstakes now! »
Why haven't you visited my town yet?
We are always looking for new venues and try to visit as many new locations as possible each year. Among many considerations are the capacity of a location, its availability and whether its distinctive characteristics suit our production needs.Please Note: If you would like to receive email alerts about future ANTIQUES ROADSHOW events, sign up for our "AR Extras" email newsletter.
Are tickets needed to attend ANTIQUES ROADSHOW?
Yes, you must have a ticket to attend an ANTIQUES ROADSHOW event unless you are 12 or under and accompanied by a ticket-holding parent or guardian. The deadline to enter the 2026 ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes, and the Producer Picks Contest is Monday, April 6 , 2026, at 11:59 PM PT. The deadline to enter the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes is Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT. Tickets will not be available at the door for any event.
How and when can I get tickets to an event?
The deadline to enter for tickets via the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes and for event entry via the Producer Picks Contest to 2026 Tour events is Monday, April 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT. The deadline to enter the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes for tickets is Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.
Ticket winners in the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes and the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes are selected from all eligible entrants by random drawing. Early Bird Tickets Contest winners are selected at the Producer's discretion from among all Early Bird Tickets Contest submissions.
Tickets will not be available at the door. Each ticket holder may bring two items for appraisal.
See the Complete Rules page for more details.
How and when can I get tickets to an event?
The deadline to enter for tickets via the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes and for event entry via the Producer Picks Contest to 2026 Tour events is Monday, April 6 , 2026, at 11:59 PM PT. The deadline to enter the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes for tickets is Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.
Ticket winners in the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes and the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes are selected from all eligible entrants by random drawing. Producer Picks Contest winners are selected at the Producer's discretion from among all Producer Picks Contest submissions.
Tickets will not be available at the door. Each ticket holder may bring two items for appraisal.
Producer Picks Contest winners will receive an invitation to meet a producer at a specific time at the ROADSHOW event. Each Producer Picks Contest Winner may bring one guest to accompany them, and each may bring two items for appraisal (including the one item selected as a Producer Picks winner).
See the Complete Rules page for more details.
How many tickets can I get?
If you win the 2026 ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes or the 2026 ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes, you will receive two tickets. There is a two-ticket limit per household. At the event, each person may only use one ticket. Producer Picks Contest winners will receive an invitation to meet a producer at a specific time at the ROADSHOW event and bring the item for which they were selected.
Can I choose the time I wish to attend?
When entering the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Ticket Sweepstakes, you may specify whether you prefer a morning, midday, or afternoon entrance time, and if you are selected for tickets, we will try to accommodate your request. Producer Picks Contest winners will receive an invitation to meet a producer at a specific time at the ROADSHOW event and bring the item for which they were selected.
Why is the number of tickets limited?
Capacity at our events is limited. In the interest of fairness, we make tickets available to the largest number of households who wish to attend ROADSHOW events.
Is there a cost or service charge for the tickets?
No. There is no cost or service charge for ANTIQUES ROADSHOW tickets. While tickets are free, local public television stations may offer them as premiums for donations.
Will you confirm that you received my ticket entry?
Yes. When you have successfully entered the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes online, you will receive a unique entry number by email. This email will contain a link that you can use at any time to review your entry for the Ticket Sweepstakes drawing. If you enter through social media, you will only be notified if you have won tickets.
Producer Picks Contest winners will be notified directly by ANTIQUES ROADSHOW via the contact information you provide in your contest entry.
See the Complete Rules page for more details.
When does the ticket selection take place?
In mid-February 2026, Winners of the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes will be selected in a random drawing. Winners of the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Ticket Sweepstakes will be selected in a random drawing in mid-April.
Will you contact me to tell me if I was or was not selected as a ticket winner?
Only winning entrants in the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Ticket Sweepstakes will be notified. If you are a winner you will be notified on or about Monday, April 27, 2026.
For the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes, winners will be notified on or about Monday, February 23, 2026.
If I win tickets, when will I receive them?
If you are a winner you will receive an email approximately three (3) weeks prior to the event, which will contain your electronic tickets to the event. Please note that only ticketholders will be admitted to the event. Upon arrival, you may present either a print-out of your electronic ticket, or have it available on your mobile device.
Will tickets be available at the event?
No, tickets will not be available on the day of the event. If you do not have a ticket, you will not be admitted to the event (unless you are a Producer Picks Contest winner).
Producer Picks Contest winners will receive a timed invitation to meet a producer at the ROADSHOW event and bring the item for which they were selected.
If I was selected to receive tickets to an event but haven't received them a week prior to the event, what should I do?
If you are a ticket winner but your tickets have not arrived by email within one week of the event, please contact GBH Member & Development Services at feedback@wgbh.org or at (617) 300-5400 (M-F, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET) for further instructions.
If ANTIQUES ROADSHOW event tickets are free, why did I see some for sale?
We offer our tickets to the public free of charge through the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes and the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes. We provide a limited number of tickets to certain local public television stations, which they may use for fundraising purposes. Any other form of sale or resale of tickets offered through the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes or the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes is strictly prohibited by ANTIQUES ROADSHOW. Tickets obtained through the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes or the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes, if sold, are subject to cancellation.
SOCIAL MEDIA SWEEPSTAKES
What is the Social Media Sweepstakes?
As a special opportunity for our social media fans, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW will be giving away up to 150 pairs of tickets for each 2026 Tour stop via Instagram. The ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes runs from January 12, 2026, through February 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.
Do I need an Instagram account to enter the Social Media Sweepstakes?
Yes, you need an Instagram account to complete the required actions to enter the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes. You can create a free account at Instagram.com.
How do I enter the Social Media Sweepstakes on Instagram?
To enter the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes:
1) Follow the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Instagram account @RoadshowPBS.
2) Comment on the 2026 ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Sweepstakes announcement post by tagging one friend and listing the location of the event you want to attend.
How many times can I enter the Social Media Sweepstakes?
You can only win one pair of free tickets per eligible person in the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes period. Submission of additional entries by using multiple or different social media accounts or identities will result in the additional entries being discarded.
How will I know if I won the Social Media Sweepstakes?
Each winner will be notified by @RoadshowPBS direct message on Instagram about the status of their entry and the next steps to confirm how to get their tickets. Please make sure to check your Instagram direct messages on or around the notification date of February 23, 2026, as there is a limited time by which winners must retrieve their tickets.
See the Complete Rules page for more details.
Are the Social Media Sweepstakes tickets different from the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes tickets?
No. The ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Social Media Sweepstakes winners will receive the same general admission tickets as the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Ticket Sweepstakes winners who entered via the series website.
"PRODUCER PICKS" CONTEST
What is the Producer Picks Contest?
The Producer Picks Contest is a chance to receive a producer invitation to attend an ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 2026 Tour event based on submissions of stories and items that especially pique our interest. Producer Picks Contest winners will be selected based on the appeal to ANTIQUES ROADSHOW producers of the item(s) submitted. Up to 20 winners will be selected for each of our three 2026 Tour events. Producer Picks Contest winners will receive aninvitation to meet a producer at a specific time at the ROADSHOW event and bring the item for which they were selected. Each Producer Picks Contest winner may bring one guest to accompany them, and each may bring two items for appraisal. One item must be the item selected as a Producer Picks Contest winner). Please note that the item selected in the Producer Picks Contest will be appraised at the event as part of the producer invitation. Other items brought by the winner and their guest will be appraised in the regular event area and process.
See the Complete Contest Ticket Rules for more information.
How and when can I get Early Bird Tickets Contest tickets to an event?
The 2026 Producer Picks Contest entry deadline is Monday, April 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT. Producer Picks Contest submissions may be made after completing an ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 2026 Ticket Sweepstakes entry.
There are two ways to enter the Producer Picks Contest: a) After submitting your Ticket Sweepstakes entry, click the Producer Picks Contest Entry form link on the Sweepstakes confirmation page to get started right away; or, b) any time prior to the April 6 deadline, you can use the Producer Picks Contest link included in your ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes confirmation email. This will take you to the Producer Picks entry page. Either way, fill in the Producer Picks Contest entry form to tell us about your item and upload at least two (maximum of three) photos of your item(s). Your photos must be either JPG or PNG format and can be up to 10MB in size each.
If you win both the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes and the Producer Picks Contest, GBH will decide which winning entry (Sweepstakes or Contest) will be valid, and any other entry entries will thereafter be void.
How do I enter an ANTIQUES ROADSHOW event if I’m a Producer Picks Contest winner?
Producer Picks Contest winners will receive an invitation to meet a producer at a specific time at the ROADSHOW event and must bring the item for which they were selected. Each Producer Picks Contest winner may bring one guest to accompany them, and both the winner and their companion may bring two items for appraisal (including the one item selected as a Producer Picks Contest winner).
How many Producer Picks Contest winners will be selected?
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW may select up to 20 Producer Picks Contest winners. Producer Picks Contest winners are selected based on the appeal to ANTIQUES ROADSHOW producers of the item(s) submitted.
Will you confirm that you received my Producer Picks Contest submission ?
Yes. When you have successfully submitted your Producer Picks Contest submission online, you will receive an email acknowledgment of your submission. This email will also contain a link that you can use at any time to review your ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes entry and Producer Picks Contest submission(s).
See the Complete EBT Contest Rules for more information.
When does selection for winners of the Producer Picks Contest take place?
In mid-April 2026, eligible Producer Picks Contest submissions will be reviewed and up to 20 winners per event will be selected. Winners will be notified directly by ANTIQUES ROADSHOW and will receive an invitation to meet a producer at a specific time at the ROADSHOW event and must bring the item for which they won.
Will you contact me to tell me if I was or was not selected as a Producer Picks Contest winner?
Only winning Producer Picks Contest applicants will be notified, and they will be notified by ANTIQUES ROADSHOW about two or three weeks prior to the specific event for which the Producer Picks Contest submission was made too.
IIf I won a Producer Picks Contest ticket but haven't received arrival details from ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, what should I do?
If you were notified that you have been selected as a Producer’s Picks Contest winner but haven’t heard from an ANTIQUES ROADSHOW representative please email antiques_roadshow@wgbh.org or contact GBH Member & Development Services at feedback@wgbh.org or at (617) 300-5400 (M-F, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET) for further instructions.
ATTENDING THE EVENT
What time does the event begin?
All 2026 Tour events will begin at 7:30 AM. All ticketholders will be admitted every thirty-minutes according to the time on your ticket, and items will be appraised all day. When entering the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sweepstakes, you may specify whether you prefer a morning, midday, or afternoon entrance time, and if you are selected for tickets, we will try to accommodate your request.
If you are a Producer Picks Contest winner, you will receive specific time and arrival details from ANTIQUES ROADSHOW.
There are 19 entrance time slots for the events:
- Morning — 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM
- Midday — 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 noon, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM
- Afternoon — 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM
What time will the event end?
The last entrance time of the day is 4:30 PM. The event will end when all ticketholders in line have been given their appraisals.
Once I have my ticket, what time should I arrive?
Please arrive at the venue no earlier than 30 minutes before the time on your ticket.
Can I enter the event earlier than the time on my ticket?
No, we do not allow entry into the appraisal area before the time on your ticket.
Can I arrive later than the time on my ticket?
Please plan to be at the event at the time specified on your ticket. However, if you miss your entrance time, you may join the end of the line. Doors to the event will close at 5:00 PM. Note that Producer Picks Contest winners will receive separate instructions on how and when to enter the event.
Where can I get event directions and parking information?
Driving and parking directions for the 2026 events will be available on the 2026 Tour Event pages, via our On Tour section starting in late-April 2026. Just follow the link to the page for the specific event that you'll be attending.
I have a ticket and want to bring a large and/or heavy item. What's the best way to get it into the event?
At each event, there will be a drop-off area for heavy items. You will need to drop off your item and then park in the regular guest parking area. You will need another ticket holder to stay with your item since we cannot be responsible for its safety.
Will anyone at the event help me carry or move my large or heavy items?
No. We cannot assist you in carrying or moving large or heavy items at the event. You will need to carry or maneuver your item yourself at the event, including on grassy and other surfaces and inclines both indoors and outdoors.
Can I bring a cart or dolly to transport my item at the event?
If permitted at the event you are attending, you may bring a cart or dolly, with non-metal wheels. Depending on the event layout, your item (and any cart or dolly) may have to fit through narrow doorways, or require use of an escalator or elevator. (Please check the relevant city page for more information)
Please note: In some locations, you may be parking in a remote parking lot with shuttle service to the event venue. Your items will need to fit through the shuttle vehicle door. For details about doorways, walking surfaces, shuttles and other information, please review the event page for the location you will be attending.Also, please see above for large or heavy items.
Will I have to wait in line?
Yes, you will likely have to stand and wait in line for a period of time. Please wear comfortable shoes as many venues have various surfaces, including concrete, grass, stairs, and inclines.
Do you provide chairs for people while they wait?
There is a limited number of chairs at the event. Feel free to use the chairs, but please do not move them. If you or your companion has difficulty standing for long periods of time, please bring a small, lightweight portable chair or wheelchair.
Is there any way I can avoid waiting in line?
No. Unfortunately, with very few special exceptions, everyone must wait in line at ANTIQUES ROADSHOW events.
Will the event facility be wheelchair-accessible?
Yes. All events are wheelchair-accessible.
Does everyone who comes to the event receive an appraisal?
Yes. All ticket holders may bring two items for appraisal (and must bring at least one item) and will receive a free, verbal approximation of value for each item, regardless of whether or not they are selected by the producer to be recorded for television.
Can I observe the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW event without bringing an item for appraisal?
No. We cannot allow you to enter the event unless you have a ticket and have brought an item for an appraisal.
Can children attend the event?
Yes, children are welcome at ANTIQUES ROADSHOW. Children 12 and under do not need a ticket to attend, but all children under 18 years old must be accompanied by a ticketholding parent or legal guardian. You must be at least 18 years old to enter to win tickets (or the age of majority in the jurisdiction in which you live and of the event, whichever is older). A parent or guardian may apply on behalf of their child or ward. No more than two children under 13 may accompany an adult. Children 13 and over must have a ticket to attend.
Can I bring an antique sword or knife for appraisal?
Yes, where permitted by law, but please note that any swords, knives or sharp items must be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury.
Can I bring an antique firearm for appraisal?
Yes, although ANTIQUES ROADSHOW will only appraise firearms that are both antique and unloaded.
Please Note:
- Even if a firearm is deemed to be antique under federal law (such as a firearm manufactured prior to 1898 and for which ammunition is no longer available or manufactured), it remains subject to the laws of the local jurisdiction.
- Possession and transport of firearms are subject to federal, state, and local laws.
- It is your responsibility to know, understand, and comply with all such laws and ordinances.
- ANTIQUES ROADSHOW reserves the right to admit or deny any firearm and its owner, at our discretion, in consultation with local law enforcement personnel and venue management.
- All firearms must be checked by security personnel before entering the event.
- Please leave all ammunition at home, as we do not appraise ammunition of any kind, and you will not be allowed to bring it into the event.
- Use of trigger locks is required on all firearms, where possible, and we reserve the right to attach one to your firearm while it is at the appraisal event.
- Everyone entering the event is subject to search, for any reason.
For more important information, please see the Complete Rules.
May I bring my non-antique, modern firearm to ANTIQUES ROADSHOW?
No. Modern firearms are not allowed at ANTIQUES ROADSHOW events. Only law enforcement officials will be permitted to carry modern firearms at ANTIQUES ROADSHOW events. For more important information, please see the Complete Rules.
For your safety and security, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW provides private security and police at all times at production events. All guests entering the event are subject to search and ANTIQUES ROADSHOW may deny entry to anyone for any reason, including those with concealed or visible modern firearms.
APPRAISALS AT A ROADSHOW EVENT
Do you need to know what items I plan to bring to the event?
No. Each ticket holder can bring two items (and must bring at least one item). Except for our Producer Picks Contest winners (who are selected by ANTIQUES ROADSHOW producers to bring specific items), ANTIQUES ROADSHOW does not prescreen items brought to the event.
Can you make recommendations about which items I should bring?
No. ANTIQUES ROADSHOW cannot recommend what items you should bring to the event. We simply suggest that you choose items that you would like to learn more about. Before deciding what to bring, you may like to check out our interactive feature Things We Commonly See at ROADSHOW.
Is there a cost to receive an appraisal at the event?
No. Every ticket holder will receive a free verbal appraisal for up to two items at the event.
Can I get a written appraisal?
No. ANTIQUES ROADSHOW only gives verbal approximations of value at our events and does not give written appraisals.
How many items can I bring?
Each ticket holder may bring two items to the event.
If I have a ticket, do I have to bring an item?
Yes, each ticketholder must bring at least one item and no more than two items to the event. Producer Pick Contest winners must bring the item that was chosen by ANTIQUES ROADSHOW and may bring one other item for appraisal.
Can I bring a collection of items?
Yes, a collection of very closely related items may be considered one item. If we determine that what you have brought does not constitute a collection, you will be asked to select just one item from your collection for appraisal.
If we determine that what you have brought is a collection, we may ask you to select one or two items from your collection as a guide for valuing the overall collection.
You may also bring any supporting documents associated with an item (i.e., photographs, family notes, legal documents), as these may help our appraisers provide you with more information about your item.
What size items can I bring?
You must be able to carry the item(s) to and from the event, as well as throughout the event. In some venues, you may have to carry your item on an escalator or in a passenger elevator. In some locations dollies and carts are not permitted, and/or your item must fit through a shuttle vehicle door for a short ride to the appraisal venue. You must be able to carry or maneuver your item yourself at the event, including indoors and outdoors on grassy and other surfaces and inclines. Please check specific venue information for the event to which you have tickets regarding carrying your items.
How many appraisers will you have at the event?
We will have about 65 appraisers at each event, covering over 23 different categories.
Which appraisers will be at each event?
Our roster of appraisers is subject to change until the day of the event. A list of appraisers will be available at the event.
Will you have a specialist for the item(s) I bring?
We staff each event with about 65 appraisers who cover a wide variety of categories. Although occasionally our experts are stumped, most often they'll be able to answer your questions.
Are there any items you do not appraise?
Yes. We do not appraise vehicles, stamps, stock certificates, paper currency, coins, bicycles, fossils, glass fire extinguishers, ammunition, explosives, or any other hazardous materials.
Can I bring ivory or rhinoceros horn items?
We will not appraise or record items that are largely or completely made of elephant ivory or rhinoceros horn. There may be occasional exceptions for items with a small amount of ivory, such as antique musical instruments or decorative arts where the ivory is minimal or incidental.
Do I have to own the item(s) I bring in order to get an appraisal?
No, you do not have to own the item(s) you bring in order to receive an appraisal from our experts. However, our producers can only consider an item for recording if its owner is present.
Do I have to own the item(s) I bring in order to be considered for recording?
Yes. Our producers can only consider an item for recording if its owner is present at the event.
Can I contact a ROADSHOW appraiser prior to or after the event to see if they would be interested in my item(s)?
Yes, but if you contact a ROADSHOW appraiser before the event regarding item(s) you plan to bring to the event, then we will not consider the item(s) for recording GBH is not responsible for any business or interaction you have with an ANTIQUES ROADSHOW appraiser prior to, during, or subsequent to the event. You may not conduct any antiques or collectible business at the event. Purchase or sale of antiques at the Event is strictly prohibited.
May I bring a camera or tape recorder to the event?
Yes, you may use cameras, audio recorders, or smartphones in designated areas. However, outside the designated areas, you may not record anything, including by video, audio, or still photography, of your appraisal, the appraisals of other guests, or any other appraisal being filmed by ANTIQUES ROADSHOW.
How long is the wait to see an appraiser?
Our experts see hundreds of people per hour. Some categories are busier than others, and this varies from event to event. The best advice we can give is that you should come prepared to wait. This way, you can relax and enjoy yourself.
Can I sell my item at the show?
No, you may not buy or sell any item at ANTIQUES ROADSHOW appraisal events. No appraiser may conduct or solicit business with you at the event. ANTIQUES ROADSHOW may eject or deny entry to attendees who attempt to buy or sell items.
Can I talk to an appraiser at the event about buying or selling an item?
No, although you may contact an appraiser at a later date if you wish. As well as the information on our website, there will be appraiser contact information available at the exit of each event and in the event guide. If you contact a ROADSHOW appraiser before the event regarding the item(s) you plan to bring to the event, then we will not consider the item(s) for recording, and GBH is not responsible for any business or interaction you have with an ANTIQUES ROADSHOW appraiser prior to, during, or subsequent to the event.
Can I get an appraisal online or from photos I mail to ANTIQUES ROADSHOW?
No, we only appraise items in person, at ANTIQUES ROADSHOW appraisal events. Our experts donate their time for each appraisal event and do not work at the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW production office. If you cannot attend one of our events, visit our Appraisers section to learn more about the experts who are featured on the show.
Can you recommend an appraiser for me?
No, we cannot recommend individual appraisers or companies. However, you may use our online Appraisers section to find experts in many specialty categories, or someone specific that you've seen on the show.
Do you give out appraisers' telephone numbers and addresses?
At the event, you will receive a list of appraisers and may also pick up appraisers' business cards. For information online, visit our Appraisers section.
Do I have to talk with the press at the event if approached?
We are happy that members of the press will be at our events to report on our show. Members of the press will be accompanied by an ANTIQUES ROADSHOW press escort. If asked, you are free to provide an interview, but are under no obligation to do so. If interviewed, we ask that you identify yourself to press by your first name only.
When will the shows you record at 2026 events be available to stream or watch on TV?
Appraisals recorded during the 2026 Tour will be part of ANTIQUES ROADSHOW's 31st broadcast season, premiering in January 2027 nationally on PBS, on this website, and via the PBS app.
