MrBallen
Tour

MrBallen: From Navy SEAL to Storytelling Sensation

Jonathan Bartlett Allen was born and raised in Quincy, Massachusetts. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he enlisted in the United States Navy with the goal of becoming a SEAL. He completed the grueling BUD/S training program and was assigned to SEAL Team Two in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 2012. Allen deployed to Afghanistan and later to South America during his years of active service. In 2014, during a mission in Afghanistan, his team was ambushed and a grenade detonated near Allen, sending shrapnel into his hips and legs. The injuries were severe enough that he was medically retired from the Navy in 2017. That event, and the long recovery that followed, set the stage for an entirely different career — one that would make him one of the most recognized voices in true crime and mystery storytelling.

Allen launched his YouTube channel under the name MrBallen in 2020, initially posting outdoor and survival-themed content before pivoting to the storytelling format that would define his brand. His approach was simple but devastatingly effective: stand in front of the camera, make eye contact, and tell a true story in vivid, cinematic detail, building suspense with the instincts of a novelist and the calm authority of a combat veteran. The formula connected immediately. Within a few years, his channel had surpassed 10 million subscribers, making him one of the most-watched creators in the true crime and mystery space. His most popular videos have accumulated hundreds of millions of views, and his storytelling style — empathetic, detailed, and relentlessly suspenseful — has earned him a reputation as the best storyteller on the internet.

In February 2022, Allen expanded his reach with the launch of the MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories, which quickly climbed to number one on Spotify's True Crime Podcasts chart. That same year, he co-founded Ballen Studios with CEO Nick Witters, establishing a production company that would handle podcast production, television development, book publishing, and live events. The podcast was initially licensed exclusively to Amazon Music as part of a multi-year deal, though it has since become freely available across all major platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts. Allen also published a bestselling book, MrBallen Presents: Strange, Dark & Mysterious, further cementing his position as one of the most versatile creators in digital media. Additionally, the MrBallen Foundation provides financial assistance to the families of first responders and military personnel who have been injured or killed in the line of duty.

The Strange, Dark & Mysterious Live Tour brings all of this to the stage in a way that no screen can replicate. The 2026 tour hits 10 cities across the United States, visiting some of the most iconic and atmospheric theaters in the country: the Paramount Theatre in Seattle (2,807 seats, opened 1928), SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento, The United Theater on Broadway in Los Angeles (a restored 1927 movie palace), San Diego Civic Theatre, Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis (a 1921 vaudeville house), The Chicago Theatre (3,600 seats, a national landmark since 1921), Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit (the world's largest Masonic Temple), Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center in Red Bank, Warner Theatre in Washington D.C., and Chevalier Theatre in Medford, Massachusetts. These are exactly the kind of atmospheric, history-rich venues where MrBallen's stories hit hardest — ornate, dimly lit theaters where every creak and shadow adds to the experience.

For fans who have spent years watching MrBallen on their phones and laptops, the live show offers something entirely new: the chance to sit in a room full of people who share your obsession with the strange, dark, and mysterious, and experience a story together in real time. The energy of a live MrBallen show is electric — gasps, nervous laughter, pin-drop silence, and the communal thrill of being genuinely unsettled alongside hundreds of strangers. It is the kind of experience that turns casual viewers into lifelong fans, and it is available at every stop on this 10-city run.

How to Buy MrBallen Live Tour Tickets

Where can I buy MrBallen tour tickets?

Tickets may be available through venue box offices and authorized primary sellers like Ticketmaster. You can also check the Ballen Studios website for official tour information and links. Verified resale tickets are available on BigStub, a trusted third-party marketplace with no hidden fees, a buyer guarantee, and over 20 years of experience in the ticket resale industry.

What is the MrBallen Strange, Dark & Mysterious Live Tour schedule?

The 2026 tour features 10 dates across two legs. The summer West Coast leg runs June 19 through June 28, hitting Seattle, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The fall East Coast and Midwest leg runs October 1 through October 10, visiting Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Red Bank, Washington D.C., and Medford. Check the event listings above for exact dates and showtimes.

What should I expect at a MrBallen live show?

The Strange, Dark & Mysterious Live Tour is a full theatrical storytelling experience. MrBallen performs his signature true crime and mystery narratives live on stage with immersive production elements, audience interaction, and the kind of suspenseful delivery that has made him one of the most-watched creators on the internet. The shows take place in historic, atmospheric theaters that enhance the mood of the stories. Expect to be on the edge of your seat for the entire performance.

Are resale MrBallen tickets legitimate?

Yes, when purchased through a verified marketplace like BigStub. Every ticket sold on BigStub is verified before the transaction is completed, and each purchase is backed by a buyer guarantee with dedicated customer service. BigStub has been in the ticket resale business for over 20 years and carries the highest Trustpilot rating in the industry.

What if I can no longer attend my MrBallen show?

Reputable resale platforms like BigStub allow sellers to list verified tickets for events they can no longer attend. This gives fans a safe and transparent way to transfer tickets to someone who will use them. Always use a verified marketplace to ensure the buyer receives valid, authentic tickets.

MrBallen Strange, Dark & Mysterious Live Tour FAQ

Who is MrBallen?

MrBallen is the online name of Jonathan Bartlett Allen, a former U.S. Navy SEAL turned internet storyteller. He is known for his true crime, mystery, and paranormal stories on YouTube (10+ million subscribers) and his chart-topping MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories.

What is the Strange, Dark & Mysterious Live Tour?

It is MrBallen's 2026 live tour, featuring 10 shows across the United States from June through October. Each show is a theatrical storytelling experience where MrBallen performs his signature true crime and mystery narratives live on stage with immersive production elements.

Was MrBallen really a Navy SEAL?

Yes. Jonathan Allen served with SEAL Team Two in Virginia Beach after graduating from UMass Amherst and completing BUD/S training. He deployed to Afghanistan and South America before being medically retired in 2017 after a grenade attack left shrapnel in his hips and legs.

What cities is MrBallen visiting on this tour?

The 2026 tour visits Seattle, Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego, Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Red Bank (New Jersey), Washington D.C., and Medford (Massachusetts).

What venues is MrBallen performing at?

Venues include Paramount Theatre in Seattle, SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento, The United Theater on Broadway in Los Angeles, San Diego Civic Theatre, Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, The Chicago Theatre, Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Count Basie Center in Red Bank, Warner Theatre in Washington D.C., and Chevalier Theatre in Medford.

What is the MrBallen Podcast?

The MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories launched in February 2022 and quickly reached number one on Spotify's True Crime Podcasts chart. It features the same storytelling style as MrBallen's YouTube channel and is available on all major podcast platforms.

What is Ballen Studios?

Ballen Studios is the production company co-founded by MrBallen (Jonathan Allen) and CEO Nick Witters. The company handles podcast production, live events, television development, book publishing, and other content ventures.

Has MrBallen written a book?

Yes, MrBallen published MrBallen Presents: Strange, Dark & Mysterious, a bestselling book that brings his signature storytelling to the printed page with true crime and mystery narratives.

What is the MrBallen Foundation?

The MrBallen Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to the families of first responders and military personnel who have been injured or killed in the line of duty.

Where can I buy MrBallen tour tickets?

Tickets may be available through venue box offices, Ticketmaster, and the Ballen Studios website. Verified resale tickets are also available on BigStub, which offers no hidden fees, a buyer guarantee, and the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry.

Are MrBallen live shows appropriate for all ages?

MrBallen's content deals with true crime, mystery, and sometimes disturbing subject matter. While specific age restrictions vary by venue, the material is generally geared toward adult audiences. Check the venue or event page for any posted age guidelines.

How long is a MrBallen live show?

Exact show lengths have not been officially announced, but MrBallen's live performances typically run between 90 minutes and two hours. Check with the specific venue for the most accurate schedule and any intermission information.