Frequently Asked Questions

Ticketing

Hours of Operation

Our Main Box Office is open Monday through Saturday: 10am to 7pm EST | By Phone or In-Person

PAC Box Office Window is open Monday through Saturday at 10am, and closes at 5pm EST on non-show days

We are closed on Sundays

Online Sales are 24hrs a day / 7 days a week

On evenings there are shows outside of our business hours, the venue box office stays open until showtime, or just after intermission.

General Information

Our Musical Plays typically run 2 hours and 30 minutes and have an intermission about halfway through.

Our Tribute & Variety Shows typically run 90 minutes with no intermission.

Our Headlining Concerts last anywhere from 75 minutes to 2 hours or more, depending on the artists’ preference. These shows occasionally include some type of break or intermission and may or may not have a support act.

Once a show has been marked as “Sold Out”, our waitlist for that show is activated. Some, but not all shows may have a block of tickets open, and these seats can open with little to no notice prior to the show. Seats may become available within any of our multiple price points and may not necessarily be together.

When seats do open, BGT will begin contacting those who have joined the waitlist by the date & time of their submission. The first point of contact is by phone, and then by email. It is important to have the best contact number listed. From the time BGT initially contacts the guest, it will be the guest’s responsibility to get back to BGT within 15 minutes before we move on to the next guest’s name on the list. We will only attempt to contact waitlist guests up until 1.5 hours from scheduled show time on the day of the show.

By adding yourself to our waitlists, you agree that BGT can contact you with little to no notice before the show and you agree to pay whatever price point becomes available.

Waitlist is reserved for new sales only. If you already purchased tickets and are looking to upgrade, you will not be added.

Signing up for our waitlists is easy! Once a show has been marked as “Sold Out”, our waitlist for that show is activated. To sign up online, simply click “Join Waitlist” on that shows event page, read the “How it Works” before filling out the short form, and click “Submit”! You may also call to be added and any of our box office associates can assist you.

No. Any free tickets given are considered a gift from Blue Gate for that show specifically and cannot be exchanged. Free tickets are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash value.

In addition - By accepting any free gift offered by Blue Gate, you acknowledge and agree that Blue Gate is not obligated to honor the free gift in the event of unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to the cancellation of the show or the inability of the scheduled guest to attend. Acceptance of the free gift constitutes agreement to release Blue Gate from any liability or obligation regarding the provision of the gift under such circumstances.

When purchasing tickets for someone else as a gift, it is beneficial for you to attach the giftee’s name to the ticket sale. You may do this online in the notes section before completing the sale, or simply call our box office to speak with an associate.

As BGT will only deal with the guest whose name and information are attached to the ticket account, this simple step will help us, them, and you to not have any issues.

Ticket Purchases

You can purchase tickets by phone, in-person or online through our website.

260.768.4725 | www.TheBlueGate.com

Our Main Box Office has an office located at the Performing Arts Center & a service desk on the second floor of the Blue Gate Restaurant.

Yes. However, small children (0-4) who sit on a lap do not need a ticket.

Yes! We do offer group rates for groups of 12 or more. Just contact our Group Hospitality Department to handle the booking.

Our service fee is a low, all-inclusive charge per ticket to help cover venue labor, operating, and administrative costs to host a successful show. This fee is required on all ticket purchases and cannot be avoided no matter how you choose to order & purchase your tickets.

The good news is that we don’t charge any other fees like other ticketing platforms or venues do – i.e. convenience fees, delivery fees (unless mailed), booking fees, transaction or payment fees, maintenance fees, etc.

Dining is at our Blue Gate Restaurant | 195 N Van Buren St. Shipshewana, IN 46565

Both Dinner-Theatre Package holders and walk-in customers are strongly encouraged to arrive to dine no later than 2 hours prior to show time or you may choose to eat after the show if you are attending a matinee. The Blue Gate Restaurant is on a first-come, first-serve basis, even for ticket holders. No reservations or call ahead are accepted. No refunds are given for any unused dining packages. Just save your tickets and use them for dining the next time you visit Shipshewana!

On occasion, dining may be moved to the Performing Arts Center. In those cases, dining package holders will be notified by email of the change in dining location up to 2 weeks prior to show date.

Ticket & Payment Policy

All ticket sales are final & non-refundable once charged.

To ensure guests are purchasing valid tickets to our events, they need to make sure they are using our Official Blue Gate Box Office Only! Tickets to all Blue Gate Theatre performances are available exclusively through Blue Gate Theatre Box Office or online at www.thebluegate.com, which is hosted through a certified ticketing system called Center Stage Ticketing.

When buying tickets online, Ticket Scalpers purchase tickets the same way that other guests can purchase them, and then they generally charge exorbitant mark ups on a different website. Buying from ticket brokers, a third party, or the secondary market does not necessarily give you better seating or a better deal, even when they’re following federal regulations.

In addition to paying much more than necessary, if there is a problem with the order (such as counterfeit tickets or lack of ticket arrival), and the guest purchased tickets from any site other than www.thebluegate.com, Blue Gate Theatre cannot help them. Furthermore, in the event of show time changes, cancellations, etc., BGT will not be able to notify guests of any important show-related items that may occur.

Tickets are only transferrable one time to an event or show that is playing multiple times or dates, i.e. Musicals, Tributes/Variety shows, etc., & subject to availability. Single date shows and/or concerts are not eligible for this transfer exception. Guests would be responsible for any upgrade costs associated with transfer, and this option is not available on the day of show. One exchange/transfer per sale, per event.

Seat exchanges are allowed one time only. If a guest sees seats that they prefer at the same price or higher for their event, guest has to call and pay the difference, if any. One exchange/transfer per sale, per event. Furthermore, BGT reserves the right to move your seats as deemed necessary with notification of such action.

Ticket refunds and cancellations are not accepted, and exchanges cannot be made on the day of show.

If agreed by manager to accept a cancellation reason, Cancellation fee is $20 per ticket and issued on a Blue Gate Gift Card. Non-negotiable unless otherwise directed by a manager.

In the event a show is cancelled or re-scheduled, Blue Gate Theatre will contact all ticket holders by email, phone or letter and provide several options for the value of their tickets, including all fees (except shipping fees). Refunds are always an option when a show is cancelled or rescheduled.

Payment for tickets is at the point of sale. If a credit card isn't available, customers may call the Box Office and send a check (if it is received at least a week before show), but NO SEATS WILL BE RESERVED until payment has been received.

All sales are final and non-refundable. No exceptions. Blue Gate is not responsible for any duplicate transactions made by guests in error, particularly ticket sales purchased online. When looking for confirmations, be sure to check email spam folders. Should there be any question on whether a ticket sale went through or not, please call our Box Office before attempting to purchase again.

Cancellation Policy

All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. No exceptions.

For Musical Plays, Variety Shows or any other event playing over multiple dates or times, guests will be allowed a one-time transfer option to another date scheduled during the run of that same show, subject to availability. Guests would be responsible for paying any upgrade costs associated with this transfer. This option is not available on the day of show.

Single date shows and/or concerts are not eligible for this transfer exception.

BGT will only deal with the guest whose name and information are attached to the ticket account, no one else.

We do not refund tickets or exchange tickets for a different event.

However, if you see seats you prefer that are the same price or higher for your purchased event, call 260.768.4725 to exchange the ones you have and just pay the difference, if any. One exchange per sale, per event.

BGT will only deal with the guest whose name and information are attached to the ticket account, no one else.

Blue Gate Musicals, Variety & Tribute Shows – On the slight chance we do cancel a show due to bad weather, ticket holders will be notified, and a message will be posted on our website. Ticket holders will have the option of exchanging their tickets for another date during the run of that same show.

Signature and Classic Concerts – If the artist/band arrives at the Blue Gate, the show will go on as scheduled and tickets will remain non-refundable and non-exchangeable. If the artist/band is unable to make it, and we cancel or reschedule the show, ticket holders will be notified, and a message will be posted on our website.

If a show is canceled - We'll contact you at the phone number or email you provided on your account and offer several options for the value of your tickets, including all fees (except mailing or shipping fees). Options often include upgrades to better seats for similar shows or multiple show tickets. Full refunds are always an option when a show is canceled, and issued to the original payment method, including all fees (except mailing or shipping fees). Processing can take up to 10-14 business days.

If a show is rescheduled - We'll contact you by email and/or phone number provided on account with the new date and time ASAP. Can't make it? Refer to the email sent or call us for your refund options. Refunds can only be requested during a grace period of 10 business days from the date of the reschedule notice. After this period, all sales become final as before and the normal cancellation policy back in place. Failure to respond to these notices within the 10-day grace period will be considered a confirmation of the rescheduled date and the sale will become final as before.

Exceptions to the Refund & Exchange Policy include VIP and other premium tickets; resale and auction tickets; tickets purchased with additional items or bundled products and tickets later discounted.

Venues & Policies

Venue Information

BGT has two (2) venues – Blue Gate Music Hall & Blue Gate Performing Arts Center.

Our Blue Gate Performing Arts Center is our main concert venue and hosts our big headlining concerts in a wide variety of genres – Country, Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Rock, Tributes, and more! Formerly known as Shipshewana Event Center and renovated in 2019, this venue offers our guests the best concert-going experience – fan-shaped seating chart, no steps or restricted views, elevated rows, plenty of leg room, and state-of-the-art sound and lights! Blue Gate PAC was nominated by ACM in 2021 for Venue of the Year and continues to deliver as a top destination for concerts in Indiana & worldwide! Shows are scheduled for this venue each week, typically on weekends (Thursday-Saturday).

Our Blue Gate Music Hall is the original venue for BGT and hosts our musical plays (Blue Gate Musicals), variety shows, tribute shows, and smaller concerts. It is only 11 rows deep, providing an intimate experience, well designed for viewing and acoustics. Shows for this venue are scheduled six (6) days a week, Monday through Saturday at various times.

Blue Gate Performing Arts Center can seat 1,500 people.

Blue Gate Music Hall can seat 315 people.

To view seating charts for our venues, click here.

Blue Gate Performing Arts Center | 760 S Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN 46565

Located right next door to our hotel, Blue Gate Garden Inn


Blue Gate Music Hall | 195 N Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN 46565

Located on the second floor of the Blue Gate Restaurant

The host venue for specific shows is clearly listed on our website and printed brochures, and on tickets (once purchased), along with venue address.

We always recommend arriving early for seating & concessions.

For shows at the Performing Arts Center – Doors open one (1) hour prior to the show.

For shows at the Music Hall – Doors open thirty (30) minutes prior to the show.

Yes! We do have a bar that serves beer & wine at most of our concerts.

Hours of service depend on show schedule, but our bar is typically open for at least 90 minutes once doors open.

Guests are limited to a maximum 2 drinks per person each visit, and you may not take it outside of the venue for any reason.

We offer a variety of refreshments & snacks at our concessions – including fresh popcorn, specialty popcorn, box candy, chocolate candies, pretzels, bottled water & soft drinks.

Yes, we have free parking at both venues!

Venue Policies

Our policies on bags/purses vary depending on the venue:

    Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
  • For safety & efficiency, we recommend entering the venue without a bag or purse.
  • If essential items beyond a wallet are needed, we encourage you to bring them in a small, clear purse. All non-clear purses will be searched, and this will be enforced upon entry.
  • No backpacks, large tote or duffel bags of any sort will be allowed in our venues.
  • Exemptions being medical/prescription bags, affixed bags on wheelchairs and/or scooters, and diapers bags for small children, which will still be searched prior to entry.
  • All bags, purses, or prohibited items found that do not meet our standards will have to be discarded or returned to your vehicle and you will lose your place in line. We are not responsible for holding them for you until the end of the show.
  • In any case, all belongings are always subject to search by staff or security if deemed necessary.
    Blue Gate Music Hall
  • No backpacks of any sort will be allowed in our venues.
  • For safety & efficiency, No large bags or purses over 10”H x 14”W x 4”D are permitted within the venue. Clear bags are preferred but not required.
  • Exemption being medical/prescription bags, affixed bags on wheelchairs and/or scooters, and diapers bags for small children, which will still be subject to search prior to entry.
  • Any retail or bakery shopping bags will have to be kept at the Courtesy Desk for pick up after the show.
  • All bags, purses, or prohibited items that do not meet our standards will have to be discarded or returned to your vehicle and you will lose your place in line. We are not responsible for holding them for you until the end of the show.
  • In any case, all belongings are always subject to search by staff or management if deemed necessary.

Yes, the following items are prohibited:

  • Outside Food, Candy, and Beverage, including alcohol
  • Weapons - guns, knives, pepper spray, mace, projectiles of any kind, or any other item that could be used to inflict harm
  • Replicas of any type of weapon are NOT permitted
  • Flammable liquids
  • Drugs or drug paraphernalia, no illegal substances of any kind
  • Tobacco products, including vapes
  • Fireworks, pyrotechnics, flares, or incendiary devices
  • Over-sized purses (exceeds 14”Hx14”W), tote bags & duffel bags
  • Backpacks
  • Laser pointers
  • Professional cameras, audio or video recording devices/equipment – including detachable lenses, tripods, zooms, or commercial use rigs
  • Glass
  • Air horns
  • Banners, posters, signs, flags
  • Gifts
  • Noisemakers
  • Laptops/Tablets/Ipads
  • Pets, including comfort or emotional support animals - (service dogs exempt and screened)

Guests with prohibited articles will be turned away at the entrances to return items to their vehicle or to dispose of them. No storage or “check-in area” will be provided. Unattended items left outside venue doors will be discarded to ensure guest safety.

*This list is not all-inclusive and may change or be updated at any time without notice at the discretion of venue management. Venue management reserves the right to deny any item it deems to be a safety hazard or distraction for guests.

BGT takes the safety of all our guests, volunteers, staff, and artists very seriously. Many of our fellow performing arts centers across the U.S. have also instituted these practices. Additionally, more and more of our artists now require venues to implement enhanced security practices for the protection of their audiences and performers. While BGT respects your Constitutional right to bear arms, we ask that you respect BGT’s right to restrict the presence of weapons on BGT property.

The Blue Gate Theatre is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable entertainment experience for all of our patrons. Guests have a right to expect an environment where:

  • Guests will be treated in a consistent, professional, and courteous manner by all Theatre personnel.
  • Guests will assist in creating a safe and enjoyable environment by reporting inappropriate behavior to an Usher, Staff, Security Officer, or Venue Manager.
  • Guests will comply with requests from venue staff and security regarding facility operations and emergency response procedures.
  • Guests will sit only in their ticketed seats and show their tickets when requested.
  • Guests will consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner and in compliance with the law.
  • Guests who engage in fighting, throwing objects, using foul/abusive language or gestures, attempting to enter restricted areas or engaging in other behavior detrimental to the experience of other guests will be immediately ejected from the venue.
  • Guests will not interfere with the event or performers in any way.
  • Guests will not smoke/vape anywhere inside the Theatre at any time.
  • Guests will wear a shirt, shoes, and lower garments at all times.
  • Guests will be considerate & respectful of others, including staff & fellow guests.

Your ticket is a revocable license exclusively valid for the event listed on the ticket and is additionally subject to full terms and conditions found at https://www.thebluegate.com/shipshewana/blue-gate-theatre/refund_policy.php and additional terms that are listed on our FAQ page. Theatre Management reserves the right to revoke this license without refund for non-compliance with any of our Theatre terms and policies, as determined in the sole discretion of Theatre personnel.

Theatre staff may intervene where necessary to help ensure that the above expectations are met, and guests are encouraged to report any inappropriate behavior to the nearest usher, security guard, or staff member. Guests who choose not to adhere to these provisions may be subject to ejection without refund and, to the extent their conduct constitutes a violation of the law, may be subject to arrest and prosecution.

Standing & Dancing during a performance is not discouraged and is often encouraged not only by Blue Gate but by the artists themselves. Each show may be handled differently according to the artist’s request.

  • We, the venue, will not actively interfere with how guests choose to enjoy their concert experience, i.e., by making guests sit down or vice versa. The venue will only get involved otherwise if there is a security threat or issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Guests are not allowed to crowd, dance, or stand in front of the stage for any extended period, unless invited by the artist to do so. We do hold our guests to a certain Code of Conduct and ask all guests to please be considerate and respectful of others. If you choose to stand or dance for a duration of time while others around you are not, you may be asked to move off to the side, or the back of the auditorium. Failure to do so after being warned could result in removal without refund.

No! Blue Gate Theatre venues are all NON-SMOKING facilities, including vapes. Per state law, no smoking is permitted within 8ft of the building.

No. Outside food, candy, & beverages are not allowed within our venues. BGT venues offer concessions & refreshments for purchase.

No. Guests are required to present a ticket for re-entry. For security purposes, patrons are not permitted to leave and re-enter the venue without a valid show ticket.

Non-professional, non-flash, still photography is permitted at most events. However, for some events, at the request of the artist/performer, photography of any type may be prohibited. On show days, any adjusted policy will be announced at the start of the show.

Video and audio recording devices, flash photography, and professional photography equipment are not permitted without express written consent. Cell phone cameras are permitted, however, video recording using a cell phone camera or any type of mobile device is prohibited.

The Blue Gate Theatre reserves the right to confiscate any photo or recording device if policies are ignored. Patrons found possessing professional equipment, not expressly authorized, will be asked to leave their cameras in their vehicles or will otherwise be escorted from the venue. This policy will be strictly enforced, and management reserves the right to deny any electronic device at their discretion.

Accessibility

ADA seating is available at both of our venues and reserved for those who require it. Seating is easily accessible and convenient, and available at all price levels. If you select ADA seating, we will follow-up to validate the seats and seating accommodations. BGT reserves the right to move your seats if found that ADA is not required. For exact locations, please refer to our seating charts: https://www.thebluegate.com/shipshewana/blue-gate-theatre/seating/

No, however, we do have complimentary wheelchair escorts available on-site upon request & based on availability. This service is reserved to help those who need assistance or for emergency use. Please be aware that staff will not remain with you during event, nor will they allow you to remain in the wheelchair for the duration of show.

We are more than happy to assist ADA guests upon request.

Service dogs, as designated and outlined by ADA guidelines and Indiana Law, are permitted and will be screened before allowed entry into our venues. According to ADA - any papers, certifications, vests, badges, or any ID’s that indicate the dog is a service animal are not required and does not guarantee entry. Once permitted after screening, handler must have complete control of animal at all times and as these are working animals, they must be leashed, harnessed and not be distracted while within our facilities. Service dogs must not be placed in seats due to requirements of health and safety regulations.

All other animals – pets, emotional support, comfort or therapy animals - are not permitted and Blue Gate reserves the right under the law to exclude them.

Yes. Prescreening over the phone does not guarantee entry into the venue. The animal will be properly screened upon entry and permitted at manager discretion. According to ADA - any papers, certifications, vests, badges, or any ID’s that indicate the dog is a service animal are not required and does not guarantee entry.

Yes! Listening devices are available for the hearing impaired. This can be requested at the box office where they will ask for an ID to keep as a deposit, to be returned in exchange for the device.

Both of our venues are equipped with assistive listening devices for those who are hearing impaired. These devices deliver the live sound feed from the show into the headphones provided. If you would like to use one, this can be requested at our box office when you arrive for the show. We ask you to leave an ID while you have the device checked out.

Upon request, BGT can also hire an ASL Interpreter for a performance. Please contact jphillip@thebluegate.com no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled performance to request an ASL interpreter, or prior to booking your tickets.

BGT can accommodate those with vision impairments with closer seating when available. Contact our box office for information.