The Blue Gate Performing Arts Center is a 1,500-seat concert hall in Shipshewana, in the heart of LaGrange County’s Amish country. It books national touring acts most weeks of the year, leaning toward country, bluegrass, Southern gospel, classic rock and oldies, with tribute shows and a long Christmas season mixed in. Locals and ticket sites often just call it the Blue Gate or the Blue Gate Theatre.
Quick Facts
- Where: 760 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, IN 46565 (LaGrange County)
- Music: Touring country, bluegrass, Southern gospel, classic rock, oldies and tribute acts
- Live music: Concerts most weeks of the year, often several nights a week
- Seats: 1,500
- Doors: One hour before showtime
- Ages: Guests under 16 must stay with a parent, guardian or responsible adult for the whole visit. Guests 16 and older may attend on their own.
- Drinks: Beer and wine at most concerts (two-drink limit), plus concessions. No outside food or drinks.
- Parking: Free
- Access: ADA seating is reserved for guests who need it, and free wheelchair escorts are available on request.
- Box office: (260) 768-4725, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern
- Website: thebluegate.com
What to Expect
Blue Gate lists its ticket prices before tax and fees, so the total at checkout will be higher than the number on the show page. All sales are final, so double-check the date before you buy. Backpacks are not allowed, and purses that are not clear are searched at the door. Still photos without flash are allowed at most shows, but video on a phone is not.
If you are making a night of it, Blue Gate sells dining packages that add the buffet at its Blue Gate Restaurant to a show ticket.
Good to Know
Three rooms in Shipshewana carry the Blue Gate name, so check your ticket before you head out. This page covers the Performing Arts Center on South Van Buren Street, where nearly all the big concerts happen. The smaller Blue Gate Music Hall, with about 300 seats, is upstairs in the Blue Gate Restaurant on North Van Buren Street. It mostly hosts resident shows and stage musicals, and its doors open 30 minutes before showtime. The Michiana Event Center on East Farver Street hosts rodeos and other large events.
This week’s Blue Gate concerts are in our weekly guide to live music in Indiana. For more in the region, see live music in Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana and our country and Americana guide, or browse the full venue guide.
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