The Academy of Country Music has nominated the Blue Gate Theatre for Theater of the Year as part of the upcoming 61st ACM Awards.

The nomination puts the Shipshewana venue alongside some of the most iconic stages in country music, including the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium.

This marks the second time the Blue Gate Theatre has received the honor, reflecting its continued growth and recognition as a leading mid-sized venue in the country.

The 1,500-seat theater has become a major destination for live entertainment in northern Indiana, hosting hundreds of performances each year. Its lineup regularly features well-known country acts such as Lady A, Trace Adkins, Alison Krauss, Little Big Town, Sara Evans, Dwight Yoakam, and Ricky Skaggs, among others.

In addition to its performances, the venue features an extensive collection of artist memorabilia from performers who have appeared on its stage.