Beginning September 1, all Pabst Theater Group venues—Pabst Theater, Riverside Theater, Turner Hall Ballroom, and The Back Room @ Colectivo—will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours for all shows.

Masks will be encouraged, but not required.

“This isn’t a political statement,” reads a press release, “it’s recognition that the science is showing vaccines protect from the worst potential outcomes of getting COVID-19.”

PTG says it will provide ticket refunds or show vouchers if necessary. All shows before September 1 will adhere to COVID safety guidelines established by the artists.

The announcement comes two days after Summerfest announced a similar policy for its September festival. Smaller clubs like Cactus Club and The Cooperage also require proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results for their shows. Expect more soon.

More information on the PTG policy can be found HERE. Here’s the press release:


Updated COVID-19 Policy for Pabst Theater Group Venues

We’ve been closed for 17 months and want to do everything in our power to never experience a devastating shutdown like that ever again. We owe it to our employees, patrons, artists, and our community to use whatever safety tools we have, and at this point, our greatest measure is to ensure that all those in our venues either prove they’ve been fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test that’s been taken within 72 hours of the event. If this is an issue for a ticket buyer, we’ll provide them with a refund or a voucher for an upcoming show. This is effective starting September 1. Please bear with us as we try to ramp up our new safety measures for a September 1 start date. For events between now and September 1, please check the individual show pages for enhanced safety guidelines. We are pitching in and doing our part to help lessen the spread of COVID-19, so effective immediately our staff will be wearing masks at all shows. We encourage patrons to wear masks as well, and get vaccinated.

This isn’t a political statement; it’s recognition that the science is showing vaccines protect from the worst potential outcomes of getting COVID-19. We need to recognize that COVID-19 will not be completely eradicated, like the flu isn’t, but we can adapt to manage it so we can live our lives as safely as possible and protect those who aren’t eligible or able to be vaccinated. If you want to enjoy a performance with us and thousands of others, you will demonstrate you’ve protected yourself, the people around you, and the community by taking the vaccine, or if you’re ineligible or choose not to be vaccinated, prove that you do not have COVID-19 when you join us.

We want to celebrate life with you for years to come. Be Safe. Vaccinate.

Pabst Theater Group

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