Plan Your Visit

Thank you for your visit to downtown Elkhart

Our historic downtown area has a pulse on culture and history and a vibrant range of dining opportunities — from fine dining to casual family atmospheres, from friendly local pubs to quaint cafes.

Theatre Guidelines

Accessible Seating (ADA)

The Lerner Theatre has wheelchair accessible seating available for our patrons and their companions within our regular theatre seats in multiple sections on the Main Floor of the theatre. We have additional options for seating in Main, Left and Right, Row AA, that would not be limited by the dimensions of the patron’s mobility device. These seats are available for purchase, upon request, from The Lerner Box Office, either in person or via telephone.

There is no wheelchair accessible seating in the Balcony section of The Lerner Theatre.

 

Animals

Animals are not permitted in The Lerner Theatre. Exceptions include guide, sign or signal dogs to aide patrons with disabilities.

Bag Check Policy

Patron bags exceeding 14 inches by 14 inches (14” x 14”) are not permitted inside The Lerner. The term “bags” includes, without limitation, backpacks, briefcases, luggage, duffle bags, musical instrument cases, purses, boxes, packages and carry-alls. All bags are subject to search at the discretion of management and/or security personnel. Exceptions are made for bags used to carry medical equipment and diaper bags for customers with small children. Guests with prohibited items will be turned away from the entrances to return items to their vehicles or to dispose of them. No storage or “check-in area” will be provided for prohibited items. Lerner management reserves the right to deny any item it deems to be a safety hazard.

Patron bag policy

Cancellation Policy

If an event at The Lerner has been canceled, the Box Office will reach out with instructions on how your tickets will be refunded. Tickets charged with a credit card may be automatically credited to the purchaser’s account. For questions, please call the Box Office at 574-293-4469

Children

Children up to 24 months of age who do not occupy a seat may enter the building without a ticket for most events. This policy is subject to change per event. Parents who are challenged with loud, crying or fidgety children are encouraged to remove them from the theatre. Viewing for most events can take place in The Lerner Lobby via flat-screen monitors.

Concessions

Concessions can be enjoyed in the theatre. However, we ask that you open all packaging and wrappers prior to show time. Concessions are located on the first floor. Locations are subject to change.

Coupons

Most coupons, ticket vouchers or complimentary passes must be redeemed at the Box Office only.

Disorderly Conduct

Patrons who fail to abide by theater policies, state and federal law are subject to ejection from the facility. Any patron who is violating theater policy will be asked to correct their behavior and, if they fail to do so in a timely fashion, will be ejected. Individuals who have been ejected must vacate theater property or be subject to arrest on trespassing charges.

Group Discounts

Group discounts are available for some events at The Lerner. Contact the Box Office at (574) 293-4469 for more information.

Internships

The Lerner offers internships to qualified students in related majors. Students should possess strong written, verbal and computer skills. Internships are not paid. Customer service skills are also necessary. Please send resume and cover letter to: Attn: Internships The Lerner 410 S. Main Street Elkhart, IN 46516.

Intoxicated Patrons

Intoxicated patrons will not be admitted into the theater at any time. Intoxicated individuals are subject to ejection from the event.

KultureCity® Sensory Bags

KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Badge for 2025The Lerner Theatre has partnered with KultureCity® to enhance our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience for all guests during all events. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing needs by supplying our staff with annual training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests.

KultureCity® Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, feeling thermometer, fidget tools, and noise-canceling headphones are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Coat Check counter located in the Main Lobby. Sensory bags can be used for all abilities of all ages.

Lost and Found

During an event, lost items will be held in the box office. After an event, please call 574.293.4469 to inquire about a lost item. Items will be kept for only 60 days. After such time they will be discarded or donated to a charity, depending on the item.

No-Weapons Event

As a city-owned facility, The Lerner Theatre is not inherently a weapons-free venue. However, as a rental facility, The Lerner may implement a No-Weapons policy at the request of the event’s promoter or renter. The promoter or renter reserves the right to designate their event as a No-Weapons event up to 48 hours prior to the event date. If you see this designation on your event, it means the promoter or renter has elected to enforce a No-Weapons policy for that particular show.

For a No-Weapons event a security screening is required for entrance. At these events all entrance will be at the Main Street Doors only. The term “weapon” includes, but is not limited to, firearms, pocket knives, pepper spray, etc. If a patron is found in possession of one of these items security has the right to confiscate and/or refuse entry to the building.

*Note: Exceptions are made for law enforcement

Patron Attire

Patrons entering the theater must be properly attired with shoes and a shirt. These items must be worn at all times.

Patron Behavior

Patrons are expected to behave in a manner that is respectful of the people around them. Patrons should keep in mind that their theatre ‘neighbors’ for the evening paid for their experience as well and that they have no desire for it to include disrespectful behavior from their fellow patrons.

Photo and Video Policy
We love seeing your special moments at The Lerner Theatre! While we encourage you to enjoy and capture memories, please note that photo and video policies vary for each event. Some performances may have restrictions due to artist requests or copyright regulations.
Professional and/or semi-professional photography is approved on a case-by-case basis. If you are a member of the media or interested in covering the show, please email us at [email protected] for more info prior to the event.
Projectiles

The throwing of projectiles inside the theater is not allowed. Offenders are subject to ejection from the event.

Re-Entry

Individuals who enter the theater for an event with an admission ticket and then leave the theater must show their ticket stub to re-enter.

Restrooms

Restrooms are ADA accessible and are located in the Grand Lobby, The Grand Hallway (outside the Ballroom) and in the Cittadine Room. Private restrooms are located on the basement level and in dressing rooms.

Smoking and Vaping

Smoking/vaping is not allowed inside The Lerner. Smoking/vaping is not allowed within 15ft of The Lerner building.

Social Media Policies
The City of Elkhart (COE) uses social media to interact with residents, businesses and visitors about public issues related to our municipal jurisdiction, the City of Elkhart, Indiana. Please note this is a moderated online discussion site. All comments and content shared on our local government-sponsored social media sites must pertain to items within the jurisdictional control or authority of our governmental unit. COE reserves the right to delete submissions that do not meet the purpose of this site as set out above. The following are examples of unacceptable social networking content and comments. Please note this list is not intended to be all-inclusive: 
1. Any content or comments that do not relate to the jurisdiction or authority of the jurisdiction itself. 
2. Profane or obscene language or content as determined by the profanity filters offered through each social media platform (such posts result in the comment/content being blocked through the social media’s profanity filter). 
3. Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetrates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, or any other protected class of people.
4. Duplicate posts or comments by the same author (the original post or comment will be left intact assuming it follows the guidelines of acceptable comments or content). 
5. Solicitations of commerce and/or, including content that contains gratuitous links. 
6. Promotions or content related to political organizations of any type. 
7. Advocation of illegal activity; or those that compromise safety or security of the public. 
8. Infringement on copyrights or trademarks. 
9. Confidential or non-public information, including but not limited to any personally identifiable medical information and any content that violates the legal rights of the owner of said content.
Please note that the opinions and comments expressed on this social media site do not reflect the opinions and positions of the City of Elkhart government, its officers or employees. If you have any questions concerning the operation of our social media platforms and the moderated discussion rules, please contact the Director of Communications at 574-293-8968.
The Elkhart County Convention & Visitor's Bureau
Do Downtown Elkhart

More details for planning your trip are available by visiting The Elkhart County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau online or The Do Downtown Elkhart Website.

See our main floor and balcony seating charts by clicking on the images below.
Main Floor seating chart
Balcony seating chart

Directions and Parking

Driving from the South
Head North on State Rd 19, turn right onto Franklin Street to The Lerner (South East corner of Franklin and Main).

Driving from the North
Head South on State Rd 19 (Cassopolis Street) to Bristol Street. Continue West on Bristol, then turn left onto Main Street to The Lerner (South East corner of Franklin and Main).

Free parking is available adjacent to The Lerner in the Civic Plaza Public Parking area and Marion Street Parking Garage – click to enlarge photo.

Private parking in the Downtown Elkhart area for unauthorized vehicles are subject to towing at vehicle owner’s expense and risk.

The Lerner Theatre

The Lerner Theatre, Elkhart, Indiana

Take a Virtual Tour of the Theatre

When you first walk into the glorious Lerner Theatre, you are overwhelmed by its breathtaking beauty. From the gorgeous chandeliered lobby to the majestic domed ceiling of the auditorium, you will be amazed to find such a gem located in downtown Elkhart, Indiana.