Billboard Names Milwaukee’s Pabst Theater a Top Music Venue of 2026

The Pabst Theater Group is proud to announce that The Pabst Theater has been named one of Billboard’s Top Music Venues of 2026. This honor cements the 131-year-old theater’s status as a premier global destination that blends historic grandeur with modern touring dominance.

Drawing on both editorial insight and hard data from Billboard Boxscore, Billboard says “The report identifies venues that define the live-music experience today — the rooms that artists dream of playing and fans flock to for unforgettable nights. It is a guided tour of the places where sound, setting and community collide — the stages that turn concerts into memories and local music scenes into legends.”

From stadiums and arenas to open-air amphitheaters and intimate clubs, these picks are organized by region and venue type, with special nods to fan-favorite spots that give each city its own pulse. Think of it as a guided tour of the places where sound, setting and community collide — the stages that turn concerts into memories and local music scenes into legends.

Built in 1895, The Pabst Theater is a National Historic Landmark that has defied the traditional “performing arts” label. While its Victorian architecture remains timeless, its performances are cutting-edge. Under the Pabst Theater Group’s independent leadership, the venue has been a primary catalyst for the rebirth of Milwaukee’s downtown, shifting from a formal house to a high-energy home for global icons like Ed Sheeran, Brandi Carlile, Bon Iver, David Byrne, and Jim Gaffigan.

“We are honored that Billboard has recognized what we in Milwaukee have known for a long time: that history and modern culture don’t just coexist here—they fuel one another,” said Gary Witt, CEO of The Pabst Theater Group. “The Pabst Theater was built to help to define the soul and identity of the city,’ and by staying fiercely independent and artist-focused, we’ve ensured it remains a vital, beating heart for Milwaukee’s downtown rebirth.”

Key Highlights:

· Independent Spirit: As a founding member of NIVA (National Independent Venue Association), the Pabst Theater Group remains a vital advocate for the independent live music ecosystem.

· Economic Engine: The theater’s year-round programming serves as a cornerstone for Milwaukee’s downtown revitalisation, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to local businesses.

· Genre-Defying: The venue continues to break the mold of historic theaters by hosting a diverse roster of rock, indie, folk, and comedy superstars.

About the Pabst Theater Group

What began as an effort by Gary Witt and Matt Beringer to save the historic Pabst Theater has now evolved into the Pabst Theater Group. Now in its 24th year, the Pabst Theater Group has become an iconic Milwaukee brand that defines the city’s soul and identity, helping to grow the city’s night time economy of great restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

Today, the group hosts 800 live events annually across six core venues—The Pabst Theater, Riverside Theater, Miller High Life Theatre, Turner Hall Ballroom, The Fitzgerald, and Vivarium—as well as various satellite locations. With a dedicated team of 350 staff members, the organization contributes over $250 million to Milwaukee’s economy every year, proving that historic preservation and community building are powerful drivers of economic growth.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.