Harrisburg Arts Center Closes, Leaving Ticket Holders Seeking Refunds

HMAC shutters after failing to pay taxes and bills, forcing patrons to seek chargebacks.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC) in Pennsylvania has announced its impending closure after the City of Harrisburg refused to renew the venue's operating licenses due to a substantial amount of unpaid taxes, including a 10% entertainment tax on every show and ticket sold. HMAC also had unpaid sanitation bills, leading the city to take action. With the venue now facing foreclosure, ticket holders are being advised to seek refunds through their credit card companies by initiating chargebacks.

Why it matters

The closure of HMAC, a long-standing arts and music venue in Harrisburg, is a significant loss for the local community. It highlights the financial challenges that small, independent entertainment venues can face, especially when it comes to navigating complex tax and licensing requirements from local governments.

The details

HMAC acknowledged the unpaid entertainment taxes and sanitation bills in an open letter, stating that the 'city-enforced tax' is applied regardless of whether the venue operates at a profit. City Solicitor Neil Grover confirmed that the unpaid taxes and bills have been an ongoing issue for years. With HMAC's building now going into foreclosure, the venue is unable to continue operating and has advised ticket holders to seek refunds through their credit card companies.

  • HMAC announced its impending closure in February 2026.
  • The venue's operating licenses were not renewed by the City of Harrisburg due to unpaid taxes and bills.

The players

Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC)

A long-standing arts and music venue in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania that is now facing closure due to unpaid taxes and bills.

City of Harrisburg

The local government that refused to renew HMAC's operating licenses due to the venue's substantial unpaid taxes and bills.

Neil Grover

The City Solicitor of Harrisburg who confirmed that HMAC's unpaid taxes and bills have been an ongoing issue for years.

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What they’re saying

“We acknowledge that entertainment tax is owed. This city-enforced tax—10% on every show and every ticket sold—is applied regardless of whether a venue operates at a profit.”

— HMAC (Facebook)

“Issues with HMAC's unpaid taxes has been an ongoing issue for years.”

— Neil Grover, City Solicitor (abc27 news)

What’s next

HMAC is currently working with the ticket platform to help process refunds, but they say 'that will take longer'. In the meantime, ticket holders are being advised to seek refunds through their credit card companies by initiating chargebacks.

The takeaway

The closure of HMAC underscores the financial challenges that small, independent entertainment venues can face, especially when it comes to navigating complex tax and licensing requirements from local governments. This situation serves as a cautionary tale for other venues that may be struggling with similar issues, and highlights the need for more support and flexibility from city officials to help sustain these important community assets.