For nearly 40 years, Big Top Chautauqua's intimate canvas tent has housed world-renowned touring acts, regional performers, and original productions. Every summer, beginning in June and until early October, Big Top presents more than 50 concerts, performances, family events, in their iconic tent venue located at the base of Mt. Ashwabay, on the shores of Lake Superior, just outside of Bayfield, Wisconsin.

The Big Top stage has hosted Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, David Crosby, Buddy Guy, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raiit, John Prine, Nanci Griffith, The Beach Boys, Keb Mo, Lindsey Buckingham, Tanya Tucker, The Temptations, Lake Street Dive, Steve Earle, Jonny Lang, Ani DiFranco, Merle Haggard, Richie Havens, Robert Cray, and many many more!

Big Top Chautauqua also features our own unique brand of shows with songs and stories performed by Big Top’s famous resident house band the Blue Canvas Orchestra and Singers. Together with a multitude of talented guest artists, our original productions bear the hallmark of excellent song writing and exquisite musicianship illustrated by big-screen visuals.