Come for the Music at Big Top Chautauqua

BAYFIELD - We recommend making at least one trip up to Mt. Ashwabay, about 3 miles south of downtown Bayfield!

It’s the ski hill in winter but all summer long you can take in one of more than 50 nights of live music and entertainment under the Big Blue Tent, officially known as Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua (sha-ta-qwa).

This non-profit performing arts organization operates an intimate 900 seat, canvas tent theater. Big Top produces and presents a summer season of concerts, interactive lectures, and features original shows from their highly acclaimed professional local ensemble - The Blue Canvas Orchestra (BCO).

Alongside talent from the region, Big Top continuously features nationally known artists. This year includes Michael Franti and Spearhead, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Mat Kearney, Sierra Ferrell, Nickel Creek, and Killer Queen - A Tribute to Queen with more acts being added weekly.

The tent season runs from June to September and runs educational outreach and produces performance broadcasts year-round.

When the warm summer nights allow the tent walls to be lifted you will see patrons enjoying the show and basking in the moonlight. The stars seem to have extra twinkle when the modern sound system is contrasted against the abundant natural surroundings.

May 27 Winter- Spring Fling Arts & Crafts Fair

May 27 Spooner - Canoe & Wooden Boat Show

May 29 Rice Lake - In Remembrance 5k Run/Walk

May 29 Amery - Memorial Day Ceremony

June 2 St. Croix Falls - Music on the Overlook begins

June 2-3 Cable - Rumble on the Lake

June 2-4 St. Croix Falls - City of Trails Celebration

June 2-11 Rice Lake - Aquafest

June 3 Amery - Amery Trails Day

June 3 Rice Lake - Kid’s Fishing Tourney

June 3-4 Free Fishing Weekend in Wisconsin

If hunger should strike amidst the show never fear, Mt. Ashwabay (BTC partner organization) has delicious local favorites such as Lake Superior White Fish Street Tacos and Scandinavian style bratwurst. Naturally, there are also many other northern Wisconsin favorites like cheese, wine, and beer. Should you wish to take a souvenir home, the gift tent has apparel, CDs, books, gift cards, and other souvenirs.

This is a one-of-a-kind venue nestled between The Chequamegon National Forest and The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Big Top Chautauqua’s Big Blue Tent venue is located at the base of Mt. Ashwabay, about 3 miles south of downtown Bayfield. The address is 32525 Ski Hill Rd., Bayfield.

For tickets or more information stop by year-round at the Box Office, Gift Shop, and The Backstage located at the junction of Highways 13 and J at the gateway to Bayfield; 84810 State Hwy 13, Bayfield, WI 54814. Call 715.373.5552, toll free 888. BIG.TENT, or visit bigtop.org.