Nestled in the scenic Northwoods of Wisconsin near Lake Superior, Big Top Chautauqua is one of America's most beloved and distinctive outdoor entertainment venues. Situated on the slopes of Mount Ashwabay along Ski Hill Road in Bayfield, Wisconsin, this iconic venue is housed beneath a magnificent blue-and-white striped tent that has become a cherished landmark of the region.
Since its founding in 1986, Big Top Chautauqua has carried on the grand tradition of the American Chautauqua movement, blending live music, theater, and cultural enrichment in an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and alive with energy. The tent, which seats approximately 900 guests, creates an intimate yet vibrant setting where audiences feel genuinely connected to the performers on stage.
The venue celebrates an eclectic mix of programming, welcoming nationally acclaimed musicians across genres ranging from folk, blues, and jazz to country and classical, alongside original theatrical productions that tell the stories of the Great Lakes region and American history. These signature historical musicals, produced in-house, are a hallmark of the Big Top experience and draw audiences from across the country.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Apostle Islands area and the rolling hills of Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula, attending a show at Big Top Chautauqua is as much about the experience of place as it is about the performance itself. The combination of world-class entertainment, stunning natural surroundings, and warm community spirit makes it a truly one-of-a-kind destination for music and culture lovers.
