Ticketing Information
Please visit Big Top’s Event Calendar page to purchase tickets online for a specific event. Using the “Tickets” button will take you to the ticketing page for each event.
Big Top’s summer concert season runs from June through September. Events at The Backstage run year-round. Sign up for concert alerts and be sure to subscribe to notifications on our social media channels to find out as shows are added to Big Tops calendar.
Big Top’s summer concert season runs from June through September. Events at The Backstage run year-round. Sign up for concert alerts and be sure to subscribe to notifications on our social media channels to find out as shows are added to Big Tops calendar.
Box Office Information
Location & Hours: The Big Top Box Office & Gift Shop is located just outside Bayfield city limits at 84810 Hwy 13 and is open year round, Monday - Friday, from 9:00am - 5:00pm.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (715) 373-5552
- Toll-Free: 1 888-BIG-TENT
- Email: [email protected] (ticket related inquiries), [email protected] (information & other inquiries).
Ticket Policies
ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES WILL BE GIVEN.
Only in the event a performance is canceled in its entirety, without a rescheduled date, will a refund or exchange be given. Refunds will not be given for instances of inclement weather, show duration, traffic, late arrival, or perceived quality of performance. All patrons, regardless of age must have a ticket to be admitted into the venue, unless otherwise stated.
Only in the event a performance is canceled in its entirety, without a rescheduled date, will a refund or exchange be given. Refunds will not be given for instances of inclement weather, show duration, traffic, late arrival, or perceived quality of performance. All patrons, regardless of age must have a ticket to be admitted into the venue, unless otherwise stated.
ALL TICKET HOLDERS AND ATTENDEES ARE ADMITTED SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
- Attendees grant unrestricted rights & licenses for use of their likeness in any form of public broadcast and production, and for promotional purposes.
- Big Top Chautauqua reserves the right to refuse admission or evict anyone from the venue premises due to disorderly behavior without issuing a refund.
- Big Top Chautauqua reserves the right to search all persons, packages, bags, and other items entering venue grounds and/or other properties owned by Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua. The safety of our guests, volunteers, staff, and artists are top priority.
- All venue policies and procedures are subject to change without notice.
ALL TICKET PURCHASES ARE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:
- 5.5% State and local sales tax.
- $4 Facility Fee per ticket (used for tent maintenance, building, and grounds needs).
- 3% Processing and handling fee per order.
Ticketing FAQs
How can I purchase tickets?
Order Online: Visit the performance schedule to access the individual event info and ticketing pages. The "buy" button will only appear when the event is on sale. A patron account is required for purchasing tickets, and users must be logged in to their account to purchase tickets. If you have not purchased tickets with us before, please click here to create your account.
Order By Phone: Tickets can be purchased over the phone during regular business hours. If you are calling during high volume sale periods and are having trouble getting through, we advise you to please keep calling. Calls are answered in the order they are received, and all available staff are working to assist patrons. We advise against leaving a message on our voicemail during high sales periods as priority is given to incoming calls.
On Site Purchases: Tickets can be purchased from our year-round Box Office in Bayfield during regular business hours. Walk-up purchases can be made the night of the show at our venue ticket gate which opens two hours prior to show time. Tickets purchased at the venue ticket gate reflect order fees and taxes and will be rounded up to the nearest dollar to expedite the line.
Order By Phone: Tickets can be purchased over the phone during regular business hours. If you are calling during high volume sale periods and are having trouble getting through, we advise you to please keep calling. Calls are answered in the order they are received, and all available staff are working to assist patrons. We advise against leaving a message on our voicemail during high sales periods as priority is given to incoming calls.
On Site Purchases: Tickets can be purchased from our year-round Box Office in Bayfield during regular business hours. Walk-up purchases can be made the night of the show at our venue ticket gate which opens two hours prior to show time. Tickets purchased at the venue ticket gate reflect order fees and taxes and will be rounded up to the nearest dollar to expedite the line.
How will I receive my tickets?
We offer a number of delivery options. Whether you purchase in person or online, tickets are available for delivery through e-mail, by standard USPS mail, or you can choose to pick up tickets at Will Call.
How can I pick up my tickets from Will Call?
Will Call is located at the venue gate as you enter our grounds. There will be signage to guide you as well as volunteers to help direct and assist you. Tickets will be available for pick up starting two hours prior to the performance time.
How can I purchase accessible seats?
Accessible seats may be purchased over the phone, in person at the Box Office, or online. Accessible seating is located in Row D and Row J in the front left section under the tent and is reserved exclusively for patrons with accessible needs and their companions. Buying accessible seating is just like buying any other ticket; just look for the wheelchair icons on the seating chart.
For more information regarding accessible services, please visit bigtop.org/accessibility.
For more information regarding accessible services, please visit bigtop.org/accessibility.
Why are there fees?
Fees will apply to all ticket purchases, whether online, in person, or over the phone. The fees will be displayed once you add a ticket to your cart so that you are aware of the charges before proceeding with your purchase.
There is a $4 Facility Fee per ticket for all events at the Tent Venue. These fees are used to cover all the costs associated with the tent, buildings, and grounds maintenance needs.
There is a 3% processing per order. These fees are used to cover all the costs associated with purchasing tickets. This includes but is not limited to: web hosting, ticketing hardware, customer support, credit and debit card processing services, email processing, merchant fees, computer hardware and software, and more.
There is a $4 Facility Fee per ticket for all events at the Tent Venue. These fees are used to cover all the costs associated with the tent, buildings, and grounds maintenance needs.
There is a 3% processing per order. These fees are used to cover all the costs associated with purchasing tickets. This includes but is not limited to: web hosting, ticketing hardware, customer support, credit and debit card processing services, email processing, merchant fees, computer hardware and software, and more.
When do tickets go on sale?
Show announcements typically begin in December, and continue to roll out leading up to the summer. Subscribe to our e-newsletters to hear about any show announcements or upcoming events, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop.
Tickets for events at the Tent Venue go on sale to Blue Canvas Club members typically a week prior to the general public sale. Tickets for events at The Backstage go on sale to all patrons immediately following an announcement.
Tickets for events at the Tent Venue go on sale to Blue Canvas Club members typically a week prior to the general public sale. Tickets for events at The Backstage go on sale to all patrons immediately following an announcement.
How do I get access to ticket pre-sales?
By supporting Big Top Chautauqua with an annual gift of $125 or more you will automatically become a member of our Blue Canvas Club. Be the first to grab tickets and enroll today by making your annual gift online at any time, and over the phone (715-373-5552) or in person at the Big Top Box Office during regular business hours.
Membership lasts 12 months and comes with benefits that include:
Learn more about the Blue Canvas Club by visiting bigtop.org/bluecanvasclub.
Membership lasts 12 months and comes with benefits that include:
- Exclusive pre-sale access to every show at Big Top.
- Special advanced notices.
- 10% discount at the Big Top Gift Shop and venue merchandise at the Tent venue.
Learn more about the Blue Canvas Club by visiting bigtop.org/bluecanvasclub.
Can I return/exchange my tickets?
All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be given unless a performance is canceled in its entirety with no replacement performance scheduled. Only in the event a performance is canceled in its entirety, without a rescheduled date, will a refund or exchange be given. Refunds will not be given for instances of inclement weather, show duration, traffic, late arrival, or perceived quality of performance.
If tickets are lost, the Box Office will reissue the tickets to the ticket purchaser of record. Visit or call the Box Office as soon as possible. If reissued tickets are requested within 1 week of the performance date, they will be left at will call.
If tickets are lost, the Box Office will reissue the tickets to the ticket purchaser of record. Visit or call the Box Office as soon as possible. If reissued tickets are requested within 1 week of the performance date, they will be left at will call.
Can I purchase tickets through a third party?
Big Top Chautauqua does not work with any outside websites to sell tickets and does not work with any ticket sellers who markup ticket prices, including sites like StubHub, Cheap Concert Tickets, TicketMaster or Tickets Review. Big Top cannot guarantee the authenticity of tickets obtained through any other source. Big Top does NOT replace or provide refunds for tickets purchased through eBay, Craigslist, StubHub, or any other secondary market. Any counterfeit or otherwise invalid tickets will not be honored by Big Top.
Should you opt to purchase tickets from a source other than BTC, keep in mind the following:
Legitimate tickets are only available from Big Top Chautauqua directly via online purchase through our ticket page, or by calling our Box Office 715-373-5552, in person at our Box Office, or the night of the show at the venue.
Should you opt to purchase tickets from a source other than BTC, keep in mind the following:
- Admission is not guaranteed if tickets are invalid.
- Tickets cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
- BTC cannot contact you with information regarding time changes, show cancellations, or other pertinent information.
Legitimate tickets are only available from Big Top Chautauqua directly via online purchase through our ticket page, or by calling our Box Office 715-373-5552, in person at our Box Office, or the night of the show at the venue.
How do I check if my tickets are valid or authentic?
The only way to know your tickets are valid or authentic is to buy directly from Big Top Chautauqua (online via our website, over the phone (715) 373-5552 or in person at the Box Office).
We cannot verify tickets bought from a third-party. Big Top does NOT replace or provide refunds for tickets purchased through any third party platforms or ticket resellers.
We cannot verify tickets bought from a third-party. Big Top does NOT replace or provide refunds for tickets purchased through any third party platforms or ticket resellers.
Why is there a limit to the amount of tickets I can purchase?
Sometimes artist management will place a ticket limit by customer, credit card, billing address, or other criteria to provide access to as many fans as possible and to help deter ticket scalpers.
The criteria can change depending on the type of event. Please adhere to published ticket limits. Persons who exceed the ticket limit may have any or all of their orders and tickets canceled without notice.
The criteria can change depending on the type of event. Please adhere to published ticket limits. Persons who exceed the ticket limit may have any or all of their orders and tickets canceled without notice.
What is a general admission (GA)/lawn ticket?
A general admission/lawn tickets get you on the grounds of the venue, you bring your own lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy the show from the lawn. Weather permitting, the walls of the venue will remain open for lawn viewing.
Please note, general admission/lawn ticket holders are not permitted access inside the tent. Tickets are valid, rain or shine. No refunds will be given in the event of bad weather.
Please note, general admission/lawn ticket holders are not permitted access inside the tent. Tickets are valid, rain or shine. No refunds will be given in the event of bad weather.
What is the weather policy?
Should inclement weather pose a threat to patrons and artists, an announcement will be made from stage with information and instructions. No refunds will be given unless a performance is canceled in its entirety, with no replacement performance scheduled. If an event is canceled a full refund will be applied to the original card used to purchase or a credit will be applied to your account.
In the unlikely event a performance is canceled due to inclement weather, ticket buyers will be notified via email and an alert will be posted across our social media accounts.
In the unlikely event a performance is canceled due to inclement weather, ticket buyers will be notified via email and an alert will be posted across our social media accounts.
What does dance alert mean?
“Dance Alert” indicates the shows we anticipate patrons may break out into dancing or may stand during the performance. We try to make our events fun for everyone. If you prefer not to stand during these performances we suggest choosing tickets in the table seating section towards the back of the tent, where seats are at bar height level.
Do children need tickets?
Admission for children varies per event, however, generally, children under two years of age are free if sitting on an adult’s lap. Car seats are not allowed unless a ticket is purchased to place the car seat in a seat. Car seats cannot be held on a lap, placed on the floor, stairways, or walkways. Strollers are not permitted for seating under the tent.
Be sure to check with the Box Office regarding specific events.
Be sure to check with the Box Office regarding specific events.
Are group rates available?
Plan a memorable experience for your friends, family, colleagues, or tour group by celebrating with a concert under the stars in beautiful northern Wisconsin.
Available for groups of 20 or more, Big Top offers a 20% discount per ticket for Big Top Chautauqua original programming and a complimentary ticket for drivers and escorts, maximum of two per group. In addition to the base ticket cost a $3.00 facilities fee and 5.5% state and local sales tax will be applied. A $250.00 deposit will be due at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days prior to the performance date.
Group discounts are not available for Headliner (touring) concerts & events. All ticket sales are final. Groups may make adjustments to their reservations up to 30 days prior to the performance date.
For more information about group sales and policies please contact our Box Office, at 715-373-5552 or [email protected].
Available for groups of 20 or more, Big Top offers a 20% discount per ticket for Big Top Chautauqua original programming and a complimentary ticket for drivers and escorts, maximum of two per group. In addition to the base ticket cost a $3.00 facilities fee and 5.5% state and local sales tax will be applied. A $250.00 deposit will be due at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days prior to the performance date.
Group discounts are not available for Headliner (touring) concerts & events. All ticket sales are final. Groups may make adjustments to their reservations up to 30 days prior to the performance date.
For more information about group sales and policies please contact our Box Office, at 715-373-5552 or [email protected].
Need further assistance?
Contact the Big Top Box Office at (715) 373-5552 or email us at [email protected].
