Big Top Chautauqua
  • Tickets
    • Calendar
    • 2021 Season Update
    • BCO+ Pass
    • Online Ticket Ordering Help
  • About
    • COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
    • Jobs and Internships
    • Contact Us >
      • Contact Us
      • Eblast Sign-up
    • Venue Info >
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Free Shuttle
      • Seating Chart
      • Ashwabay Bar & Grill
      • Group Tours
      • Future Planning
      • News Blog
    • Blue Canvas Orchestra >
      • Meet the BCO
      • VIRTUAL CHOIR
    • NEW SHOW "Earth"
  • Support
    • Gala
    • #GivingTuesday
    • Donate Now
    • Blue Canvas Club
    • Heritage Society
    • The KEEPERS
    • Show Sponsorship
    • Advertising Opportunities
    • Volunteer
    • Supporting Businesses
  • Gift Shop
    • Gift Cards and Passes
    • CDs, DVDs, & Books
    • Apparel
    • Souvenirs
    • SALE!
    • Frequent Questions
  • Tiny Tent Show
  • Tent Show Radio
  • Tickets
    • Calendar
    • 2021 Season Update
    • BCO+ Pass
    • Online Ticket Ordering Help
  • About
    • COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
    • Jobs and Internships
    • Contact Us >
      • Contact Us
      • Eblast Sign-up
    • Venue Info >
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Free Shuttle
      • Seating Chart
      • Ashwabay Bar & Grill
      • Group Tours
      • Future Planning
      • News Blog
    • Blue Canvas Orchestra >
      • Meet the BCO
      • VIRTUAL CHOIR
    • NEW SHOW "Earth"
  • Support
    • Gala
    • #GivingTuesday
    • Donate Now
    • Blue Canvas Club
    • Heritage Society
    • The KEEPERS
    • Show Sponsorship
    • Advertising Opportunities
    • Volunteer
    • Supporting Businesses
  • Gift Shop
    • Gift Cards and Passes
    • CDs, DVDs, & Books
    • Apparel
    • Souvenirs
    • SALE!
    • Frequent Questions
  • Tiny Tent Show
  • Tent Show Radio

We are saving your seat for 2021.
​Support Big Top Today

Keep the lights on while our stage is dark during this long intermission.  Give a Gift today to help sustain Big Top Chautauqua until we gather again in 2021.
SPECIAL MESSAGE
Donate Now

Gifts of all sizes are needed and appreciated
We will see you after our Long Intermission:  Stay Safe, Stay Healthy

​Due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding the safety of large gatherings, Big Top Chautauqua Board of Directors has made the very difficult decision to cancel all traditional 2020 programs at the tent.  We believe it is our duty to take part in global efforts to reduce transmission and alleviate any burden that may fall on our health care workers.  Safety is always our first concern, and if we cannot ensure safety for our staff, performers, patrons and volunteers, it is our responsibility to err on the side of safety.

We are heartbroken to have to make this decision. Our musicians and crew rely on income from our summer shows and the greater Ashland/Bayfield area relies on the economic impact of our events.  Our patrons rely on us to find inspiration, entertainment and fellowship.  We are painfully aware of the ripples that will proceed from not being able to produce our season. 

How your support helps
Your gift will help the Big Top:
  • Continue to bring culture and musical experiences to our patrons
  • Continue to produce our long-time-running & award-winning Tent Show Radio, which is broadcast on Wisconsin Public Radio & podcast streaming platforms
  • Offset costs for shows canceled due to COVID-19
  • Maintain our facilities and continue to make improvements to our grounds and equipment
  • Help us continue our work preparing for our 2021 season 
  • Produce new material for our original musicals with our Blue Canvas Orchestra
  • Produce our new online program, Tiny Tent Show, found on Facebook and YouTube on Fridays at 7pm 

As our stage may sit empty through the summer, we recognize even more now the value and power of experiencing music together. We will be here during our Long Intermission until we can gather again. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Bayfield under the Big Blue Tent.  

Big Top Chautauqua is a non-profit organization that relies on contributions to cover nearly one-third of our operating costs.  It is our family of performers, ticket buyers, volunteers and contributors who make the Big Top experience possible.  Please think about the role that Big Top plays in your quality of life and consider a gift to Big Top today. We need your support!
Support Big Top Today
2020 Ticket buyer information
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​A non profit organization
• Since 1986

OUR MISSION
​

​Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua provides entertaining and educational cultural activities with an emphasis on performances that celebrate history and the environment

Get more involved:  Join Big Top Chautauqua's Family 
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Join the Blue Canvas Club

All donors of $125 or more become members of our Blue Canvas Club. In recognition of their support Canvas Club members receive advance notice of all shows by email and advance ticket ordering privileges. Membership is valid for 12 months. Just a quick way for us to say thank you for your support of Big Top.
  • Join the Blue Canvas Club HERE
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Join the Heritage Society

Your support helps Big Top present the excellent entertainment and educational that you, and so many others, discover and are inspired by each year under the canvas tent. Gifts of all sizes are needed and appreciated. Thank you so much for your support.
  • Give online HERE, or email kate@bigtop.org to set up a time do discuss your options in the Heritage Society
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Join The KEEPERS

Big Top is pleased to have a leadership circle of contributors who “stand watch” over the organization, providing financial support to be used for long-term planning needs. The goal of The KEEPERS is to ensure the longevity of Big Top and the music, arts and culture it provides for the people of the Northwoods.
KEEPER donations are designated gifts of $1,000 and up. Benefits of being a KEEPER are invitations to special events at the Big Top and throughout the region.
  • Join The KEEPERS HERE
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Sponsor a Show

Show sponsors are an important to Big Top Chautauqua’s ability to bring diverse performers to the tent stage. A show sponsorship is a great way to support Big Top and get a one-of-a-kind experience. Sponsor benefits include front row tickets, recognition in print pieces and online, and special perks like signed concert posters and entertaining opportunities!
  • Learn more about show sponsorship opportunities HERE
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Support ​Tent Show Radio

Hosted by Michael Perry and featuring the best of Big Top, Tent Show Radio is broadcast on public radio stations around the country. Find a station near you HERE! Tent Show Radio sponsors receive over 2 million listener impressions annually. A Tent Show Radio sponsorship is a great way to communicate your message to influential and professional customers.
  • Email Kate@bigtop.org to learn more about Tent Show Radio sponsorship opportunities
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Volunteer

Each season Big Top relies on over 200 volunteers to work as ushers, park cars, sell tickets, and fill many other roles. Volunteer support is essential to our yearly success. New volunteers are always needed!
  • Learn more about Volunteering HERE​
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Support big top chautauqua

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Site Map
Main Box Office:
101 W Bayfield St
PO Box 455
Washburn, WI 54891

Tent Venue:
32525 Ski Hill Rd
3 miles South of Bayfield at
​Mt Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area
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715-373-5552     888-BIG-TENT     info@bigtop.org