Big Top Chautauqua
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  • VIRTUAL CHOIR
  • Tickets
    • 2020 Season Update
    • COVID-19 Message/ticket page
    • BCO+PASS Performances
    • Gala
    • Online Ticket Ordering Help >
      • Help | Tickets | New Patron Account
      • Help | Tickets | Blue Canvas Club
      • Help | Tickets | Error 403
  • About
    • Venue Info >
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Schedule
      • Free Shuttle
      • Seating Chart
      • Ashwabay Bar & Grill
      • Group Tours
      • Future Planning
      • News Blog
    • Blue Canvas Orchestra >
      • Meet the BCO
      • BCO Show Discounts
    • 2021 Earth Day
    • Contact Us >
      • Contact Us
      • Eblast Sign-up
      • Jobs and Internships
  • Support
    • YEAR END GIVING
    • #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
  • VIRTUAL CHOIR

Support Big Top Today during this Long Intermission

We're a small tent doing some pretty big and exciting things, and as a non-profit organization, Big Top Chautauqua relies on contributions to cover roughly one-third of our operating costs.
Donate Now

Support Big Top

Keep the lights on while our stage is dark during this long intermission.  Give a Gift today to help sustain the Big Top Chautauqua & ensure our ability to reopen in the strongest way possible.
Donate Now
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2020 - A year like none other.  

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Wow! We had some fun this summer at Big Top Chautauqua. And you were there! Or if you didn’t make it to Bayfield this year, you’ll soon be hearing our summer shows on your radio right in your own home through the magic of Tent Show Radio. What a treasure we have here in the Northwoods: the best in music and culture presented in our completely unique tent theater. Please continue to be part of the magic by sending a tax-deductible contribution to Big Top today.

What was your favorite summer memory? Was it one of our historical musicals featuring the Blue Canvas Orchestra? Or perhaps one of our exciting headline acts like Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, The Oakridge Boys, Michael Feinstein, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Buddy Guy or Brandi Carlile. Maybe it was our collaboration with the Duluth Playhouse in Steerage Song or Michael Perry’s new stage show of his book Population 485. Perhaps you brought your kids or grandchildren to one of our Free Family Matinees or to one of our Native American Community Connections workshops — so many rich programs to choose from.

Did you know that 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!

​Your tax-deductible contribution helps to bridge the gap between ticket sales and the cost of producing another stellar season of events. Please include a note and tell us what you’d like to see at the tent in 2017. We love to hear from you. Thank you for the important part that YOU play in making it all happen!

Yours in the Big Top Chautauqua mission,
  • Jim Perry Development Chair – Big Top Board of Directors
  • Terry Matier ​Executive Director

Donate Now
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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

Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was founded in 1986. The first show under canvas was the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company production Riding the Wind, the story of Bayfield and Madeline Island. Since then Big Top has welcomed over 700,000 patrons to the grounds for 2,000+ concerts and shows and countless lectures, workshops and other unique events. In addition to the action on the tent grounds, Big Top has also broadcast its performances over the public radio airwaves since 1994 through Tent Show Radio, bringing Big Top concerts into living rooms across the country and around the world via internet streaming and podcasts. Our resident band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 30 years we’ve touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.
View recent Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua Annual Reports: 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011

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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, call 715-373-5552, or mail your gift to: PO Box 455, Washburn, WI 54891
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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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Contribute to
​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.
  • Learn more about Tent Show Radio sponsorship opportunities HERE
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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​

Gifts of all sizes are needed and appreciated
Thank you for keeping the magic of Big Top alive and well. Salute!

Donate Online Now

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, call 715-373-5552, or mail your gift to: PO Box 455, Washburn, WI 54891
For more information please contact Megan Boyle, Development Director
715-373-5520 or development@bigtop.org
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