Special Open Mic Night at The Tent Featuring Bluegrass Campers!
Join us for a special Open Mic Night at The Tent, Wednesday, July 30. (No Open Mic at The Backstage that night.)
Open to the public. No cover. No tickets needed. Learn more about Bluegrass Day Camp For Kids Here!
FULL BAR  |  YEAR-ROUND 
The Backstage is located in the Big Top box-office at the intersection of highways J and 13 in Bayfield, Wisconsin. 
​Opened in 2022, The Backstage is Big Top Chautauqua's year-round venue, event center, and home to our famous house band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra. With a full-service bar offering beer, wine, cocktails, and specialty drinks. The Backstage is the perfect place to enjoy a unique night out. 

This intimate performance space hosts our off-season shows featuring local artists and touring performers November-May, and engaging community events like our weekly Open Mic Nights all year round.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE BACKSTAGE

​Watch for special holiday shows and monthly events in the Big Top's off-season, Nov-May.

Sea Shanty Sing
Saturday, April 19, at 7 PM

​Chastity Brown
Saturday, May 17, at 7 PM
Kevin Kling & Jan Lee
Friday, April 4 at 7 PM​

​Lost In The Woods presents The Armando
Thursday, April 10 & More! at 7PM


Open Mic Nights Every Wednesday
​The Backstage's 2025 show season is sponsored in part by Jim Bryan & Dee Johnson

OPEN MIC NIGHTS

Get up on stage or just grab a seat and listen. Join us for open mic nights every Wednesday at Big Top's new year-round venue The Backstage! Every week we will be joined by special guest hosts, including some of your favorite Blue Canvas Orchestra musicians! Enjoy live entertainment and drinks during a unique night out.

Event Details:  Join us at The Backstage every Wednesday night, year-round, from 6:00-9:00pm.

Tickets: No tickets. No cover. No reservations. ​Open Mic Nights are FREE and open to the public.

Whisper Policy: The Backstage is a listening room and while the performers love to hear your applause, laughter, and often even singing along, excessive conversation distracts other listeners and is disrespectful to the performers who we all came to hear. We encourage talking before the show, between sets and after the show but ask that during the performances, audience members keep their voices low and talking to a minimum.

LOST IN THE WOODS PRESENTS THE ARMANDO

The Armando is an improv show that bases the action on true tales told by a Bay Area special guest who will share personal stories. We will take those stories as inspiration for hilarious and heartwarming scenes. People you know will be sharing stories about the things that you love. Whether you’re an improv aficionado or a first-timer, The Armando promises a night you won’t soon forget.

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

The Backstage is in the Big Top box office, located just outside Bayfield city limits, at the intersection of State Highway 13 and County Highway J (in the remodeled building formerly known as The Fore'n Aft / The Northern Edge.)

84810 State Hwy 13, Bayfield, WI 54814

For additional questions, please call the Box Office at (715) 373-5552.

PHOTO GALLERY