Don't miss Open Mic Nights! 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 6-9 Year-Round
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 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.

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 other 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:
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, from 6-9

Admission
Open Mic Nights will be free and open to the public through February 2026. Additional details about future admission options will be shared soon.
Open Mic Nights are made possible through the support of our community. If you love this space and the creativity it nurtures, we invite you to consider supporting The Backstage and helping keep Open Mic Night thriving for seasons to come.

Upcoming Hosts:​​
  • February 4 – Mary Mack
  • February 18 – Brett Hulmer
  • March 4 – Barron Whittet
  • March 18 – Danny Frank
  • April 1 – Laughing Fox
  • April 15 – Liz Woodworth
  • May 6 – Javier Trejo

​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.

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