lake superior big top chautauqua

This is the place to be in upper Wisconsin during the summer and into fall. Garrison Keller was there one year, as well as Marshall Tucker Band and others. The local talent is awesome and talented. They get you into the music or comedy with all your heart. This is a must see when in the area.It is a big top in a field by the ski hill and a short drive from Bayfield or Washburn. There are shuttle services available also. Get a snack or beverage and enjoy.

We've travelled to Bayfield, WI numerous times for shows at Big Top Chautauqua. We love the venue. They get great acts, the online booking system works well, and they have food/beverages available on site. Special thanks to the Seagull Bay Motel for providing a shuttle service from various locations in Bayfield to and from Big Top.

Unique music venue worth the trip saw an older favorite Marshall Tucker band put of South Carolina. Only issue was we purchased tickets at the gate and they sold us the highest priced seats which turned out to be folding chairs left middle of tent with a pole view. We ended up on a bench outside enjoyed the show. Van transport from area hotels.

This is a huge tent that houses the Big Top Chautaqua shows. Throughout the year entertainers, magicians and comedians come to perform for the public. The Blue canvas band is always there providing entertainment. I have seen the Smothers Brothers, and various other performers from across the world. It is great when you can see them up close. In the past few years I have noticed that the performs that show up are not very well known. Some are great, and some - well are not.

We love the "house" concerts, and especially love the new show they have. Nothing beats coming out on a lovely evening and enjoying a show, some food, and seeing old friends. Go when you can! I also love going to the name act shows they have as well. Wish I could have made the beer tasting they had, oh well...you can't do it all!

I have had the chance to see Big Top Chautauqua in Richland Center, Wi during its off-season tour and declined the opportunity. I am glad I waited. So much better to see this orchestra perform in its home surroundings. This is such a talented group of musicians AND vocalists. We also attended the show on Sept. 9th just before the gale force winds and rain which made it even more exciting to hear them perform "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald". So moving! Love this group!

This was one of the most delightful evenings I have experienced in a long time! It was my pleasure to visit Bayfield at the end of the Big Top season and I had the pleasure of experiencing the house band in one of the last performances of the year. With gale force winds bearing down on us the band performed the most absorbing rendition of the Edmund Fitzgerald that I have ever heard. The percussion and strings had me rocking in my seat. From Irish reels to Paul Simon, from mandolin to mouth organ the music and the night skies were lively and electric. Don't miss this fabulous venue.

I have been going to concerts at Big Top for the past 10 years and have not been disappointed yet. It is a cozy venue where you are sitting on folding chairs, church pews, and whatever has been donated for the cause. Artists are first rate and all seats are good. The house shows are fun, informative, and worth the visit.

I have been coming to this peaceful little town for four years now. I never went to the Big Top. It was recommended to me by the hotel staff and a restaurant owner. It was a wonderful experience I cannot describe here. All I can say, if you're coming here and Riding the Wind is playing, SEE IT!!

Good food, good beer and great atmosphere!!! A must do when visiting Bayfield! "Riding the Wind" has become my new yearly must do event!

As a part of the Bayfield experience, a trip to Big Top Chautauqua is something not to be missed. It's a special place at the bottom of the Mt. Ashwabay ski hill in a big blue and white canvas tent housing wonderful musical productions and big name and local musicians up close and personal. Food and beverages are available. Our favorites are the ice cream with raspberry sauce and the brats, but of course there are other choices. You will love it!

We enjoy checking out the local shows as we travel and this one was recommended by the visitor centre and other travellers we met. We were not sure what to expect with the title of "Big Top" which accurately describes the large canvas tents that make the site look a bit like the circus. It is amazing the variety of shows that are offered each season from well known singers to organisers creations, seminars, and kids events. We attended the "Big Top Opry" which showcased local musicians and was good value. It was an enjoyable evening, the music, the presentation, the venue were all good. They also offer food and beverages (including alcohol) for sale onsite and the free shuttle from Bayfield is a great bonus. You can select your seats when you purchase your tickets. Agree that you need to check the weather and bring a jacket as it can get quite chilly as the sun goes down.

Food & drinks on-site. Easy parking. Bring sweater as it cools off at night on the hilltop, The free Bayfield shuttle takes a little longer to get to the Bigtop, but if you have the time and need a DD that the way to go!

The Big Top is a unique place to spend an evening for musical shows under a large tent. Be sure to go early so you can walk up on top of the ski hill for a breathtaking view.

Friends had recommended the Seagull Motel to us and they were spot-on. Is just as lovely as it is advertised. Sitting out on our deck the Lake air was fresh and seemed full of extra oxygen! The facilities were extra neat and clean and the staff were friendly, funny and helpful. Beds extra comfy. The shuttle bus stopped right there and took us up and back to a concert we were attending at Big Top Chautauqua. Nice walking trails and close to downtown Bayfield, we will come back again and again.An experienced staff shuttle people in and out smoothly and once there the site offers food and drink for reasonable prices. The acoustics inside the tent are wonderful, even toward the back.