Have you ever wanted to sit just 50 feet away from Bonnie Rait, the Beach Boys, or Nikki Glaser? Well, now you can! The Cape Cod Melody Tent offers an opportunity to see world-class entertainment in a unique setting.
What is the Cape Cod Melody Tent?
Opening June 2nd, the Cape Cod Melody Tent, located in Hyannis, MA, is one of only two continuously-operated tent theaters in the round operated in the United States. The Music Circus, the Melody tent’s sister venue, is also located in Cape Cod in Cohasset.
The Melody Tent is operated by South Shore Playhouse Associates, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the arts. The venue has a seating capacity of over 2,300 people and boasts that no seat is further than 50 feet away from the stage.
The History of the Cape Cod Melody Tent & Music Circus
The Music Circus has a colorful history of over 60 years. It opened in December of 1950 on the horse grounds of the Bancroft Estate and began performances in 1951. Although the landscape was 
re-done to host the Music Circus, evidence that the horse grounds once were in the location still exists today.
The first show ever to run in the Music Circus was Show Boat, directed by Richard Aldrich. It boasted a cast of over 60 people and featured two completed sold-out performances. The Music Circus continued to attract major Broadway performers such as Angela Lansbury, Bob Hope, and Robert Merrill.
The Melody Tent was owned by William Carmen until March of 1990, when it was purchased by the South Shore Playhouse Associates. While neither venue hosts a resident theater company any longer, hundreds of famous touring performers still take the stage. Some of the more notable acts over the years include Carole Kind, Toby Bennett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Darius Rucks, The Beach Boys, and Aretha Franklin.
Performances at the Melody Tent in 2023
The Melody Tent hosts a wide variety of performances, from popular bands to stand-up comedians. Some of the more notable acts coming in 2024 include:
- Bonnie Rait – June 11th
- Three Dog Night – June 28th
- Little River Band– July 6th
- Nikki Glaser (2 shows!)– July 12th
- Seth Meyers – July 20th
- The Beach Boys (2 shows!) August 10th
A complete list of events for the 2024 season can be found here and ticket information on the venue’s website.
How Much Do Tickets Cost at The Melody Tent?
The cost of tickets at the Melody Tent varies based on the performer. However, there is a great way to save money if you plan on attending more than one event in a given season.
The Melody Tent offers a membership fee that only costs $100 and is 100% tax-deductible, given that the organization is a non-profit. The membership gives you access to the best seats in the house, a private entrance, advanced ticket sales and discounts.
The Club Memberships usually sell out for every year but you can still purchase a Membership for 2024 to assure the best seats at reduced prices for tickets and beverages.
Inclement Weather
Since the venue is technically outdoors, shows will need to be postponed or even canceled in the event of inclement weather. You may be asked to wait in your car if there are thunderstorms passing through.
The good news is that you will not be impacted in the case of rain. The tent is fully covered, so you can expect to stay dry!
Parking and Tailgating
There is plenty of parking available at the venue, and the gates open two hours prior to the start of the show.
Unfortunately, tailgating in the parking lots is not permitted. However, the venue does have plenty of food and drink options available one hour prior to the show.
Things to Do Prior to an Event at The Melody Tent
If you’re coming from out of town to see a show at the Cape Cod Melody Tent, make sure to make a day of it and experience all that Hyannis has to offer. From the waterfront to the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, there are a ton of things to do prior to an evening show.
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