Plan Your Visit
This Is the Place: Learning, discovery, reflection and play intertwine here.
At Chautauqua, we strongly believe in the power of play, reflection and discovery to reinforce or catalyze learning experience. That’s why so many of our educational offerings — across all our programming pillars, for all generations — emphasize creativity, movement, introspection or social engagement as essential component. Chautauqua represents a separation from day-to-day life that allows space for exploring with a sense of wonder.
As you start exploring, here are some tips and recommendations to ensure your Chautauqua experience is nothing less than exceptional.
2024 Season: June 22–August 25
Each summer, Chautauqua will convene to wrestle with the critical issues of our time, considering how we as individuals, families and communities have been tested and have responded and how we move forward.
Planning your Stay
Finding accommodations should be your first priority when planning a visit to Chautauqua. Accommodations can fill up long before gate passes even go on sale.
Plan Your Program Schedule
Enhance your time at Chautauqua with some add-on experiences. While your Traditional Gate Pass grants you entry to many parts of the Chautauqua experience, there are several other opportunities to enrich your time on the grounds.
Purchase tickets to a Chautauqua Theater Company or Chautauqua Opera Company production.
Register for a class through Special Studies, our community education program.
Enroll young ones in Children’s School, Group One and Boys’ and Girls’ Club.
For most evening Amphitheater programs, avoid lines and reserve seats in the front floor sections with an upgrade to Preferred seating or purchase a ticket to an event if you have a Grounds Access Pass.
For those with a Grounds Access Pass, purchase tickets à la carte to performances and lectures that interest you.
Watch a movie at the Chautauqua Cinema with your friends and family.
Stay active this summer by visiting Chautauqua Health & Fitness, the Chautauqua Tennis Center or Chautauqua Golf Club.
There are events daily in the Amphitheater, and admission to Chautauqua is ALWAYS free on Sundays and for children 12 and younger!
Subscribe to CHQ Assembly to view selected programs you can’t attend in person — and experience Chautauqua programs year-round!
Dining and Shopping
View the dining options on the grounds, as well as the unique stores that complement Chautauqua Institution’s offerings.
Visit Must-Dos
While events at our Amphitheater and other venues often take center stage in the minds of first-time visitors and returning patrons, the following are some “best-kept secrets” about the Chautauqua Experience that are available to everyone. We encourage you to explore the fullness of Chautauqua.
Coming for the Day?
Take a day trip to restore, reset and reconnect at Chautauqua Institution! Historian and author David McCullough once called Chautauqua “a summer encampment and a small town, a college campus, an arts colony, a music festival, a religious retreat, and the village square” all wrapped into one.
Don’t forget to…
Be prepared for the weather. Most days are warm — dress lightly and be sure to hydrate often. The temperature can be more moderate on cloudy days, so be prepared with a light jacket, long pants and an umbrella to keep dry. Packing an extra sweater for chillier evenings is probably a good idea, too.
Bring your bike and walking shoes. Chautauqua Institution is a pedestrian and cycling community. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes! Also, consider bringing your bike or renting one from the Jamestown Cycle Shop Bike Rent on Massey Avenue.
Bring a reusable water bottle. As part of our commitment to a healthy lake and environment, Chautauqua Institution discourages the use of single use plastic water bottles on grounds. Use one of more than a dozen bottle refill stations located throughout the grounds.
Pack a seat cushion and lawn chair. Seat cushions are handy for the Amphitheater and Hall of Philosophy wooden benches. At the Hall of Philosophy, which fills quickly, many people enjoy programs from the comfort of their lawn chairs in the shady grove.
Bring groceries. Many of the rental properties have kitchens or kitchenettes. There are limited grocery options on the grounds.
Rent a mobility scooter or wheelchair. Chautauqua Institution offers mobility scooter and wheelchair rentals. Quantity is limited, and early reservations are recommended. For more information, visit mobility.chq.org.
Pack a Clear Bag. Bags or mobility scooter baskets must be see-through if they are larger than 4.5″ x 6″. Patrons are welcome to bring larger bags, backpacks or diaper bags into our venues, as long as they are clear and all the contents are clearly visible. Learn more
Rates and Fees
Learn about all long-term and short-term ticket options and information about many other services and tickets.