CHQ Overview: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Summer
Each summer, friends and families gather to live, learn, and laugh on the shores of Chautauqua Lake. With a unique blend of thought-provoking lectures, powerful performances, invigorating classes and diverse recreational opportunities—from golfing on our four-star rated courses to sailing on our beloved lake—there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So come for the day, or opt. for a summer-long stay; this unforgettable experience can be found in only one place — Chautauqua Institution.
Chautauqua is your ultimate vacation destination, and in 2025, we invite you to experience a summer filled with respite, community and personal growth. Whether you’re visiting as a solo sightseer or into group travel, we urge you to join the generations of Chautauquans from around the world who visit our historic grounds each year. Below is a Q-and-A to help you plan your 2025 visit.
Q: What is there to do at CHQ?
A: Though Chautauqua’s grounds are home to breathtaking views and interesting to do’s all year long, the bulk of events take place during our Summer Assembly. From world-class speakers, preachers, and artists to hands-on activities in the classroom or our athletic facilities, we offer something for every age and every interest.
Each day offers new artistic, educational, interfaith and recreational programming opportunities for all visitors, shaped by a weekly theme that guides educational discussion and discovery. From our partnership with the National Comedy Center in Week Two, “Comedy Now: A Week Curated with Lewis Black,” to exploring how the knowledge of the past shapes the way we draft our own histories for the future in Week Nine, “Past Informs Present: How to Harness History,” our 2025 themes are sure to enlighten, and inspire all summer long.
Q: How can I view a complete 2025 event calendar?
As we continue to share announcements for our 2025 season, you can view a complete calendar of events on our website. Or use our online experience planner to find a date-specific event schedule catered to the length of your stay. This tool is a great way to create an itinerary that ensures you check off all your to-do’s and have time to relax, too.
Traveling with a group? You can also send the itinerary you built to your email address and then forward it to your group, to make sure everyone is in the know.
Q: Are there on-grounds dining options?
A: Craving a cold drink, a quick bite or a delicious dinner? Our experience planner is a great way to view excellent eateries located on our grounds. Find your perfect pairing at Afterwords Wine Bar, sip on a craft cocktail at 3 Taps, delight in a tasty bite at the Heirloom Restaurant and Lobby Lounge or enjoy a delicious grab-and-go style meal and a sweet treat at Brickwalk Cafe.
Q: Where can I stay when I visit the grounds?
Looking for a CHQ experience that goes beyond a day trip? Our planner tool will also display several options for a weekend, weeklong, or extended getaway. From the historic Athenaeum Hotel to private accommodations, no matter how long you plan to stay, a Chautauqua Institution experience is one you won’t soon forget.
Q: Do I need a ticket to access the grounds?
A: A Gate Pass or event ticket is required to enter the grounds from June 21 to Aug. 24 and acts as your passport to the Chautauqua Experience. Gate passes come in two forms, with both available for purchase at 716.357.6250, the Main Gate Welcome Center or tickets.chq.org.
The Traditional Gate Pass (TGP) gives the greatest access and flexibility for engagement in Chautauqua’s core programs. This pass is an excellent choice for those who want to experience all that Chautauqua offers, with unlimited grounds access during your stay, plus general admission to all Amphitheater, Hall of Philosophy, and Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall events.
The Grounds Access Pass (GAP) is the “Create your own Chautauqua” pass. It is ideally suited to patrons who are unable to regularly attend programs in the Amphitheater due to work, family or other commitments. While offering unlimited access to Chautauqua’s grounds, this pass also includes morning worship at the Amphitheater and afternoon lectures at the Hall of Philosophy. Grounds Access Pass holders can purchase tickets separately to Amphitheater events and other programs they want to attend.
More information about the TGP, GAP and daily tickets can be found here.
Q: Where can I park?
A: Chautauqua offers parking across from Route 394 from the Main Entrance. A parking pass purchase is required, with parking fees based on the length of stay during our nine-week Summer Assembly. After this time, parking fees are no longer implemented. The majority of our parking is located in the Main Lot, and on-grounds parking is available for some private rentals.
Q: How can I navigate the grounds at Chautauqua?
A: Chautauqua is a pedestrian-based community, with the use of vehicles tightly restricted. Bicycles are permitted and are an excellent way to navigate the grounds. Just be sure to register your bicycle with our ticket office at no charge to receive a registration sticker that can be issued by mail. Other modes of transportation include a regularly scheduled complimentary shuttle bus and tram service in the Main Lot and on the grounds during the season, and available scooter rentals.
Check our website for additional directions and a complete map of our extensive grounds.
