Lakeside Outdoor Dining and Movies ‘Under the Stars’ Planned for Summer 2021
Two pilot initiatives in the summer of 2021 at Chautauqua Institution will leverage outdoor spaces for safe and casual experiences for the whole family.
Chautauqua Cinema Under the Stars will come to life most Saturday nights following the conclusion of Amp performances (approximately 9:45 p.m.) at one of three locations: Sharpe Field, Bestor Plaza or the Athenaeum Front Lawn. Movies will span a number of genres from animated films and family classics to independent docu-dramas. To maintain the ambiance of the grounds and minimize noise, all sound will be via FM transmitter. Patrons may bring their personal FM radios with headphones or they will be available on-site for a nominal fee. Movie house food and beverage items will be available for sale at all locations. Chautauqua Cinema will also operate daily, presenting feature, independent and artistic films under the leadership of owner Billy Schmidt. Schmidt is also serving as Cinema advisor to the Under the Stars presentations.
The north end of the Pier Building will be transformed this summer into 3 Taps, a casual outdoor and lakeside dining concept operated by the Chautauqua Hotel Company under the culinary leadership of Chef Edward Work. To minimize disruption to the existing indoor space in this experimental/pilot season of 3 Taps, food will be prepared and vended from an Institution-operated food truck, featuring an Asian fusion-inspired menu along with child-friendly favorites and soft drinks. Outdoor seating at 3 Taps will include fire pits and Adirondack chairs as well as patio seating, all with tableside service for beverages including a full adult beverage* menu 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. To minimize the formation of queues, we are offering mobile ordering for food and soft drinks from the food truck, although walk-up orders will also be welcomed. In addition to seating at 3 Taps, patrons may enjoy picnic table seating in Miller Park or bring your own chair to the adjacent Children’s Beach.
*Pending New York State approval. Adult beverages will be permitted only within the confines of the 3 Taps venue. Boundaries will be clearly marked.