Chautauqua’s 2025 Summer Assembly is taking shape — it’s time to start planning your experience! This season features an exceptional lineup of speakers, performers, and artists, including Lewis Black’s biting humor, LeVar Burton’s captivating storytelling, Kwame Alexander’s lyrical poetry, Denyce Graves’s powerful voice, and George Saunders and Doris Kearns Goodwin’s literary brilliance. From lectures to concerts and theater productions, Chautauqua will once again be your community for learning, connection and inspiration. Mark your calendars and secure your gate passes and tickets! 2025 Summer Assembly Sales Schedule December: Select concerts and lectures. The perfect holiday gift — stay tuned for exciting...
Climate change impacts are unfolding across the globe, affecting every community, ecosystem and institution in countless ways. At Chautauqua, we understand the importance of engaging with these challenges head-on. Our commitment to environmental sustainability lies in our dedicated efforts to preserve Chautauqua Lake and a growing desire to facilitate discussions that spark a collective effort toward positive change, on Earth Day and every day. In Weeks Four and Eight of our 2024 season, we recognize the urgent need to explore creative solutions to combat climate change, and -invite visitors to join us on the path to a more sustainable future...
April blooms with words and rhythm as we celebrate National Poetry Month! Every line and stanza invites you into a universe woven with emotions, colors, and imaginations running wild. We’re celebrating Poetry Month at Chautauqua by highlighting former Interfaith Lecturer, poet Jillian Hanesworth, and Chautauqua Literary Arts’ beloved Poetry Makerspace. Read on as we celebrate, explore and share the power of poetry that connects us all, one verse at a time. CHQ Assembly Speaker Spotlight Jillian Hanesworth Jillian Hanesworth is an EMMY award-nominated spoken word artist, and the first Poet Laureate Emeritus of Buffalo, New York. A community organizer and...
For 150 years, we have welcomed generations of Chautaquans from around the world into our diverse and dynamic community. At Chautauqua, we take pride in our community and all its members, striving to provide a unique and exciting experience to all who visit. As part of our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all, we are constantly working to make our grounds more accessible to everyone. That’s why we’re delighted to continue our tradition of Free Sundays every Sunday in our 2024 season! With no gate fees, no parking fees before 5 p.m., and free admission to Sunday entertainment,...
Established from its foundation in 1874 as a platform for intellectual and cultural exchange, Chautauqua Institution was pivotal in the advancement of women’s rights. Throughout the 19th and 20th century, Chautauqua’s lecture platform featured notable suffragists ranging from Susan B. Anthony to Carrie Chapman Catt. This March, we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, showcasing Chautauqua’s crucial role in the women’s rights movement. Though Chautauqua had welcomed women speakers in the past, beginning as early as the remarks from Jenny Fowler Willing at the opening services in 1874, debating the issue of women’s suffrage was revolutionary. Chautauqua’s first women’s suffrage...
From its founding in 1874, Chautauqua Institution has been a hub of intellectual and cultural activity, welcoming people from across the globe to share their ideas and insights. Over its 150 years, Chautauqua has weathered world wars, depressions, and profound social change, remaining a world-renowned destination for educational exploration, spiritual growth, and community engagement. As Chautauqua celebrates this remarkable milestone, we invite readers to explore our rich history with five fascinating facts you may not know about Chautauqua! 1. Chautauqua Institution was the first of several Chautauquas. As Chautauqua Institution grew in popularity, other “chautauquas” began to spread across the...
This summer Chautauqua Institution invites you to be a part of our 150th Anniversary season, as we celebrate the lectures, events and performances of our milestone year in 2024! With ticket sales kicking off on Jan. 23, we want to help make your purchase as easy and efficient as possible, starting with gate passes! When planning your visit, there are two different gate pass options to consider: our Traditional Gate Pass (TGP) and our Grounds Access Pass (GAP). Though both passes offer unlimited access to Chautauqua’s breath-taking grounds, there are a few key elements to keep in mind when planning...
You don’t have to be an avid outdoor enthusiast to appreciate the beauty of Slovenia’s magnificent landscape. From the alluring Postojna Caves, and the mountainside marvel that is the Predjama Castle, to the tranquil waters of Lake Bled, and awe-inspiring Julian Alps, your Chautauqua Travel experience will take you on a scenic and surreal tour of Slovenia’s breathtaking countryside. Though these cultural cornerstones are most known for their natural beauty, each is full of untold secrets that lurk just beneath their surface. Baby Dragons of the Postojna Cave Within the dark, damp interior of the Postojna Cave dwells a pale...
There is a place with picturesque gardens, breathtakingly beautiful architecture, thought-provoking lectures, and powerful performances. Where friends and families are invited to live, learn, and laugh on the shores of Chautauqua Lake. 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 one-stop vacation experience destination, and this summer, we’re celebrating our 150th anniversary season! Whether you’re visiting as a solo sightseer, or into group travel, we invite you to join the generations of travelers from around the world that visit our historic...
As the leaves take on breathtaking fall hues, the only thing missing from our grounds is you! Come spend the day lakeside, exploring our grounds, quaint shops, delicious dining experiences and exciting autumn events. Get away from your day-to-day and immerse yourself in the season’s beauty at Chautauqua Institution. Explore Our Grounds Every fall, Chautauqua’s 750-acre grounds transform — painted in beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow that capture the stunning autumnal beauty in western New York. Whether you spend the day by Chautauqua Lake, explore one of our four scenic hiking trails or simply take a seasonal stroll, there’s...
