Experience Planner
Plan your perfect Chautauqua visit.
To plan your day, week or season at Chautauqua, select the dates of your visit below and choose your interests. Our experience planner will then provide personalized recommendations to make your time with us as rewarding as possible. We hope to see you soon!
Explore the events and destinations listed on our website and click the "star image" to save your favorites and create your Chautauqua itinerary.
Explore events and destinations here. Use the "star" to save your favorites to create your itinerary.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Treat mom to a gourmet brunch buffet at the historic Athenaeum Hotel located on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution. Overlooking Chautauqua Lake, guests will be treated to a wide array of breakfast, lunch and dessert specialties.
Adults: $59 plus tax
Children: (5-11) $22.00 plus tax
Children: (4 & under) Free
Book online or call 716-357-4444.
@ 12:00 am
CHQ Travels: Beethoven in Vienna with David Levy
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Europe’s promising young musicians flocked to Vienna, producing and performing what would become the masterpieces of the Classical period. Join Chautauqua in Vienna during the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony premiere and explore the life and works of Beethoven in Vienna. On an itinerary curated by Professor David Levy, Beethoven scholar and regular Chautauqua speaker, we will follow in the footsteps of Beethoven to the homes where he composed, the palaces where he performed and the cafés he frequented. Vienna is also a city of great art collections; we will enjoy a visit to Gustav Klimt’s “Frieze” at the Secession Building that was inspired by Beethoven’s composition. There will be tours to the National Archives, a long-standing family-run Music publishers and a tour of the Habsburgs Historic Instruments collection. See where Beethoven sought sanctuary for his many ailments on an excursion to the spa town of Baden bei Wien and we will learn about the current state of music education in the city from Ulrike Sych, Rector of the University for Music and the Performing Arts Vienna, the world’s largest music conservatory. This week-long program in the city of music promises to be a veritable “Ode to Joy” for classical music lovers.
Pricing: $6,890 per person; For a single room add $1,200
Preview Premiere and Reception: Gamelan Dharma Swara
Gamelan Dharma Swara is proud to present at Chautauqua the Preview World Premiere of a new Dharma Swara commission, co-created by Artist-in-Residence Gusti Komin and longtime dance teacher and choreographer Shoko Yamamuro. The traditional welcome piece to open a performance or event is reimagined. Works of this genre — typically in the female style — often focus on notions of reception and invitation alongside purification and blessing; however, this exploratory work will also consider the group’s identity as New Yorkers performing Balinese arts via the lens of expatriate artists.
Following the preview premiere, mingle with fellow attendees and performers at the Strohl Art Center for a reception. Enjoy an assortment of hearty hors d’oeuvres; refreshments will be available for purchase.
About Gamelan Dharma Swara
Gamelan Dharma Swara — “a duty of perpetuating sound” — is one of the United States’ leading Balinese music and dance ensembles. From their beginnings at the Indonesian Consulate of New York to the present day, they have been captivating audiences with raucous performances for over 33 years and counting. The group performs a spellbinding blend of iconic traditional pieces paired with bold, contemporary compositions, spanning some 500 years. It has been called “thrilling, mesmerizing and powerful” (New York Times) and “sublime, receiving perhaps the weekend’s most rapturous response” (The New Yorker).
Preview Performance of SOMEWHERE by YY Dance Company
Join us for an exclusive preview performance by YYDC, offering a sneak peek of SOMEWHERE, an evening-length dance piece that marks the second part of Yue Yin’s planned trilogy. The trilogy commenced with NOWHERE, which was previewed at Chautauqua and performed at Chelsea Factory in NYC in 2023. This upcoming work highlights Yue’s unique dance vocabulary and FOCO technique, which focuses on generating, guiding, and transforming energy within bodies and space. Witness SOMEWHERE as a work in progress at Chautauqua!
Following the preview performance, join YYDC at the Athenaeum Hotel for a four-course dinner and conversation with Artistic Director and Choreographer Yue Yin. You may purchase a single ticket to the preview or a ticket for the dinner and the preview performance.
Based in NYC, YYDC is a contemporary dance company dedicated to the teaching, production and performance of original choreographic works by founder and artistic director, Yue Yin. Over the past decade, Yin has refined and expanded an original movement vocabulary – FOCO Technique™ – a fusion inspired by the Chinese folk and contemporary dance movement. The company has presented works at dance festivals such as SummerStage, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Inside Out and New York International Fringe Festival, and at venues such as Hanover International Choreographic competition, BAM Fisher, Joyce SoHo Theater, Peridance Theater, Lincoln Center Rosh Hall, New York Live Arts and many others. Yue Yin is an internationally recognized performer, choreographer and the founder and artistic director. She studied at the prestigious Shanghai Dance Academy and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where she received her MFA in 2008.Yue Yin was the recipient of the 2021 Harkness Promise Award. This prestigious award recognizes her innovation in choreography and education. She was the winner of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago 2015 International Commissioning Project, winner of the 2015 BalletX Choreographic Fellowship, and winner of Northwest Dance Project’s 5th Annual Pretty Creatives International Choreographic Competition in 2013. Through these high-profile successes, Yin has received commissions from all three widely-recognized companies as well as other companies and organizations namely Gibney Company, Martha Graham Dance Company, Boston Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, Limon Dance Company, Alberta Ballet, Balletto Teatro di Torino, Juilliard School for Dance and more.
*Inclement Weather Location: Carnahan-Jackson Dance Studios
Preview Performance of SOMEWHERE, Dinner and Conversation
Join us for an exclusive preview performance by YYDC, offering a glimpse into SOMEWHERE, the next installment of Yue Yin’s planned trilogy following NOWHERE. Previously previewed at Chautauqua and performed in 2023 at Chelsea Factory in NYC, SOMEWHERE showcases Yue’s unique dance style, emphasizing the FOCO technique, which focuses on generating, guiding, and transforming energy within bodies and space. Witness the evolution of SOMEWHERE at Chautauqua and engage in a conversation with Artistic Director and Choreographer Yue Yin during the elegant spring meal that follows.
$69: Preview performance and four-course dinner
$69: Dine with a Dancer! Sponsor a dancer to join your table for dinner!
Menu:
Bread
Baguette and Olive Ciabatta
Soup
Spring Pea Soup, White Truffle Drizzle, Borage Flower (Vegan)
Salad
Shaved Asparagus & Arugula Salad W/ Watermelon Radish, House Made Ricotta, Toasted Hazelnuts, Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette. (Vegan Option: No Ricotta)
Amuse-Bouche
Sorbet
Entrée
(Choice of one of the following)
Pan Roasted Chicken Thighs, Ramp and Walnut Pistou, Yukon Gold and Leek Gratin, Carrot Puree
6 oz CAB Filet Mignon, Red Wine Demi, Yukon Gold and Leek Gratin, Carrot Puree, Buttermilk Fried Ramps
Fried Polenta Cakes and Seared Wild Mushrooms with Ramp and Walnut Pistou, Carrot Puree (Vegan)
Dessert
(Choice of one of the following)
Strawberry Semifreddo, Rhubarb Compote, Candied Rhubarb Ribbons, Micro Basil
Chef Selected Vegan Option
Based in NYC, YYDC is a contemporary dance company dedicated to the teaching, production and performance of original choreographic works by founder and artistic director, Yue Yin. Over the past decade, Yin has refined and expanded an original movement vocabulary – FOCO Technique™ – a fusion inspired by the Chinese folk and contemporary dance movement. The company has presented works at dance festivals such as SummerStage, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Inside Out and New York International Fringe Festival, and at venues such as Hanover International Choreographic competition, BAM Fisher, Joyce SoHo Theater, Peridance Theater, Lincoln Center Rosh Hall, New York Live Arts and many others. Yue Yin is an internationally recognized performer, choreographer and the founder and artistic director. She studied at the prestigious Shanghai Dance Academy and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where she received her MFA in 2008.Yue Yin was the recipient of the 2021 Harkness Promise Award. This prestigious award recognizes her innovation in choreography and education. She was the winner of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago 2015 International Commissioning Project, winner of the 2015 BalletX Choreographic Fellowship, and winner of Northwest Dance Project’s 5th Annual Pretty Creatives International Choreographic Competition in 2013. Through these high-profile successes, Yin has received commissions from all three widely-recognized companies as well as other companies and organizations namely Gibney Company, Martha Graham Dance Company, Boston Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, Limon Dance Company, Alberta Ballet, Balletto Teatro di Torino, Juilliard School for Dance and more.
@ 12:00 am
CHQ Travels: The 80th Anniversary of D-Day with Kori Schake
NOTE: THIS TRIP IS SOLD OUT — The 80th-anniversary observance of D-Day is an all too vivid reminder of a time when the fate of Europe hung in the balance and the day was won by months of detailed planning, devotion to duty and bravery in battle by Allied forces in the largest amphibious landing in history. From the Normandy landing beaches, to the fortified cliffs of Pointe du Hoc to the impeccably kept American cemetery above Omaha Beach, we invite you to retrace the first steps in the historic liberation of France. Your cruise along the River Seine aboard the elegant MS Renoir provides an ideal balance: a military history theme including lectures and informal time with your expert; the chance to explore the charming towns of Honfleur and Rouen bookended by iconic Paris as your small ship docks in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower; and the unique opportunity to enhance your educational experience by participating in select lectures or discussions with additional content experts on board.
Main Deck – $5,695 per person; $1,995 single supplement
Upper Deck – $5,995 per person; $2,295 single supplement
Chautauqua Lake Conference
The 2024 Chautauqua Lake Conference will provide an update on important research on Chautauqua Lake. SUNY Fredonia and The Jefferson Project will return this year to share some of their research results and plans for the upcoming summer. We will hear from SUNY Oneonta and North Carolina State University regarding their research on lake vegetation. We are also very excited to welcome several Chautauqua Lake-focused organizations to share some of their lake-focused activities with conference attendees and share how people can best get involved in lake health.
Martina McBride
Multiple Grammy® nominee Martina McBride has sold over 23 million albums and will open the 150th Anniversary season at Chautauqua on June 22!
With 15 major music awards, 14 Gold Records and nine Platinum honors, Martina McBride has captured the hearts of audiences around the world for more than 25 years. The four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year has revolutionized the country music industry, with songs that deliver both melody and message. A legendary force in country music, her career skyrocketed with the release of her second album in 1993, The Way That I Am. With hits, like “My Baby Loves Me,” and “Independence Day,” the album quickly rose to million-seller status in 1995, ushering in a string of platinum albums that 2000s.
One of country music’s biggest stars, Mcbride also saw years of crossover pop success before returning to her country roots in 2005. Soon after, her albums from 2007 to 2016 successively soared to the Top Five slots on the country album chart. Most recently, in 2023, twelve years after the original release of ELEVEN, the album was re-released to include four bonus tracks in ‘ELEVEN (Deluxe)’.
June 23 @ 12:00 am
Melvin Johnson Sculpture Garden 2024 - June 23–August 23
Strohl Art Center Upper Sculpture Garden
@ 12:00 am
Melvin Johnson Sculpture Garden 2024 – June 23–August 23
Melvin Johnson Sculpture Garden 2024 exhibition runs June 23–August 23. Featuring outdoor sculptures by Dan Droz, Carin Mincemoyer, and Lydia Musco.
Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J.
Father Gregory Boyle is the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world.
Born and raised in Los Angeles and Jesuit priest, from 1986 to 1992 Fr. Boyle served as pastor of Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights. Dolores Mission was the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles that also had the highest concentration of gang activity in the city.
Fr. Boyle witnessed the devastating impact of gang violence on his community during the so-called “decade of death” that began in the late 1980s and peaked at 1,000 gang-related killings in 1992. In the face of law enforcement tactics and criminal justice policies of suppression and mass incarceration as the means to end gang violence, he and parish and community members adopted what was a radical approach at the time: treat gang members as human beings.
In 1988 they started what would eventually become Homeboy Industries, which employs and trains former gang members in a range of social enterprises, as well as provides critical services to thousands of individuals who walk through its doors every year seeking a better life.
Fr. Boyle is the author of the 2010 New York Times-bestseller Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. Followed by Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship (2017) and The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness (2021). Most recently, he authored Forgive Everyone Everything, an anthology of writings accompanied by Fabian Debora’s artwork.
He has received the California Peace Prize and been inducted into the California Hall of Fame. In 2014, President Obama named Fr. Boyle a Champion of Change. He received the University of Notre Dame’s 2017 Laetare Medal, the oldest honor given to American Catholics. Homeboy Industries was the recipient of the 2020 Hilton Humanitarian Prize validating 32 years of Fr. Greg Boyle’s vision and work by the organization for over three decades.
Community Activities Fair
General Counsel's Office
1874 Tent Reenactment
What was it like to visit Chautauqua in 1874? Join us for the unveiling of our circa 1874 tent, constructed by volunteers using original directions used by the early Chautauquans to build their summer accommodations.
Note: Date subject to change pending materials construction timeline
June 23 @ 1:00 pm
"Passion for Paper" Exhibition - June 23-July 21
Strohl Art Center: Main Galleries
@ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
“Passion for Paper” Exhibition – June 23-July 21
“Passion for Paper” exhibition runs June 23-July 21. Opening reception June 23, 3-5pm. Enjoy this exhibition featuring seven talented artists who work with paper. Working with paper requires a special set of skills and a steady hand as it is known to be unforgiving. Passion for Paper, a thematic exhibition, features seven talented artists that have mastered their techniques and personal styles, resulting in a series of beautiful and intelligent works. Abstraction and realism will be featured in the Main Gallery, including a large hanging installation. Curated by Judy Barie.
Artists: Kevin Auzenne, Patricia Bellan Gillen, Roberto Benaviez, Kelly Moeykens, Elizabeth Mooney, Matt Shilan, Holly Wong.
June 23 @ 1:00 pm
"The Art of Robert Villamagna" Exhibition - June 23-July 18
Strohl Art Center 2nd Floor
@ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
“The Art of Robert Villamagna” Exhibition – June 23-July 18
“The Art of Robert Villamagna” exhibition runs June 23-July 18. Opening reception June 23, 3-5pm. Robert Villamagna grew up in the Rust Belt in Ohio and started making art as a young child with materials he found in his home. He now passionately works with colorful found materials, especially items that have language, show use and are rusted. These discarded metal items breathe life into his colorful sculptures and two-dimensional wall pieces. A strong sense of hidden messages is paramount in his work. This exhibition is generously sponsored by the Friends of CVA. Curated by Judy Barie.
June 23 @ 1:00 pm Week One (June 22–29)
"Off the Walls" Exhibition - June 23–August 20
Strohl Art Center 2nd Floor
@ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
“Off the Walls” Exhibition – June 23–August 20
“Off the Walls” exhibition runs June 23–August 20. Opening reception June 23, 3-5pm. “Off the Walls” is an exhibition featuring a dozen contemporary artists who create small sculptures, and are at the peak of their careers, showing nationally and internationally. As the title implies, all works will be hung from the ceiling or displayed on pedestals. Works in wood, glass, clay, metal, and concrete will be featured. This exhibition is generously sponsored by Brenda and Larry Thompson. Curated by Judy Barie.
Artists: Dee Briggs, Sam Chung, Seth Clark, Alison Croney Moses, Dan Droz, Brian Engel, Kyle Johns, Howard Jones, Nate Lucas, Andrea Moon, Lydia Musco, Jose Sera, Shoji Satake.
June 23 @ 1:00 pm
"Holding Space: Woven Works" Exhibition - June 23-August 4
Fowler-Kellogg Art Center: 1st Floor
@ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
“Holding Space: Woven Works” Exhibition – June 23-August 4
“Holding Space: Woven Works” exhibition runs June 23-August 4. This exhibition is a nuanced exploration into woven structures including jacquard weaving, pulled warp tapestry, and basketry. While distinct in style and perspective, these works collectively address notions of containment, transformation, and connection to place through abstraction. They make space for and carry our stories. Curated by Erika Diamond.
Artists: Carly Feddersen, Carrie Hill, Susan Iverson, Anina Major, John Paul Morabito, Skye Tafoya, Hope Wang, and Sarita Westrup.
Bahai: Interracial Marriage as a Path to Race Unity
June 23 @ 1:30 pm Week One (June 22–29)
StoryCorps Recording (Reservations Required)
Cohen Multimedia Studio
StoryCorps Recording (Reservations Required)
150th Anniversary StoryCorps Archive: The Cohen Multimedia Studio is available for recording your StoryCorps conversation for inclusion in Chautauqua’s 150th Anniversary Archive. Booking link opens May 15.