Plan Your Visit

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TYPICAL DAY AT CHAUTAUQUA

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6 a.m. – Take in a beautiful sunrise over Chautauqua Lake near the Central Dock and Sports Club.

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7 a.m. – With more than a mile of waterfront, Chautauqua's grounds are perfect for a morning walk or run along the lake shore.

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7:15 a.m. – Pick up fresh fruit, vegetables and other locally grown and made products from the Farmer's Market.

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7:30 a.m. – The Chautauquan Daily, a perfect accompaniment to your morning cup of coffee, is delivered to your front porch.

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8:45 a.m. – Watch the little ones board the bus to Children's School.

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9:30 a.m. – Story time at Children's School.

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10 a.m. – The bigger kids can enjoy some friendly competition at Boy's and Girls' Club.

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10:45 a.m. – Hear a lecture at the 5,000-seat, open-air Amphitheater — and get a question of your own answered at the end.

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12 p.m. – Eat your lunch on Bestor Plaza with some musical accompaniment.

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1 p.m. – Stroll through one of Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution's world-class galleries.

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2 p.m. – Take in another lecture, one from a religious or ethical perspective, at the gorgeous open-air Hall of Philosophy.

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2:30 p.m. – Be one with nature as you attend a lecture in one of Chautauqua's many outdoor "classrooms."

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3 p.m. – Support tomorrow's best singers with a visit to an afternoon Voice Program recital.

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4 p.m. – Spend some time on the water with a lesson from the Sailing Center.

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6 p.m. – Sit down for a delicious dinner at the Athenaeum.

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8:15 p.m. – Attend a performance of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, featuring some of the best instrumentalists from orchestras around the world.

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9 p.m. – Enjoy Late Night Tapas on Fridays and Saturdays from 9–11 p.m. at the Athenaeum.

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10 p.m. – End the day with a night time stroll by the lake.

Challenge yourself. Discover a hidden talent. Share the memories. Inspire a new generation.
Over the course of nine weeks, more than 100,000 visitors will stay at Chautauqua and participate in programs, classes and community events for all ages — all within the beautiful setting of a historic lakeside village.

The Chautauqua experience is based around one’s engagement in five program areas: arts, education, religion, recreation, and youth. While people visit Chautauqua Institution for all different lengths of stay — the most popular length of stay on the grounds is one week.

We are currently planning the 2021 Summer Assembly Season. Check back here or bookmark 2021.chq.org for the latest information.

2020 Grounds Access and Operations

A complimentary gate pass will be required to access the grounds during our 2020 season, whether for a day visit or an extended stay.

Dining and Shopping

View the dining options on the grounds, as well as the unique stores that complement Chautauqua Institution's offerings.

Chautauqua Bookstore

Your one stop shop for program related books, art supplies, an amazing array of gifts and cards and Chautauqua logo apparel and gifts.

Maps & Directions

Chautauqua is basically a walking community with very narrow streets. The use of automobiles on the grounds is very restricted.

2021 Season :: June 26–August 29

While the days ahead are rife with uncertainty, Chautauqua will convene in 2021 to wrestle with the critical issues of our time, considering ways in which we as individuals, families and communities have been tested and have responded, and how we move forward.

Planning Your 2021 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 in January.

Group Tours and Road Scholar

Make your next group tour destination Chautauqua Institution located in western New York.

Special Events and Festivals

Mark your calendars for Chautauqua's spring, fall and winter events. Subscribe to our festival email list to stay up-to-date on all culinary and festival events!

Tour Chautauqua County

For more than 140 years, Chautauqua has been a destination for vacation learning, a place for personal growth, a place that engages the mind, body and spirit.