Since 1874, Chautauqua has been a captivating lakeside haven for artists, educators, thinkers, faith leaders, and friends, offering a unique blend of education and recreation. Immerse yourself in a Chautauqua experience, featuring top-notch speakers, inspiring preachers, the best in popular concerts, and talented artists. From hands-on activities in classrooms to enjoying our athletic facilities, every moment is special. Whether you’re here for a day, a week, or the entire season, we welcome you to join our vibrant community.

Chautauqua Institution welcomes visitors throughout the year, with our primary season being the Summer Assembly, running from late June to late August annually. To enter the grounds during the summer, a Chautauqua Institution gate pass or ticket is necessary. However, during the fall, winter, and spring months, access to Chautauqua is entirely free of charge. During these months, Chautauqua hosts culinary events and artists-in-residence.

Planning a day trip to Chautauqua is simple and enjoyable. Start by checking the schedule of events and activities on the official Chautauqua Institution website. Identify the specific concerts, lectures or performances you’d like to attend. Purchase a day pass or event ticket online if required during your visit. Event tickets grant you access to the grounds 3 hours before and after an event.

Plan your meals in advance by checking out the on-site dining options or nearby restaurants. If attending an event in the Amphitheater, only clear bags are allowed or small wristlets. More details can be found at clear.chq.org.

Lastly, map out your travel logistics. Day parking is at the Main Lot which is across the street from the Main Gate Welcome Center and can be purchased in advance, and any other practical details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable day at Chautauqua.

Planning a vacation to Chautauqua Institution can be a delightful experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

Check the Schedule: Review the theme weeks, event schedule and program offerings during the time you plan to visit. Decide on when you want to come and how long you want to attend.

Accommodations: Explore lodging options within the Chautauqua grounds or nearby. When planning your visit to Chautauqua Institution, securing accommodations should be your top priority. All accommodations within the Institution’s grounds are privately owned, except for the Athenaeum Hotel and Bellinger Hall. To explore and secure accommodations, visit accommodations.chq.org.

Tickets and Passes: Purchase the appropriate tickets and gate passes for the duration of your stay. You have the option of purchasing a Traditional or Grounds Access Gate Pass.

Plan Activities: Identify specific events, performances, or workshops you want to attend. Consider exploring the diverse array of activities, including cultural performances, educational talks, and recreational opportunities. Theater, opera, youth programs, cinema tickets, some recreational activities and classes are available at an additional fee.

Dining: Check out the on-site dining options or nearby restaurants to plan your meals. A favorite is Heirloom Restaurant at the Athenaeum Hotel, lakeside 3 Taps and A-Truck and Afterwords Wine Bar. Some accommodations may also have kitchen facilities if you prefer cooking. Visit dining.chq.org for more information.

Clear Container Policy: A “clear container” policy will be utilized at the Amphitheater and other performance venues during the summer. This means that if your bag is larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″, it must be see-through. For more information visit clear.chq.org

Transportation: Plan your transportation to Chautauqua, whether by car, bus, or other means. If flying, consider the nearest airports (Erie, PA and Buffalo, NY and arrange for transportation from there.

Pack Accordingly: Pack for the activities you plan to engage in and the weather during your visit. Don’t forget essentials like comfortable shoes, sunscreen, swimwear, sweaters for chilly evenings and any specific items for workshops or classes.

Connect with Community: Join forums or social media groups related to Chautauqua Institution to connect with fellow visitors, exchange tips and enhance your overall experience.

By taking these steps, you can ensure a well-planned and enjoyable vacation at Chautauqua Institution, making the most of the unique offerings and the vibrant community atmosphere.

When planning your visit to Chautauqua Institution, securing accommodations should be your top priority. Popular weeks at Chautauqua can sell out months or even a year in advance. All accommodations within the Institution’s grounds are privately owned, except for the Athenaeum Hotel, Bellinger Hall and Minerva House. To explore and secure accommodations, visit accommodations.chq.org.

Chautauqua manages several accommodations, including the 150-room Athenaeum Hotel and Bellinger Hall. In addition, visitors often opt for private rentals, ranging from houses, condos, and apartments to studios, boarding houses, and denominational houses. Visit accommodations.chq.org for more information.

Choosing to stay on the grounds lets you dive into the vibrant Chautauqua community. It’s a chance to fully embrace the one-of-a-kind Chautauqua lifestyle and make the most of your experience.

Chautauqua Institution offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, but its main season typically runs from late June through late August. During this time, you can experience a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational activities, including lectures, concerts, performances, and outdoor recreation. Many visitors choose to come to Chautauqua based on a specific weekly theme or event. Each week during the nine-week summer season has a different theme so pick a week or event that interests you and your family most! There are also events during the fall and spring, with the Athenaeum being open for reservations from May through October.

Chautauqua Institution offers a wide array of activities designed to cater to diverse interests. Enjoy the arts by attending popular concerts, plays, and symphony performances. Engage in thought-provoking talks delivered by world-class speakers, preachers, and artists. Dive into hands-on activities in classrooms that foster learning and creativity. For those seeking physical activity, take out a sailboat or kayak, visit one our athletic facilities, take a swing at our two golf courses, or rent time on our pickleball or tennis courts.

Gate passes or day tickets are required during the Summer Assembly, and fees vary according to time period, programming, and length of stay. Visit our ticketing website at tickets.chq.org or rates.chq.org for the most up-to-date information and prices or call 716-357-6250 for further information.

There is a reduced rate for youth ages 13 to 25. There is no charge for a gate ticket for anyone 12 and younger or 90 and older. No gate fees are charged on Sundays.

Single opera and theater ticket prices vary based on seating and performance. Theater ticket packages are also available. Advance purchase is highly recommended as performances do sell out.

Parking fees vary according to length of stay.

Active-duty military receives a free pass.

Many of the children on the grounds participate in Children’s School, Group One, or Boys’ and Girls’ Club. Experienced teachers lead the children through a variety of activities. There is a bus available to transport the children to and from the School.

The Youth Activities Center is designed as a gathering spot for middle schoolers and high schoolers, with a snack bar, games, pool tables and table tennis, as well as television and lounge areas. Dances and weekly special events are also offered.

The Sports Club offers board and lawn games, ping-pong, and hosts the annual Beach to Beach Color Sprint — a young crowd favorite. There is also foot golf at the Golf Learning Center.

A Family Entertainment Series is presented one evening most weeks featuring singers, musicians, actors, puppeteers and storytellers.

A number of Special Studies classes are especially designed for young people. Many multigenerational classes are also listed in the Special Studies catalog. Find out more information or register for Special Studies classes online at classes.chq.org.

The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle Young Readers program features nine books and related activities throughout the summer. The program has been designed to provide reading enrichment for youth ages 9 to 14.

Golf, sailing and tennis opportunities are also available for youth. For costs and additional information on youth activities, visit youth.chq.org.

We invite visitors to explore our on-grounds establishments and recommend getting a Destination Ticket, available for a small fee. These tickets can be bought starting in June at tickets.chq.org or by calling 716-357-6250. If you plan to dine at the Heirloom Restaurant in the Athenaeum Hotel, you don’t need a Destination Ticket. Simply show your reservation to the gate attendant upon arrival, and the hotel will valet your car.

Most patrons park in the Main Lot across Route 394. Check with your accommodations to see if your rental includes a parking space.

Yes, Chautauqua loves bikes, and it’s a great way to get around the grounds. We ask that you register your bike with our safety and security department.

Chautauqua is a pet-friendly community and many rental properties allow tenants to bring pets; be sure to check to see whether your accommodations permit house pets. The Athenaeum Hotel does offer pet-friendly rooms for a fee.

Pets should be registered, for a small fee, at the Department of Safety & Security. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after and are not permitted in certain areas on the grounds. With the exception of service animals, pets are not permitted in any Chautauqua Institution buildings or program facilities.

A dog park is located at the north end of Turner Community Center. Dogs can run inside a fenced area and play with fellow canines.

You may reserve rental moorage on a space-available basis at our Central Dock office. For weekly mooring or first-time registrations of season boats, please call 716-357-6288 after the first week in June. Full-season boat renewals may call the ticket office. 716-357-6250

There are no facilities for campers or motor homes.

During our Summer Assembly, Chautauqua offers the following daily tickets free of charge: Sunday Tickets, daily worship tickets, Education Wednesdays (available to current staff, teachers, and students in Chautauqua County), Buffalo Day (free to Buffalo area residents), and Chautauqua County Day (free to Chautauqua County residents). Complimentary gate passes are available for those over the age of 90 years, children 12 and under, and active military. Access to the Chautauqua grounds is available free of charge in the fall, winter, and spring months.

Those purchasing a gate pass for more than one day can purchase a Traditional or Grounds Access Gate Pass. Each has different inclusions.

Traditional Gate Pass: This pass offers unlimited access to the grounds during your entire stay, plus general admission to all Amphitheater, Hall of Philosophy, and Chautauqua Chamber Series: Guest and Resident Series at Lenna Hall.

Grounds Access Pass: This pass is ideally suited to the patron who cannot regularly attend programs in the Amphitheater. While offering unlimited access to Chautauqua’s grounds, this pass includes morning worship at the Amphitheater and lectures at the Hall of Philosophy. You can purchase tickets separately to Amphitheater events and other programs they want to attend. Resident Series at Lenna Hall.All events on chq.org clearly state which events are included with which pass.

A Traditional or Grounds Access Gate Pass is for those coming to Chautauqua for at least one overnight. A ticket is used for daily access to the grounds or specific performances or events.

Event tickets grant you access to the grounds. You do not need to have a gate pass and an event ticket.

An Afternoon Ticket is valid from noon to 8 p.m. from Monday through Friday. The Afternoon Ticket grants access to the Chautauqua’s grounds, beaches, restaurants and any programs outside of the Amphitheater. Highlighted programs are the Interfaith Lecture Series and the Chautauqua Scientific and Literary Circle Lectures that take place at the Hall of Philosophy.

Everyone needs a gate pass or ticket. For children 12 years and under gate passes are free. There are also discounted youth tickets available.

Chautauqua employs dynamic pricing, meaning that certain days may have varying costs. To ensure you stay informed about any promotional offers or discounts, it’s recommended that you subscribe to our newsletter. By staying connected with us, you’ll be the first to know about exciting deals that can enhance your Chautauqua experience.

The majority of visitors park at the Main Lot which is located on Route 394 across from the Main Gate Welcome Center. Parking fees vary depending on the duration of stay and performance in the Amphitheater. Parking is free on Sundays until 5 p.m. There is limited on grounds parking.

In the event of lost or damaged gate passes, you may have them reprinted for a small fee at the Main Gate Welcome Center or Visitor Center on Bestor Plaza.

Bus tours of the grounds are available daily during the Summer Assembly for $10. Tickets may be purchased at the Main Gate Welcome Center. No advance purchases.

Digital tickets and gate passes do not need to be printed. They are available as a PDF or you can be added to your Apple Wallet. No screenshots or photographs of tickets are permitted.

Chautauqua has implemented a new ticketing system and is incrementally updating policies. Uploading a photo to your account is highly encouraged. You may upload your photo through your account on tickets.chq.org or visit the Main Gate Welcome Center.

Chautauqua Institution operates Heirloom Restaurant at the Athenaeum Hotel, 3 Taps and the A Truck, Brick Walk Cafe, Afterwords Wine Bar and the Gallery Cafe. There are also privately owned restaurants. Visit dining.chq.org to see the full list.

Plaza Market, located in the Colonnade on Bestor Plaza, carries basic necessities, snacks and more. There are multiple grocery stores in the area (Wegmans, Tops, Lighthouse) and Instacart delivers to the grounds.

Absolutely. You can enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails at all Chautauqua-owned restaurants. While there isn’t a dedicated wine, beer, or liquor store on the grounds, you can buy wine bottles to-go from Afterwords Wine Bar when you also order food.

Chautauqua only allows water in all performance venues.

Chautauqua is committed to providing access for everyone. Accessible seats are available. Please contact our ticket office at 716-357-6250, or email ticketoffice@chq.org.  More information about accessibility at Chautauqua visit accessibility.chq.org.

Please visit accessbility.chq.org for more information.

Designated accessible parking is available in the Main Lot. There are limited accessible parking spaces on the grounds. You will need to purchase a parking pass and have your ADA documentation enter the grounds and look for a space.

Yes, we offer a number of different mobility devices, including wheelchairs and scooters. Visit mobility.chq.org for more information.

Yes, assisted listening devices are available in all venues. Please see an usher for assistance and visit accessibility.chq.org for more information. Live captioning for the Chautauqua Lecture Series in the Amphitheater are available at captions.chq.org.

Electric mobility scooters are a good option for navigating the grounds for guests with mobility challenges. Scooter operators and owners are expected to obey all vehicle traffic signs, signals, and regulations as well as the Electric Mobility Scooter Policy.

• Scooters must be operated safely and at a speed no greater than 6 Miles Per Hour or a lower speed that is reasonable and prudent for conditions, including pedestrian traffic.
• Pedestrian areas should be avoided, if possible.
• Mobility devices are expected to share roads and pathways with other pedestrians. Mobility devices share the right-of-way with pedestrians.
• No more than one person on a scooter at a time, except tandem scooters that are designed to seat two people.
• Able-bodied minors are not permitted to operate a scooter.

Visit our website to learn more about live audio descriptions, sensory-friendly performances, accessible seating and more.

Chautauqua has a clear container policy for all perfomance venues. This means that if your bag is larger than 4.5 x 6.5, it must be see-through. We are sorry, but mesh bags do not allow us to see the contents well enough. Bags must be clear. Patrons are welcome to bring backpacks, diaper bags or other totes to Chautauqua Institution to facilitate their visit but if they want access to a specific venue, they must abide by the clear container policy. Solid containers for personal items, like a wallet or a glasses case, are permitted in venues as long as each of those items is smaller than 4.5 x 6.5. For our guests who use mobility scooters, please make sure any containers in your baskets abide by these restrictions.

Chautauqua welcomes over 100,000 visitors during our Summer Assembly. Some residents reside at Chautauqua year-round and many more who visit for weddings, special events and programs hosted in the fall, winter and spring months.

Yes, you may enter and exit as often as necessary while your gate pass is valid.

Stopping at the Main Gate Welcome Center is not necessary if you have your gate and parking passes.

You may visit or call the Main Gate Welcome Center or the Visitor Center on Bestor Plaza to speak with an Information Ambassador.

Visit contact.chq.org to provide feedback or to make a suggestion.

The website is the greatest resource for the most up-to-date information.

Accessing a vehicle charging station during the summer assembly season requires a gate pass and a Chautauqua Institution parking pass. There are six vehicle charging spaces available in the North Lot and four vehicle charging spaces in the South Lot. Charging details can be found below.

*North Lot:
   2 spaces served by a LeGrand charger and an outlet (1 – J1772 charger, 1 – 240v AC 50A outlet)
   4 spaces served by Tesla branded chargers (2 – NACS Tesla type, 2 – J1772 chargers)
**South Lot:
  2 spaces served by outlets (2 – 240v AC 50A outlets [NOTE: 120v outlet also present])
  2 spaces served by ChargePoint (Dual J1772)

For Pay @ the Ticket Office spots, patrons will purchase an EV charging pass ($5 per use for a period of 23.5 hrs., 8 a.m.–7:30 a.m. next day) to be used in conjunction with their standard Chautauqua parking pass (Main Lot, South Lot, North Lot, private location, etc.). The patron hangs their lot pass from the mirror and displays their EV charging pass on the dash while using the charging space. To purchase an EV charging pass, please visit the Main Gate Welcome Center Ticket Office or call us at 716-357-6250 to purchase by phone for pick-up.  

South Lot’s ChargePoint station is easy and convenient. Patrons may pay at the charger by credit card or by downloading the free ChargePoint app on their mobile device. If you opt to download the app, follow the steps at this ChargePoint link to start charging.

During the fall, winter and spring months, the ChargePoint charging station is open and available to the public.

With your gate and parking passes, you should enter through the gate closest to your residence to unload. There is no reason to go to the Main Gate Welcome Center upon arrival if you already have your gate and parking passes. The attendant at the gate entrance will give you a 45-minute unloading pass.

Yes, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Instacart and other food deliveries are available at your accommodations.

The Main Welcome Center Auto Gate is open 24 hours a day. All other gates open at 7 a.m.

The Amphitheater is an open-air venue with a roof. All seating is under the roof.

Public restrooms are located behind the Smith Memorial Library, at the Amphitheater, on the sides of the Colonnade, the Hall of Philosophy, the Pier Building, Turner Community Center, The Main Gate Welcome Center, and the Visitors Center

There is no formal dress code and Chautauqua is a causal place.

Beaches are available to those who have a valid gate pass or ticket to be on the grounds. Please check in advance if the beach is open and that there is a lifeguard on duty.

You do not need to wear your gate pass, but it will be scanned as you enter or exit the grounds and performance venues.

Chautauqua’s Lost and Found Office is located in front of the Farmer’s Marketing building near the Main Gate Welcome Center. Lost and Found is open during the Summer Assembly from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday–Saturday. You may call Lost and Found during the Summer Assembly at 716-357-6314.

There is a Post Office located on Bestor Plaza.

Venue Entry Screening

• A “clear container” policy is in effect at the Amphitheater and all other venues during the Summer Assembly. This means that if your bag is larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″, it must be see-through. We are sorry, but mesh bags do not allow us to see the contents well enough. Bags must be clear. Patrons are welcome to bring backpacks, diaper bags or other totes to Chautauqua Institution to facilitate their visit. Still, if they want access to a specific venue, they must abide by the clear container policy. Solid containers for personal items, like a wallet or a glasses case, are permitted in venues if each item is smaller than 4.5″ x 6.5”.
• For our guests who use mobility scooters, please ensure that any containers in your baskets abide by these restrictions.
• Weapons are not allowed. Sharp crafting items such as knitting needles are not considered weapons under this policy. They are permitted.
• Umbrellas are allowed in our venues, but you may be asked to open one during security screening.
• Seat cushions are allowed in our venues. If your seat cushion has pockets, they must be empty.
• Water bottles are allowed in our venues, but they must contain water only. Unclear water bottles with large tops may be subject to “shaking” for weapons screening.
• Chautauqua Institution’s security planning varies for each event. Screening tools at a venue include visual screening, handheld “wand” screening, walk-through weapons detection systems and random bag searches.

Chautauqua is an excellent spot for picnics, whether you’re visiting for the day, week, or the entire season. You’ll find picnic areas scattered throughout the grounds, with a concentration of tables at Miller Park and around the beach area near the Pier Building.

The network is CHQGuest and is available throughout the Institution grounds.

Private golf carts are not permitted on the grounds. Chautauqua also does not offer golf cart rentals.

Gifts can be made by visiting giving.chq.org. If you have any questions or would prefer to make your gift over the phone, please call 716-357-6404, or email advancement@chq.org.

Dr. Robert R. Hesse Business Center is in the Main Gate Welcome Center. This facility offers professional workspace with fee-based services including room rentals, printer, scanner, photocopier and faxing.

Buses and trams run daily from 7:40 a.m. to 8 p.m. There are additional hours following evening programs.

There are additional buses that run after a concert for transportation to the Main Lot parking lot.

Complimentary hop-on/off buses and trams make a 20-minute continuous loop on the grounds and in the parking lot from approximately 7:40 a.m. to p.m. Extra service is available after evening performances at the Amphitheater and Bratton Theater. How to catch a bus? Find a yellow bench located roadside a bus stop, or flag a bus down anywhere on the route and the driver will stop! The sign on the bus indicates the area served and includes: Bestor, North, South (all go to Bestor Plaza). Trams are labeled: Tram or Lake Tram.

During the summer, you can track the current location of all the shuttle buses and trams on the grounds at busandtramtracker.chq.org.