Chautauqua Institution announces a special post-season concert experience on Friday, September 5, featuring legendary artist Bonnie Raitt with special guest Jimmie Vaughan & the Tilt-A-Whirl Band. This event marks a new chapter in Chautauqua’s entertainment programming and will serve as the launch of a pilot initiative aimed at enhancing the concert experience for all.

As part of this pilot, concessions including food, beer, wine, and other beverages will be available at the Amphitheater. Beverages (served in covered cups) will be permitted inside the Amphitheater and within the security perimeter. Food will only be permitted within the security perimeter, but not inside the Amphitheater gates. This initiative is designed to create a more welcoming and fulfilling experience for patrons, including those coming from off-grounds, while also supporting the sustainability of Chautauqua’s entertainment offerings.

Over the course of the spring and summer, Chautauqua has engaged in meaningful dialogue with community stakeholders, including leaders of adjacent denominational houses, the CPOA, and nearby residents. We also collected feedback online from a variety of stakeholders. These feedback mechanisms have helped shape the pilot plan to ensure it reflects the values and needs of the broader Chautauqua community, and we are grateful to all who provided input.

Goals of the Pilot Program:

1. Enhance the patron experience by offering more amenities during concerts.
2. Generate additional revenue to support high-quality programming and future events.

If successful, this pilot may be continued to expand concession offerings on selected nights during the 2026 Summer Assembly. The decision to continue the pilot will consider operational challenges and successes, safety/security considerations, business and staffing plans, and patron experience feedback. The Board of Trustees will consider these metrics before granting approval to extend the pilot to in-season concession offerings during the 2026 Summer Assembly.

Chautauqua Institution remains committed to thoughtful innovation and community collaboration. We look forward to welcoming all to this exciting event and invite everyone to be part of this new experience.

Tickets and event details are available at https://www.chq.org/fall-concert/.

Key Updates & Reminders

• Property Owner Vehicle Stickers: All property owners are expected to register vehicles with Safety & Security every year.  For this event, these stickers will make it possible for property owners to access the grounds after the gates close at 1 p.m. on the day of the concert. Stickers are ready for pickup at Safety & Security.  Any property owner arriving without a sticker or having guests visit on concert day may call Safety and Security ahead of time (716-357-6225) to let them know and to get names on a list that will be at the Main Gate Auto entrance. Elm Gate FOBs will also be active and available via Safety & Security for north end property owners.
• Emergency Access: Pathways must remain clear for emergency vehicles at all times.
• Contractor Work: All approved contractors will be notified to pause work and depart the grounds on Sept 5 no later than 3:00 p.m. If you’re working with an independent contractor, please ensure they stop working by 3:00 p.m. Contractors have already been asked to avoid using the South Lot until after Sept. 5. Note: Property Owners may use the North and South Lots if they wish. While season parking entitlements will have ended, we are not using these lots for other guests.

Security & Access

• Security Zones: Additional security will be present, including on public pathways from the main gate to the Amphitheater.
• Gate Closures: Gates will close at 1 p.m. on Sept. 5 and reopen at 6 a.m. Sept. 6.
• Street Parking is allowed for property owners and their guests, but please ensure enough space is available for emergency vehicles to pass. Consider alternative parking in North or South Lot.
• Hanging Out Near the Security Perimeter: We are strongly discouraging this to avoid egress issues. In addition, denominational houses and adjacent property owners have indicated they do not want people congregating on their property, including their porches, driveways or gardens. Safety & Security will ask people to move if they gather in these areas.

Contacts Before, During & After the Concert

• Sam Nelson, Director of Business Development, is leading the planning for this event.  He may be reached at snelson@chq.org.
• Issues During the Event: In case of emergency, call 911. Safety & Security is located next to the Fire Hall at 7 Massey Ave. You may contact Safety & Security by calling their 24/7 hotline at 716-357-6225.
• Post-Event Feedback: We will be reaching out to property owners with opportunities to provide feedback. Our online portal for feedback on this event remains available at: https://chq.typeform.com/AmpConcessions\
• Cleanup: An outside cleaning service will be on-site after the show to clean the Amp.