At Chautauqua, every gate pass represents a meaningful investment in the full experience of the season. To ensure fairness for all patrons, improve ease of entry, and align with best practices across peer cultural institutions, we are introducing several updates for 2026. These changes also help us maintain accurate attendance information, which supports staffing, safety and program planning. 

Below is a summary of what’s changing and what it means for you. 

Digital Tickets and Passes 

Beginning in 2026, Chautauqua will no longer issue PDF gate passes or tickets. This change helps reduce duplication and unauthorized sharing and supports faster, more reliable entry. 

Available formats will include: 

• Digital wallet passes (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet), encouraged for mobile users 
• Hard-copy passes or tickets, mailed in advance or picked up at the Main Gate Welcome Center 
• Parking passes, which will continue to be issued as PDFs and will require exit scans for re-entry. 

Please note that screenshots of tickets or passes will not be accepted for scanning. 

If you prefer not to use a digital wallet, our staff at the Main Gate Welcome Center will be happy to assist you with hard-copy options. 

Exit Scanning at Gates: A Key Part of Re-Entry 

Exit scanning is an existing policy and remains essential for accurate pass validation. 

What this means for patrons: 

• Each time you leave the grounds, your pass must receive an exit scan. 
• Without a valid exit scan, re-entry is not permitted. 
• If a pass does not scan properly upon return, our team at the Main Gate Welcome Center can help resolve the issue. 

This step helps protect the integrity of passes and ensures accurate attendance counts across the Institution. 

Parking Pass Scanning 

Parking passes will require both entry and exit scans. 

If a parking pass does not receive a valid exit scan, it will not scan for re-entry into the Main Lot until it is validated at the Welcome Center.  

Reducing Pass Sharing at the Amphitheater 

Chautauqua will enable a feature known as timed passback at the Amphitheater. 

How it works: 

• Once a pass is scanned for entry, it cannot be scanned again for a short period of time. 
• If a second scan happens too quickly, the system will alert staff that the pass is already in use. 
• Patrons will be directed to the ticketing kiosk for quick validation if needed. 

Expanded Amphitheater Perimeter for Select Events 

For certain performances, we may expand the Amphitheater’s secure perimeter so that restrooms, concessions and merchandise are located inside the scanned area. 

Benefits include: 

• Fewer re-entry scans during performances 
• Reduced congestion at gates 
• A smoother experience during high-attendance events 

Photos on Long-Term Passes 

In 2026, we will strongly encourage all patrons with long-term passes to add a photo to their account. 

Why this matters: 

• Photos help staff confirm identity during scanning 
• It reduces unauthorized pass use 

Photos can be uploaded online at tickets.chq.org or taken at the Main Gate Welcome Center. This will serve as a transitional year ahead of a planned mandatory photo requirement in a future season. 

We’re Here to Help 

We recognize that any change takes adjustment. Our teams across Ticketing, Patron Experience, and Safety and Security are committed to supporting you every step of the way, with clear signage, trained staff and on-site assistance. 

These updates are part of a broader effort to enhance fairness, efficiency, and the overall Chautauqua experience. 

If you have questions or need help preparing your passes, please contact the Main Gate Welcome Center at 716-357-6250 or email patronservices@chq.org.