A Smarter Way to Park: Introducing CI Access at Chautauqua 

This season, Chautauqua Institution is launching a new parking system designed to provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience. CI Access is powered by SKIDATA, a leading provider of digital parking technology. With this upgrade, all parking areas are now fully secured and operational 24 hours a day, requiring all users to scan in and out each time they enter or exit. 

New EV Charging Access Options (North & South Lot Locations)

Chautauqua’s 2025 Pilot Program for Electric Vehicle Charging Access  

Chautauqua Institution is launching a new initiative to better support our growing Electric Vehicle-driving community. Beginning in 2025, we are piloting a weekly and season-long pass system for flexible, recurring use of designated EV charging spaces in the North Lot and the two outlets in the South Lot. To learn about what you need to know to participate responsibly and help this pilot succeed, use the button below.

Heinz Beach Dock and Elective Programming for Groupers

This year, the dock at Heinz Beach will be relocated slightly closer to Seaver Gym. This adjustment allows us to pilot the use of Heinz Beach as an elective activity option for our older Groupers (the term we use for the youth participants at Boys’ and Girls’ Club).

For those who may be unfamiliar, an elective is a flexible component of our youth programming that allows older participants to choose how they spend certain activity periods, rather than following a fully structured schedule. 

With this change, Heinz Beach will remain accessible for community use throughout most of the day. Additionally, we are enhancing the area with a new sandbox that will include overnight covering and integrated storage for sand toys, yard games, and picnic blankets. We’re also adding extra seating to make the space more welcoming for families. 

Coffee Service to Return to the Gazebo

We’ve heard you! There is no replacement for getting your coffee at the Gazebo on Miller Avenue. Coffee service is moving back to the Gazebo in the summer of 2025. Service will include a full roster of coffee and espresso drinks, plus tea and breakfast items. Improvements to the facility include inside infrastructure updates for more efficient service, climate control to create a safe working environment for our staff, and external aesthetic repairs.

We are also excited that murals created through a collaboration with the Chautauqua Property Owners Association (CPOA) and Chautauqua Visual Arts (CVA) will adorn the outside of the Gazebo as it returns to service this summer. All sides of the Gazebo will be adorned by black and white block-printed artwork crafted by members of the Chautauqua community in 2024 to commemorate the CPOA’s 60th anniversary and the Institution’s 150th anniversary. The artwork was created by people of all ages during a community event organized by the CPOA in collaboration with CVA. Participants were prompted to create an image that represented Chautauqua to them, so passers-by will see symbols of everything from boats to bats to the bell tower.

Pilot Testing New Special Studies Options: In-Season Sunday Afternoon Classes and Spring Classes

For the first time, we will be offering a small number of Special Studies classes on Sunday afternoons this summer. This pilot effort will help us gain an understanding of demand and logistical challenges related to Sunday afternoon offerings during the Summer Assembly. We are also piloting spring classes in health and fitness, yoga, culinary arts and wine tasting.

Special Studies: Support When You Need It 

As of December 2024, the Special Studies Office is now open year round, helping you plan your perfect summer no matter the season. Our team is here to support you with regular office hours all summer long. Starting April 28, you can also schedule in-person appointments during our pre-season.  
 
During the Summer Assembly, we will have staff on the first floor of Hultquist and at other high traffic class locations to assist students with registration needs. For instance, Monday mornings at the Arts Quad, Heinz, and Turner.   

Here’s how to reach us: 

Change in Sunday Schedule  

The time of the Sunday performance in the Amphitheater will change from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Although this is a small change timewise, it will make a big difference for the Amphitheater production crew, who had to scramble to reset the stage and technology systems following morning worship. The extra 30 minutes will let them set and test systems and provide a more standard sound check. This decision affects the end time for free parking on Sundays, which will move from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., providing ample time for patrons to enjoy the afternoon performance, other Sunday programs, and amenities on the grounds. 

Sunday Evening Show August 3, 2025 

We have the wonderful opportunity to host a second concert with celebrated jazz artist Laufey performing with our Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, Aug. 3. (The first concert on Saturday, Aug. 2 sold out in one day.) Using the model for a Sunday concert that we used two years ago with Diana Ross, we have worked with our religion and literary arts teams to reschedule that Sunday’s Sacred Song Service to 6 p.m. in the Hall of Philosophy so that we can keep our wonderful Sunday evening tradition and allow some people to also make the concert if they want to do that.  
 
Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025 is also the night we honor our CLSC Class of 2025, so the Literary Arts team with the CLSC Alumni Association have decided to keep the beloved vigil service at 9 p.m. to maintain the twilight tradition. Prior to that, they will host a reception for the class at Alumni Hall. Class of 2025 members are still invited to the Sacred Song Service at 6 p.m. to be recognized.  

When Diana Ross performed on a Sunday two years ago, we hosted the Sacred Song Service in the Hall of Philosophy and it was really lovely. We don’t plan on making any regular move to the Hall of Philosophy because the Massey Organ is so beloved in that service. But we are glad we have another beautiful space — and Josh Stafford will again plan to use the Hall of Philosophy piano in the service. 

Amp Ushers to Serve Additional Venues 

To bring greater continuity to the patron experience across all our arts venues, our wonderful Amp Ushers will also be greeting guests at Lenna, Fletcher, McKnight and Sherwood performance venues. 

Open (Pick-Up) Pickleball

During Chautauqua’s Summer Assembly, open (pick-up) pickleball is Monday through Friday 8–10:30 a.m. and 5–7:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 8–10:30 a.m. only. Please note that weekday morning sessions are often very popular. At times, attendance can be so high that some players choose not to participate due to wait times. 
 
Quiet times: While courts open as early as 7 a.m., Monday–Friday 7–8 a.m. and Saturday & Sunday 7–9 a.m. are quiet times when players must use specially designed paddles and balls made specifically for quiet play. 
 
Match assistance/general question procedure: If they’re looking for a playing partner during reserved tennis or pickleball court hours, Tennis staff can usually assist with arranging matches. Beginning Memorial Day, guests may contact the Tennis staff with questions or match requests by emailing tennis@chq.org.