The Rev. Anna Carter Florence is the Peter Marshall Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church. She is also currently serving as Co-Director of the Columbia Preachers Studio for Renewal, a Lilly-funded Compelling Preaching grant. Before joining the Columbia faculty in 1998, Florence served...
Theater Chats (formerly known as Brown Bags) On selected Thursdays at 12:15 p.m., bring lunch to Smith Wilkes Hall and join special guests, including actors, designers, playwrights and more, for a look at our upcoming productions and discussions on the craft of theater-making. Free and open to the public.
Chautauqua Opera Company will host the first workshops of a new adaptation of Anne of Green Gables by composer Danika Lorèn and librettist Royce Vavrek (Lincoln in the Bardo). In this bold new reimagining, a fictional reality competition sets out from coast to coast to find the Canadian who most embodies the spirit of Lucy Maud...
Rossen Milanov, conductor Aubree Oliverson, violin Experience an evening of myth, melody, and modernity with The Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and guest violinist Aubree Oliverson. Missy Mazzoli’s Orpheus Undone reimagines the ancient myth with driving energy and striking orchestral color. Dvořák’s beloved Violin Concerto brings lyrical warmth and Romantic sweep to the spotlight, showcasing Oliverson’s expressive...
Robert P. George is McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. Currently, he also chairs the New Jersey Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. George is general editor of New Forum Books, a Princeton University Press series of interdisciplinary works...
Caitlyn Kaminga's "Imaginals"
Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle – Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson and Be Easy: New & Selected Poems by Adrian Matejka Laurie Halse Anderson and Adrian Matejka will join us in conversation in a joint CLSC Author Presentation on Friday, August 7, 2026, in the Hall of Philosophy. Reading Be Easy: New & Selected...
In Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead Grammy award-winning composer and librettist Herschel Garfein has created the first ever operatic adaptation of a play by Tom Stoppard. Chautauqua Opera Company’s young artists will be joined by internationally heralded baritone Keith Phares and the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra for a ten-day workshop of the complete opera, which concludes...
By August Wilson Directed by Jade King Carroll Bratton Theater August Wilson’s celebrated classic solo piece is an autobiographical tour de force that follows Wilson’s journey through the streets of Pittsburgh’s Hill District — through artistic awakenings, odd jobs and heartbreaks — capturing the moments that forged his identity. From the hustle of his early...
By August Wilson Directed by Jade King Carroll Bratton Theater August Wilson’s celebrated classic solo piece is an autobiographical tour de force that follows Wilson’s journey through the streets of Pittsburgh’s Hill District — through artistic awakenings, odd jobs and heartbreaks — capturing the moments that forged his identity. From the hustle of his early...
Alonzo King LINES Ballet is a celebrated contemporary ballet company that has been guided since 1982 by the unique artistic vision of award-winning choreographer Alonzo King. Since 1982, LINES Ballet has collaborated with noted composers, musicians and visual artists from around the world to create performances that alter the way we look at ballet today....
The Rev. Frank A. Thomas currently serves as the Director of the Compelling Preaching Initiative and the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana. For many years, Thomas has also taught preaching to doctoral and master’s level students at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Memphis Theological Seminary...
By August Wilson Directed by Jade King Carroll Bratton Theater August Wilson’s celebrated classic solo piece is an autobiographical tour de force that follows Wilson’s journey through the streets of Pittsburgh’s Hill District — through artistic awakenings, odd jobs and heartbreaks — capturing the moments that forged his identity. From the hustle of his early...
By August Wilson Directed by Jade King Carroll Bratton Theater August Wilson’s celebrated classic solo piece is an autobiographical tour de force that follows Wilson’s journey through the streets of Pittsburgh’s Hill District — through artistic awakenings, odd jobs and heartbreaks — capturing the moments that forged his identity. From the hustle of his early...
The Rev. Frank A. Thomas currently serves as the Director of the Compelling Preaching Initiative and the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana. For many years, Thomas has also taught preaching to doctoral and master’s level students at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Memphis Theological Seminary...
Nancy Youssef is a staff writer at The Atlantic. Before that, she was a longtime national security correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and also worked at BuzzFeed News and The Daily Beast. Youssef spent much of her career at McClatchy Newspapers where she served as national security correspondent and Middle East bureau chief based...
Join the groundbreaking JACK Quartet for a concert of fearless innovation and extraordinary musicianship. Renowned for their precision, passion, and adventurous programming, JACK champions new works that redefine the possibilities of the string quartet. Their performances are both intellectually bold and emotionally gripping, inviting listeners into the cutting edge of contemporary music. Experience why JACK...
Comprised of top-tier students from conservatories and universities in the U.S. and abroad, Music School Festival Orchestra members participate in a variety of musical activities during their summers at Chautauqua including chamber music and private lessons along with their meticulous orchestral training. Alumni from the MSFO can be heard in many of the world’s top...
The Rev. Frank A. Thomas currently serves as the Director of the Compelling Preaching Initiative and the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana. For many years, Thomas has also taught preaching to doctoral and master’s level students at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Memphis Theological Seminary...
Chautauqua Science Group Weekly Lecture
Jeremy Ben-Ami is the president of J Street, bringing to the role both deep experience in American politics and government and a passionate commitment to the state of Israel. Ben-Ami’s family connection to Israel goes back 140 years to the first aliyah when his great-grandparents were among the first settlers in Petah Tikva. His grandparents...
By August Wilson Directed by Jade King Carroll Bratton Theater August Wilson’s celebrated classic solo piece is an autobiographical tour de force that follows Wilson’s journey through the streets of Pittsburgh’s Hill District — through artistic awakenings, odd jobs and heartbreaks — capturing the moments that forged his identity. From the hustle of his early...
Hannah Schendel, conductor Under the baton of Hannah Schendel, The Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra presents a night of symphonic drama. Wagner’s Flying Dutchman Overture surges with storm-tossed intensity, capturing the restless seas and legend of the cursed mariner. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 follows, unfolding from brooding introspection to triumphant resolve in an emotionally compelling journey. Together,...
The Rev. Frank A. Thomas currently serves as the Director of the Compelling Preaching Initiative and the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana. For many years, Thomas has also taught preaching to doctoral and master’s level students at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Memphis Theological Seminary...
"Setting the Table: CVA Members Exhibition" runs August 12-August 26. Once again, we will feature works by the 2026 CVA Members, who will interpret week eight’s theme, The Future of Food, Climate Technology and the Next Agricultural Revolution. A variety of styles, mediums, and techniques will be shown by these talented artists with their personal...
By August Wilson Directed by Jade King Carroll Bratton Theater August Wilson’s celebrated classic solo piece is an autobiographical tour de force that follows Wilson’s journey through the streets of Pittsburgh’s Hill District — through artistic awakenings, odd jobs and heartbreaks — capturing the moments that forged his identity. From the hustle of his early...
"Setting the Table: CVA Members Exhibition" opening reception. Exhibition runs August 12 - August 26. Once again, we will feature works by the 2026 CVA Members, who will interpret week eight’s theme, The Future of Food, Climate Technology and the Next Agricultural Revolution. A variety of styles, mediums, and techniques will be shown by these...
By August Wilson Directed by Jade King Carroll Bratton Theater August Wilson’s celebrated classic solo piece is an autobiographical tour de force that follows Wilson’s journey through the streets of Pittsburgh’s Hill District — through artistic awakenings, odd jobs and heartbreaks — capturing the moments that forged his identity. From the hustle of his early...
Programmed by Unity of Chautauqua
Chautauqua School of Dance presents an outstanding mixed repertoire evening of new and established works featuring the most exceptional young talent in the country. Under the leadership of Sasha Janes, Bonnefoux McBride Artistic Director of Chautauqua School of Dance, the school continues its long tradition of excellence as a top-tier summer training program focused on...
The Rev. Frank A. Thomas currently serves as the Director of the Compelling Preaching Initiative and the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana. For many years, Thomas has also taught preaching to doctoral and master’s level students at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Memphis Theological Seminary...
Miles Yu is a senior fellow and director of the China Center at Hudson Institute. He is also a professor of East Asia and military and naval history at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Yu specializes in Chinese military and strategic culture, U.S. and Chinese military and diplomatic history, and U.S. policy...
Theater Chats (formerly known as Brown Bags) On selected Thursdays at 12:15 p.m., bring lunch to Smith Wilkes Hall and join special guests, including actors, designers, playwrights and more, for a look at our upcoming productions and discussions on the craft of theater-making. Free and open to the public.
As You Like It by William Shakespeare Adapted by Peter Andersen Original score by Bandits on the Run
By August Wilson Directed by Jade King Carroll Bratton Theater August Wilson’s celebrated classic solo piece is an autobiographical tour de force that follows Wilson’s journey through the streets of Pittsburgh’s Hill District — through artistic awakenings, odd jobs and heartbreaks — capturing the moments that forged his identity. From the hustle of his early...
As You Like It by William Shakespeare Adapted by Peter Andersen Original score by Bandits on the Run
Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle — By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land An “impeccably researched” (Washington Post) work of reportage and American history that braids the story of the forced removal of Native Americans onto treaty lands in the nation’s earliest days, and a small-town murder in the...
By August Wilson Directed by Jade King Carroll Bratton Theater August Wilson’s celebrated classic solo piece is an autobiographical tour de force that follows Wilson’s journey through the streets of Pittsburgh’s Hill District — through artistic awakenings, odd jobs and heartbreaks — capturing the moments that forged his identity. From the hustle of his early...
CTC’s favorite late-night talent showcase! An evening of sketches and songs featuring the extraordinary talents of our 2026 conservatory.
As You Like It by William Shakespeare Adapted by Peter Andersen Original score by Bandits on the Run
By August Wilson Directed by Jade King Carroll Bratton Theater August Wilson’s celebrated classic solo piece is an autobiographical tour de force that follows Wilson’s journey through the streets of Pittsburgh’s Hill District — through artistic awakenings, odd jobs and heartbreaks — capturing the moments that forged his identity. From the hustle of his early...
Stuart Chafetz, conductor Tony DeSare, piano & vocals Tony DeSare's signature vocal and robust piano style pay tribute to the iconic songs of Billy Joel. Generations of Billy Joel fans will experience full symphonic orchestrations with Tony DeSare's unique take on some of his most beloved hits including "Only the Good Die Young," "Piano Man,"...
The Rev. Natalie Hanson has been a longtime presence at Chautauqua; with her husband, the Rev. James Paul Womack, pastor of Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church, she has co-hosted the United Methodist Missionary Vacation Home at Chautauqua for several years. Hanson has also served Chautauqua as interim senior pastor in 2022, crafting, planning and...
Savor a week of elevated culinary experiences with our reimagined Food Festival. With only 80 packages per week, enjoy intimate moments across the grounds, from two Masters Series classes and five Bestor Plaza demos to a lively Weekly Feast of Friends. Your package also includes a Premium Chef’s Dinner, family‑friendly Feast on Film, a Craft...
By August Wilson Directed by Jade King Carroll Bratton Theater August Wilson’s celebrated classic solo piece is an autobiographical tour de force that follows Wilson’s journey through the streets of Pittsburgh’s Hill District — through artistic awakenings, odd jobs and heartbreaks — capturing the moments that forged his identity. From the hustle of his early...
Smokin Dicks BBQ Standard: Pulled pork sandwich Smoked mac and cheese Coleslaw Ear of corn Dietary Restriction Menu: Pulled BBQ Jackfruit with gluten free bun Coleslaw (Vegan) Bang Bang Cauliflower Ear of corn
By August Wilson Directed by Jade King Carroll Bratton Theater August Wilson’s celebrated classic solo piece is an autobiographical tour de force that follows Wilson’s journey through the streets of Pittsburgh’s Hill District — through artistic awakenings, odd jobs and heartbreaks — capturing the moments that forged his identity. From the hustle of his early...
Enjoy a Film centered around food, culture, and community at Chautauqua Cinema. (Limited Tickets Available)
The Rev. Natalie Hanson has been a longtime presence at Chautauqua; with her husband, the Rev. James Paul Womack, pastor of Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church, she has co-hosted the United Methodist Missionary Vacation Home at Chautauqua for several years. Hanson has also served Chautauqua as interim senior pastor in 2022, crafting, planning and...
Danielle Nierenberg is a world-renowned researcher, speaker and advocate, on all issues relating to our food system and agriculture. She is president of Food Tank, the think tank for food, and an expert on sustainable agriculture and food issues. She has written extensively on gender and population, the spread of factory farming in the developing...
A rotating lineup of top food vendors serving small bites each day, showcasing top food vendors in the region all celebrated in Bestor Plaza. Vendor tickets can be purchased at the Ticket tent.
Bestor Plaza Demo/Talk delivered from the stage featuring cutting-edge technology, authentic flavors and hands-on engagement
A friendly showdown featuring local and regional chiefs. In a Cook off for all to enjoy, guests will sample small bite sized- portions; tasters will vote for a favorite across categories. (Limited Tasting Ticket Sales)
Experience the captivating Naeve Trio in a performance of expressive chamber music and dynamic collaboration. Blending violin, cello, and piano with remarkable sensitivity and balance, the trio brings both classical and contemporary works to life with warmth and clarity. Their performances highlight deep musical connection, refined artistry, and a shared spirit of exploration. Join us...
A Juilliard graduate and winner of the 2025 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, Kortum has become a familiar face on the most iconic stages in jazz including Birdland, Blue Note, Mezzrow, Dizzy’s Club, SXSW Festival, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Kortum has toured internationally and collaborated with modern jazz leaders including Cyrille Aimée, Bryan...
The Rev. Natalie Hanson has been a longtime presence at Chautauqua; with her husband, the Rev. James Paul Womack, pastor of Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church, she has co-hosted the United Methodist Missionary Vacation Home at Chautauqua for several years. Hanson has also served Chautauqua as interim senior pastor in 2022, crafting, planning and...
Chautauqua Science Group Weekly Lecture
A rotating lineup of top food vendors serving small bites each day, showcasing top food vendors in the region all celebrated in Bestor Plaza. Vendor tickets can be purchased at the Ticket tent.
Bird, Tree & Garden Club lunchtime lecture series
Bestor Plaza Demo/Talk delivered from the stage featuring cutting-edge technology, authentic flavors and hands-on engagement
A rotating lineup of top food vendors serving small bites each day, showcasing top food vendors in the region all celebrated in Bestor Plaza. Vendor tickets can be purchased at the Ticket tent.
An elevated dining event crafted by renowned chef Nyesha Arrington. A truly unforgettable culinary journey.
Rossen Milanov, conductor Maxim Lando, piano Maxim Lando joins the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra in an evening of rhythmic fire. Lando commands the Amphitheater stage in Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, balancing bold modern energy with moments of lyrical warmth. Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances offers nostalgia and momentum, with the widely recognized Dies Ire making its looming...
Enjoy the beauty of the lake during our sunrise paddle. This is not a guided tour but an opportunity to rent a kayak, SUP or canoe for an enjoyable hour at sunrise. Reservations accepted one day in advance at the Sports Club. Contact sportsclub@chq.org with questions.
The Rev. Natalie Hanson has been a longtime presence at Chautauqua; with her husband, the Rev. James Paul Womack, pastor of Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church, she has co-hosted the United Methodist Missionary Vacation Home at Chautauqua for several years. Hanson has also served Chautauqua as interim senior pastor in 2022, crafting, planning and...
Brian Frank is the founder and general partner of FTW Ventures, bringing decades of experience in building transformative technology that impacts the way people work, play and live. In 2015, Frank turned his attention to how technology can improve the lives of every person on the planet by building a better food system. He raised...
A rotating lineup of top food vendors serving small bites each day, showcasing top food vendors in the region all celebrated in Bestor Plaza. Vendor tickets can be purchased at the Ticket tent.
Bestor Plaza Demo/Talk delivered from the stage featuring cutting-edge technology, authentic flavors and hands-on engagement
A celebration of everything that makes our region special. We’re inviting local chefs, artists, producers, wineries, breweries, and creators to showcase what they do best. (Vendor tickets sold at Ticket tent)
Programmed by Unity of Chautauqua
The Rev. Natalie Hanson has been a longtime presence at Chautauqua; with her husband, the Rev. James Paul Womack, pastor of Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church, she has co-hosted the United Methodist Missionary Vacation Home at Chautauqua for several years. Hanson has also served Chautauqua as interim senior pastor in 2022, crafting, planning and...
A rotating lineup of top food vendors serving small bites each day, showcasing top food vendors in the region all celebrated in Bestor Plaza. Vendor tickets can be purchased at the Ticket tent.
Bestor Plaza Demo/Talk delivered from the stage featuring cutting-edge technology, authentic flavors and hands-on engagement
An evening of curated wines, craft beers, and artisanal spirits in an interactive tasting experience where you’ll experience flavors you have never experienced before.
This special evening marks the official launch of the Denyce Graves Foundation’s Generational Voices program, a dynamic new initiative dedicated to mentoring and elevating the next generation of vocal artists. The final concert of our orchestral season showcases rising talent from this groundbreaking program. Join maestro Rossen Milanov and the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra for a...
Enjoy the beauty of the lake during our sunrise paddle. This is not a guided tour but an opportunity to rent a kayak, SUP or canoe for an enjoyable hour at sunrise. Reservations accepted one day in advance at the Sports Club. Contact sportsclub@chq.org with questions.
A rotating lineup of top food vendors serving small bites each day, showcasing top food vendors in the region all celebrated in Bestor Plaza. Vendor tickets can be purchased at the Ticket tent.
Bestor Plaza Demo/Talk delivered from the stage featuring cutting-edge technology, authentic flavors and hands-on engagement
Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle — Bite by Bite: Nourishments & Jamborees by Aimee Nezhukumatathil From the New York Times bestselling author of World of Wonders, a lyrical book of short essays about food, offering a banquet of tastes, smells, memories, associations, and marvelous curiosities from nature. In Bite by Bite, poet and essayist Aimee...
A rotating lineup of top food vendors serving small bites each day, showcasing top food vendors in the region all celebrated in Bestor Plaza. Vendor tickets can be purchased at the Ticket tent.
This collaboration brings together 5x Grammy winning soprano Renée Fleming and 19x Grammy-winning banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck for a celebration of Appalachian folk music. For our country’s 250th anniversary, the program mines a rich vein of America’s musical heritage, weaving the expressive depth of Fleming's voice with the brilliance of Fleck’s banjo and his all-star My Bluegrass...
The Silkroad Ensemble featuring Rhiannon Giddens brings an electrifying fusion of global traditions and contemporary expression to the stage. This acclaimed collective of artists creates a vibrant tapestry of sound that celebrates cultural exchange and musical curiosity. Giddens’ compelling voice and storytelling artistry add emotional depth and urgency to the performance. Audiences will be swept...
Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries. Based in Los Angeles, the organization is the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. From 1986 to 1992 Boyle served as pastor of Dolores Mission Church, then the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles, and the one...
Community Gathering with Dance Theatre of Harlem Dance Theatre of Harlem invites you to “Dancing in the Streets,” a participatory dance workshop for people of all ages and abilities in Bestor Plaza. This free and fun workshop brings world-class artistry directly to our Chautauqua community. Deeply committed to building connection through the arts, company artists...
3 C’s Catering Theme: Farm to table dinner Standard (FT = FARM TO TABLE) FT Italian Sausage with FT peppers and onions FT parsley buttered potatoes FT seasonal roasted vegetables Vegetarian Option: White FT ratatouille lasagna, Homemade Italian bread, FT seasonal vegetables, FT tossed salad with homemade Italian dressing
Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries. Based in Los Angeles, the organization is the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. From 1986 to 1992 Boyle served as pastor of Dolores Mission Church, then the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles, and the one...
Priya Parker opens Week Nine of the 2026 Chautauqua Lecture Series and the theme of “The Importance of Gathering” by helping us take a deeper look at how anyone can create collective meaning in modern life, one gathering at a time. She is a facilitator, strategic adviser, acclaimed author of The Art of Gathering: How...
A rotating lineup of top food vendors serving small bites each day, showcasing top food vendors in the region all celebrated in Bestor Plaza. Vendor tickets can be purchased at the Ticket tent.
Demo/Talk showcased in Bestor Plaza featuring cutting-edge technology, authentic flavors, and hands-on engagement.
A friendly showdown featuring local and regional chiefs. In a Cook off for all to enjoy, guests will sample small bite sized- portions; tasters will vote for a favorite across categories. Exclusive Judge (Limited Tasting Tickets sold)
Dance Theatre of Harlem is a leading dance institution of unparalleled global acclaim, encompassing a world-class company, a professional studio school, a leading arts education program-Dancing Through Barriers®, and community engagement activities.Each component of Dance Theatre of Harlem carries deep commitment towards enriching the lives of young people and adults around the world through the...
Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries. Based in Los Angeles, the organization is the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. From 1986 to 1992 Boyle served as pastor of Dolores Mission Church, then the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles, and the one...
Visionary American pianist and scholar Lara Downes is joined by fellow American scholar and linguist John McWhorter for a musical-conversation to discuss the role of American music as a joyful noise, even in the hardest times — the songs that have chased our cares away even in times of hardship, crisis and wartime, to remind...
A rotating lineup of top food vendors serving small bites each day, showcasing top food vendors in the region all celebrated in Bestor Plaza. Vendor tickets can be purchased at the Ticket tent.
Demo/Talk showcased in Bestor Plaza featuring cutting-edge technology, authentic flavors, and hands-on engagement.
A rotating lineup of top food vendors serving small bites each day, showcasing top food vendors in the region all celebrated in Bestor Plaza. Vendor tickets can be purchased at the Ticket tent.
An elevated dining event crafted by renowned chef Darian Bryan. A truly unforgettable culinary journey.
Pianist and cultural visionary Lara Downes has been called “A musical ray of hope” by NBC News. Vocalist Kurt Elling, whom The Guardian dubbed “a kind of Sinatra with superpowers,” joins Downes in a special concert called GET HAPPY, celebrating 250 years of American music as a joyful noise, even in the hardest times. The...