As the 2026 Season draws to a close, the Chautauqua community is invited to gather at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, in Smith Wilkes Hall to celebrate and thank Kyle Keogh for his leadership and service during his time as interim CEO. This informal, drop-in gathering will provide an opportunity for patrons and residents of...
Jose Arellano is an organizational leader and entrepreneur with a proven record of driving transformation, building high-performing teams and delivering sustainable growth. He began his career at Homeboy Industries in 2013 as a trainee and advanced to vice president of operations, where he leads organizational initiatives, workforce development, integrates departments, and implements strategies that strengthen...
High energy. High stakes. Incredible food. Inspired by competitive cooking shows, Battle of the Bites brings the thrill of a culinary showdown to Bestor Plaza as talented local chefs go head‑to‑head in a fast‑paced, flavor‑driven competition. Each week features four different chefs and a guest judge. Chefs are given three hours to develop and execute...
Our canine hero, Indy, moves to a rural family home with his owner, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most."This is horror at its best, because it makes you look at life differently." -Mick...
In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive. "A rom-com that's smart, sensational,...
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...
Our canine hero, Indy, moves to a rural family home with his owner, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most."This is horror at its best, because it makes you look at life differently." -Mick...
In partnership with the African American Heritage House “How do you tell a story about strength and pride and refusing to be broken?” In this powerful evening of poetry, storytelling, and live music, Emmy Award-winning producer and New York Timesbestselling author Kwame Alexander explores the American experience through verse — inviting audiences to “let the...
Explore locally and come to Chautauqua Institution on Buffalo Day. Residents of Buffalo have free admission and parking* all day. Our Buffalo Day includes access to all events in the Amphitheater and Hall of Philosophy that day, beaches, and so much more! Please bring proof of residency for entry. Youth 12 and under are always...
David Gluck began his study of meditation and yoga in 2001, with Jivamukti Yoga. He received accreditation as a certified yoga teacher in 2003, directly from Jivamukti founders, Sharon Gannon and David Life. Shortly thereafter, he began formal studies in the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, primarily under the tutelage of Douglas Veenhof, current Resident...
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 moving feast of regional flavor. Taste Caravan transforms Bestor Plaza into a rotating showcase of the area’s most exciting restaurants and food trucks, offering guests the opportunity to sample 15–20 different regional establishments each week through thoughtfully prepared small bites. Food trucks will be available: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (Lunch) Tuesday & Friday, 4:30–8:00...
Bird, Tree & Garden Club lunchtime lecture series Ken Parker is the founder of Native Plant Guy and has 30+years experience in horticulture, restoration, and landscape management. Hi is a lifetime New York State Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional with a strong foundation as a grower, experience preparing professionals in green infrastructure, including rain gardens...
David Gluck began his study of meditation and yoga in 2001, with Jivamukti Yoga. He received accreditation as a certified yoga teacher in 2003, directly from Jivamukti founders, Sharon Gannon and David Life. Shortly thereafter, he began formal studies in the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, primarily under the tutelage of Douglas Veenhof, current Resident...
Big flavor meets big ideas in Bestor Plaza. Enjoy a dynamic lineup of live culinary demonstrations and discussions featuring chefs, artisans, and community partners from across the region and beyond. These engaging sessions spotlight innovative techniques, cultural traditions, sustainability practices, and the stories behind the food we love. Held daily during the Taste Caravan, each...
Chautauqua Institution is honored to host its first naturalization ceremony on its grounds. A naturalization ceremony is a formal and deeply meaningful event in which individuals from around the world take the Oath of Allegiance and are officially welcomed as citizens of the United States. It marks the culmination of a long journey defined by...
Celebrate Buffalo Day with a special lecture and conversation that brings national history home through compelling presidential stories deeply connected to Western New York. This program features a presentation and dialogue with Spencer Morgan, Site Superintendent and Executive Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, and Rachelle Moyer Francis, Curator for Millard Fillmore...
Bold flavor, big personality, and unforgettable food take center stage in this dynamic Masters Series class with Chef Darian Bryan, one of Western New York’s most celebrated culinary voices. Known for merging fine dining techniques with the vibrant soul of Caribbean cuisine, Chef Darian delivers an experience that is as entertaining as it is inspiring....
Get ready to step into the ring for Roosevelt Rumble: FDR vs. TR! Join us for a lively and thought-provoking showdown between two of America's most influential presidents. In this spirited debate, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz faces off against City of Buffalo Historian Lindsey Lauren Visser, each making the case for their favorite...
A moving feast of regional flavor. Taste Caravan transforms Bestor Plaza into a rotating showcase of the area’s most exciting restaurants and food trucks, offering guests the opportunity to sample 15–20 different regional establishments each week through thoughtfully prepared small bites. Food trucks will be available: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (Lunch) Tuesday & Friday, 4:30–8:00...
Bold flavor and joyful hospitality take center stage at this special Guest Chef Dinner with Chef Darian Bryan, one of Western New York’s most dynamic culinary talents. Hosted at the Athenaeum Hotel, this one night only dining experience celebrates Chef Darian’s vibrant fusion of fine dining technique and Caribbean soul. Born in Jamaica and based...
Russian teacher Pasha Talankin secretly documents his small town school's transformation into a war recruitment center during the Ukraine invasion, revealing the ethical dilemmas educators face amid propaganda and militarization. "Instructive and impactful." -G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle "An exemplary work of cinematic modernism, a reflexive film that turns its genesis into its subject...
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...
The children of Julian Sklar, a once-celebrated artist, enlist a forger to access his unfinished canvases in a deceptive bid to secure an inheritance."An electrifying Ian McKellen hits a new career peak and takes an early shot at Oscar in Steven Soderbergh’s unmissable tale of an artist and his forger, played by the brilliant Michaela...
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.
David Gluck began his study of meditation and yoga in 2001, with Jivamukti Yoga. He received accreditation as a certified yoga teacher in 2003, directly from Jivamukti founders, Sharon Gannon and David Life. Shortly thereafter, he began formal studies in the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, primarily under the tutelage of Douglas Veenhof, current Resident...
Monte Thompson was a professional dancer, and also spent years as a restauranteur. His life was spent on his feet. Now retired, he is interested in continuing to be able to move easily and gracefully while using breathing and stretching techniques to help quiet his mind and prepare him to face each day with purpose...
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...
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is the Alphonse Fletcher University professor and director of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University. The Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, literary scholar, journalist, cultural critic and institution builder has produced and hosted an array of documentary films and published numerous books. Gates joins the...
A moving feast of regional flavor. Taste Caravan transforms Bestor Plaza into a rotating showcase of the area’s most exciting restaurants and food trucks, offering guests the opportunity to sample 15–20 different regional establishments each week through thoughtfully prepared small bites. Food trucks will be available: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (Lunch) Tuesday & Friday, 4:30–8:00...
Sonya Subbayya Sutton is an organist, pianist and choral conductor who currently serves as Chautauqua's Interim Director of Sacred Music. She recently retired after a 40+ year career as a musician in the Episcopal Church. She is the Music Director of the World Bank-International Monetary Fund Chorus, she has directed choirs in ten European tours...
Enjoy paddling while learning about historic sites along the shores of Chautauqua Institution during this hour-long guided kayak tour. The tour begins and ends at the Sports Club. The cost is for rental of single or tandem kayak plus $12 per person for the tour guide. Limited spots so please reserve one day before the...
Big flavor meets big ideas in Bestor Plaza. Enjoy a dynamic lineup of live culinary demonstrations and discussions featuring chefs, artisans, and community partners from across the region and beyond. These engaging sessions spotlight innovative techniques, cultural traditions, sustainability practices, and the stories behind the food we love. Held daily during the Taste Caravan, each...
As the great-granddaughter of Eastman Kaney (an original Dawes Commission enrollee), Bluemel is a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation. She is an award-winning storyteller and educator, artist, and stomp dancer. Bluemel is the 2023 recipient of the Coleen Salley Storytelling Award for her commitment to the art of storytelling, by The University of Southern...
A celebration of food, art, music, and family. Taste of Chautauqua invites guests to experience the spirit of the region through an afternoon that brings together regional cuisine, craft beverages, live music, and local art—all in the heart of Bestor Plaza. Designed for guests of all ages, this vibrant community gathering showcases the incredible culinary...
The children of Julian Sklar, a once-celebrated artist, enlist a forger to access his unfinished canvases in a deceptive bid to secure an inheritance."An electrifying Ian McKellen hits a new career peak and takes an early shot at Oscar in Steven Soderbergh’s unmissable tale of an artist and his forger, played by the brilliant Michaela...
Location Hold
For 37 years, Homeboy Industries has served as a beacon of hope where love lives through us, and we embrace the demonized so that the demonizing stops. Today, Homeboy Industries is the world’s largest reentry organization for formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated people, serving more than 10,000 people annually. Patrons will have the opportunity to...
Kim Hehr is a lifelong Chautauquan and a certified level 2 teacher of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation. She has been a yoga and meditation practitioner for 30 years and has been teaching Kundalini Yoga and Meditation for 25 years. A retired hospice nurse, she is presently the coordinator of the CHQ Mystic Heart Meditation Program. Kim...
Russian teacher Pasha Talankin secretly documents his small town school's transformation into a war recruitment center during the Ukraine invasion, revealing the ethical dilemmas educators face amid propaganda and militarization. "Instructive and impactful." -G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle "An exemplary work of cinematic modernism, a reflexive film that turns its genesis into its subject...
Programmed by Unity of Chautauqua
A native of the Bronx, Samara Joy became entranced by classic R&B as a child and cut her teeth as a singer in her church’s gospel choir. And while her family history is deeply musical—her grandparents helmed the Philadelphia gospel group the Savettes, and her father, the musician and songwriter Antonio McLendon, has produced, composed...
The children of Julian Sklar, a once-celebrated artist, enlist a forger to access his unfinished canvases in a deceptive bid to secure an inheritance."An electrifying Ian McKellen hits a new career peak and takes an early shot at Oscar in Steven Soderbergh’s unmissable tale of an artist and his forger, played by the brilliant Michaela...
David Gluck began his study of meditation and yoga in 2001, with Jivamukti Yoga. He received accreditation as a certified yoga teacher in 2003, directly from Jivamukti founders, Sharon Gannon and David Life. Shortly thereafter, he began formal studies in the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, primarily under the tutelage of Douglas Veenhof, current Resident...
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...
Vivek Murthy is a physician, best-selling author and the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States who has deepened our understanding of how to improve our health. He has advised presidents, governors, legislators, corporate leaders, educators and healthcare organizations on a wide range of public health issues. Murthy has been recognized as one...
A moving feast of regional flavor. Taste Caravan transforms Bestor Plaza into a rotating showcase of the area’s most exciting restaurants and food trucks, offering guests the opportunity to sample 15–20 different regional establishments each week through thoughtfully prepared small bites. Food trucks will be available: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (Lunch) Tuesday & Friday, 4:30–8:00...
David Gluck began his study of meditation and yoga in 2001, with Jivamukti Yoga. He received accreditation as a certified yoga teacher in 2003, directly from Jivamukti founders, Sharon Gannon and David Life. Shortly thereafter, he began formal studies in the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, primarily under the tutelage of Douglas Veenhof, current Resident...
Don't have a partner? One will be provided. Game managed by Shelley Dahlie. $10/person.
Big flavor meets big ideas in Bestor Plaza. Enjoy a dynamic lineup of live culinary demonstrations and discussions featuring chefs, artisans, and community partners from across the region and beyond. These engaging sessions spotlight innovative techniques, cultural traditions, sustainability practices, and the stories behind the food we love. Held daily during the Taste Caravan, each...
George Tanabe was born and raised in Waialua, Hawaii and is a specialist on the religions of Japan, especially Buddhism, and his books have been published by university presses at Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, and Hawaii. He studied at Willamette University (B.A. in History), Union Theological Seminary (M. Div.in Biblical Studies), and Columbia University (M.A. and...
Think American cheese begins and ends with individually wrapped yellow squares? Think again. Join renowned cheese expert Jeffrey A. Babcock for an engaging and delicious journey through the rich landscape of American artisanal cheesemaking. Drawing on decades of experience in the specialty cheese industry, extensive travels throughout Europe, visits to more than eighty dairies, and...
Russian teacher Pasha Talankin secretly documents his small town school's transformation into a war recruitment center during the Ukraine invasion, revealing the ethical dilemmas educators face amid propaganda and militarization. "Instructive and impactful." -G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle "An exemplary work of cinematic modernism, a reflexive film that turns its genesis into its subject...
Sip, swirl, and savor at this lively Premium Craft Beverage Tasting Event, an interactive evening designed to showcase exciting wines, craft beers, and artisanal spirits you may not have encountered before. Set in the heart of Bestor Plaza, this social tasting experience invites guests to explore new flavors, discover emerging brands, and connect directly with...
The children of Julian Sklar, a once-celebrated artist, enlist a forger to access his unfinished canvases in a deceptive bid to secure an inheritance."An electrifying Ian McKellen hits a new career peak and takes an early shot at Oscar in Steven Soderbergh’s unmissable tale of an artist and his forger, played by the brilliant Michaela...
Kenny G is the greatest-selling instrumental musician of the modern era and one of the best-selling artists of all time. With more than 75 million records sold worldwide and over 1.5 billion global streams, the Grammy Award-winning saxophonist has built a singular career spanning five decades of unprecedented success. His catalog includes some of the...
Russian teacher Pasha Talankin secretly documents his small town school's transformation into a war recruitment center during the Ukraine invasion, revealing the ethical dilemmas educators face amid propaganda and militarization. "Instructive and impactful." -G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle "An exemplary work of cinematic modernism, a reflexive film that turns its genesis into its subject...
Mike Thornton, jazz vocalist of grit and sophistication, takes center stage with The Midnight Quartet in a performance charged with high-octane energy and deep blues soul. Blending hard-swinging standards with electrifying improvisation, Thornton’s commanding voice rides effortlessly over the band’s tight, driving rhythms. Each tune ignites with hot, explosive solos, delivering a night where smoky...
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.
David Gluck began his study of meditation and yoga in 2001, with Jivamukti Yoga. He received accreditation as a certified yoga teacher in 2003, directly from Jivamukti founders, Sharon Gannon and David Life. Shortly thereafter, he began formal studies in the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, primarily under the tutelage of Douglas Veenhof, current Resident...
Monte Thompson was a professional dancer, and also spent years as a restauranteur. His life was spent on his feet. Now retired, he is interested in continuing to be able to move easily and gracefully while using breathing and stretching techniques to help quiet his mind and prepare him to face each day with purpose...
“CBS News Sunday Morning” correspondent and best-selling author Conor Knighton returns to Chautauqua to close out the 2026 Chautauqua Lecture Series and our week on “The Importance of Gathering: A Collaboration with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival” with stories of the unconventional conventions, fascinating festivals, and passionate subcultures and communities he’s encountered around the country. From...
A moving feast of regional flavor. Taste Caravan transforms Bestor Plaza into a rotating showcase of the area’s most exciting restaurants and food trucks, offering guests the opportunity to sample 15–20 different regional establishments each week through thoughtfully prepared small bites. Food trucks will be available: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (Lunch) Tuesday & Friday, 4:30–8:00...
Jumu'ah introduction for visitors is at 12:30 PM. Jumu'ah Service is at 1:05 PM
Big flavor meets big ideas in Bestor Plaza. Enjoy a dynamic lineup of live culinary demonstrations and discussions featuring chefs, artisans, and community partners from across the region and beyond. These engaging sessions spotlight innovative techniques, cultural traditions, sustainability practices, and the stories behind the food we love. Held daily during the Taste Caravan, each...
Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle — White Cat, Black Dog: Stories by Kelly Link Finding seeds of inspiration in the stories of the Brothers Grimm, seventeenth-century French lore, and Scottish ballads, Kelly Link spins classic fairy tales into utterly original stories of seekers—characters on the hunt for love, connection, revenge, or their own sense of...
A moving feast of regional flavor. Taste Caravan transforms Bestor Plaza into a rotating showcase of the area’s most exciting restaurants and food trucks, offering guests the opportunity to sample 15–20 different regional establishments each week through thoughtfully prepared small bites. Food trucks will be available: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (Lunch) Tuesday & Friday, 4:30–8:00...
Join Sysco Chefs Brian Barcus & Joe Bucci for a tasting dinner. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with passed hors d’oeuvres with dinner seating at 6 p.m. Brian Barcus is an enthusiastic and driven chef who loves all aspects of the food service industry. His two decades of experience in various food service outlets...
Elvis sings and tells his story like never before in a new cinematic experience from visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann featuring new-found footage of his Las Vegas residency. "One of the most thrilling musical experiences you can have at a cinema." -Barry Levitt, Empire Magazine "A visual spectacle, almost a hallucinatory physical experience. The sheer vibrancy...
Selling over 4 million tickets worldwide and described by The Times as “The Gold Standard” and The Daily Mirror as “The Kings of the Genre,” The Australian Pink Floyd Show gave its first-ever concert in Adelaide, Australia in 1988. Since then, they have performed in over 35 countries worldwide; played at David Gilmour’s 50th birthday...
June Squibb brings to vivid life the witty and proudly troublesome 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein, who after a devastating loss, tells a tale that takes on a dangerous life of its own. Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut is a comically poignant exploration of how the stories we hear become the stories we tell. Co-stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and...