Events
-
-
Sports Club, Lawn Bowling Green -
CHQ Mystic Heart – Dhara Kowal, Zen Buddhism Meditation Practice
Sensei Dhara Kowal- Kowal is Dharma Successor to Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede, who sanctioned her as a Zen teacher in 2022 and gave her Dharma Transmission in 2025. As a resident teacher and priest (ordained in 2023), she serves as Co-Director of the Rochester Zen Center, in partnership with Sensei John Pulleyn. In the preceding years,...
free -
Episcopal Holy Eucharist
Free Sunday Event -
-
-
Movement and Meditation with Monte Thompson
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...
free -
-
Rev. Anna Carter Florence
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...
Free -
-
Ken Burns and Jeffrey Rosen
Celebrating the United States semiquincentennial, Chautauqua presents Week Six, “America at 250: In Partnership with The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.” The milestone anniversary offers an opportunity to survey the previous quarter millennium – how a collection of British colonies became the world’s pre-eminent constitutional democracy, with major successes, failures and continued struggles along the way –...
$45 -
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades & Skills Demonstrations: Blacksmith, Cabinetmaker, Carpenter & Joiner
The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades and Skills community uses 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in and eventually master more than 20 historic trades and skills. These world-renowned experts not only make goods and provide services to the Historic Area, they also consult and produce for other cultural institutions around the world. Carpenters and joiners...
-
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades & Skills Demonstrations: Milliner & Journeyman Founder
The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades and Skills community uses 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in and eventually master more than 20 historic trades and skills. These world-renowned experts not only make goods and provide services to the Historic Area, they also consult and produce for other cultural institutions around the world. Milliners design, make,...
-
Guided Kayak Eco Tour
Enjoy paddling while learning about ecological info 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...
-
Conversation with Kyle, Interim CEO
Join us for “Conversations with Kyle”, an open, drop in conversation for members of the entire community. These informal gatherings offer the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with Interim President Kyle Keogh. All are welcome.
-
-
PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR: BEYOND THE MASK
This feature-length documentary directed by Frederick Lewis, a professor at Ohio University, illuminates the life and legacy of Paul Laurence Dunbar, the first African American writer to gain national and international fame. Frederick will introduce the film and lead a post-screening discussion. (NR, 115m)
Free Admission -
Rosemarie Zagarri
Rosemarie Zagarri is Distinguished University Professor and professor of history at George Mason University. A specialist in Early American political and women’s history, she is the author of a numerous articles and several books, including The Politics of Size: Representation in the United States, 1776-1850, A Woman’s Dilemma: Mercy Otis Warren and the American Revolution,...
$20 -
Masters Series Roundtable: A Conversation with Ken Burns
Former Chautauqua president Tom Becker will engage Ken Burns in an in-depth conversation about his forthcoming films and projects. A filmmaker for almost 50 years, Burns will expand upon his morning conversation on the Amphitheater stage. An opportunity for Q & A, patrons can ask about Burns' awards, career, research and future plans.
$49 -
-
-
Chautauqua Chamber Music: Ruckus with Keir GoGwilt, violin
Experience the electrifying energy of Ruckus, a boundary-pushing baroque ensemble redefining early music performance. With virtuosic flair and a fresh, improvisatory spirit, Ruckus brings 17th- and 18th-century works vividly to life. Their performances blend historical authenticity with modern vitality, creating concerts that feel both timeless and daringly new. Don’t miss this exuberant celebration of baroque...
-
THE EYES OF GHANA
Directed by Ben Proudfoot and executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama. The Eyes Of Ghana follows Chris Hesse, the personal cameraman to revolutionary leader Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana, who was deposed in a coup d'état in 1966.(NR, 93m)
Free Admission -
CHQ Travels Reception
Join Chautauqua Travels for an hour of wine and conversation at 5 p.m. this evening on the porch of the Athenaeum Hotel. This informal travel information session offers an opportunity to learn about upcoming Chautauqua Travels experiences, including journeys to Singapore, South Africa and Santa Fe, while hearing directly from travel experts about each destination....
-
-
Chautauqua School of Dance with the Music School Festival Orchestra
Chautauqua School of Dance presents an outstanding mixed repertoire evening of new and established works, masterfully performed by the Music Student Festival Orchestra. This performance will feature the most exceptional young talent in the country. Under the leadership of Sasha Janes, the school continues its long tradition of excellence as a top-tier summer training program...
$35 -
W.E.B. DUBOIS: REBEL WITH A CAUSE
This film directed by Rita Coburn and narrated by Viola Davis, explores the life of the pioneering civil rights activist and scholar W.E.B. DuBois, charting his journey from his birth in 1868 during Reconstruction to his death in 1963 on the eve of the March on Washington. Rita will introduce the film and lead a...
Free Admission -
CHQ Mystic Heart – Dhara Kowal, Zen Buddhism Meditation Practice
Sensei Dhara Kowal- Kowal is Dharma Successor to Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede, who sanctioned her as a Zen teacher in 2022 and gave her Dharma Transmission in 2025. As a resident teacher and priest (ordained in 2023), she serves as Co-Director of the Rochester Zen Center, in partnership with Sensei John Pulleyn. In the preceding years,...
free -
Episcopal Holy Eucharist
Free Sunday Event -
-
-
-
Rev. Anna Carter Florence
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...
Free -
Judi Greewald, CEO of the Nuclear Innovation Alliance
Chautauqua Science Group Weekly Lecture Judi Greenwald is the President and CEO of the Nuclear Innovation Alliance. Ms. Greenwald has over 35 years of energy and environmental policy leadership experience in the public and nonprofit sectors, including the U.S. Congress, the White House, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,...
-
Children’s School Old First Night Sing-a-long at Smith Wilkes Hall.
Join us to wish CHQ a Happy Birthday at Smith Wilkes Hall!
-
-
Ken Burns and Jeffrey Rosen
Celebrating the United States semiquincentennial, Chautauqua presents Week Six, “America at 250: In Partnership with The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.” The milestone anniversary offers an opportunity to survey the previous quarter millennium – how a collection of British colonies became the world’s pre-eminent constitutional democracy, with major successes, failures and continued struggles along the way –...
$45 -
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades & Skills Demonstrations
The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades and Skills community uses 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in and eventually master more than 20 historic trades and skills. These world-renowned experts not only make goods and provide services to the Historic Area, they also consult and produce for other cultural institutions around the world. Carpenters and joiners...
-
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades & Skills Demonstrations: Milliner & Journeyman Founder
The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades and Skills community uses 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in and eventually master more than 20 historic trades and skills. These world-renowned experts not only make goods and provide services to the Historic Area, they also consult and produce for other cultural institutions around the world. Milliners design, make,...
-
Sigrid Jakob: “Fruiting Bodies and Big Ideas: a Citizen Science Adventure”
Bird, Tree & Garden Club lunchtime lecture series Sigrid Jakob is a freelance marketing strategist during the day and mycophile in her spare time. She’s an avid member and president of the New York Mycological Society, a mushroom club that goes out and observes fungi in New York City’s parks 52 weeks a year. She...
-
CHQ Mystic Heart – Dhara Kowal, Zen Buddhism Meditation, seminar and practice
Sensei Dhara Kowal- Kowal is Dharma Successor to Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede, who sanctioned her as a Zen teacher in 2022 and gave her Dharma Transmission in 2025. As a resident teacher and priest (ordained in 2023), she serves as Co-Director of the Rochester Zen Center, in partnership with Sensei John Pulleyn. In the preceding years,...
free -
CHQ Dialogues
Free -
-
Manisha Sinha
Manisha Sinha is the Draper Chair in American History at the University of Connecticut and immediate Past President of the Society for Historians of the Early American Republic. She received her Ph.D from Columbia University where her dissertation was nominated for the Bancroft Prize. She was nominated to the OAH Distinguished Lecture Series in 2003....
$20 -
-
CHQ Dialogues
free -
Play CHQ: Float or Sink Challenge
Miller Park Miller Park -
TIME & WATER
Chautauqua Cinema Chautauqua CinemaClimate Change Initiative-Special Filmmaker Event! Free Admission! Icelandic writer and filmmaker Andri Snær Magnason returns to Chautauqua Cinema with his new film Time & Water, a vibrant elegy which preserves...
Free Admission -
Masters Series Masterclass: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation presents Becoming History with Stephen Seals, Nation Builder James Lafayette and Fifes & Drums Experience: Tuesday
Norton Hall Norton HallDuring "Becoming History with Stephen Seals, Nation Builder James Lafayette", learn how Colonial Williamsburg’s Nation Builders bring the voices of the past to life with a behind the scenes look...
$49 -
Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums performance
Norton Hall Norton Hall -
Old First Night
Amphitheater AmphitheaterOld First Night is Chautauqua’s birthday party, and all are invited! In the early years of Chautauqua, the season's first night was not in late June but early August. Therefore,...
-
Puppy Pals Live – The Action-Packed Comedic Stunt Dog Show
Amphitheater AmphitheaterAs Seen on America's Got Talent, Puppy Pals Live is a family fun action-packed show where adopted and rescued dogs perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats. Watch as Puppy Pals...
$15 -
PURSUING LIGHT – THE BILL STRICKLAND STORY
Chautauqua Cinema Chautauqua CinemaDirector Karen Somers' documentary Pursuing Light follows the life and legacy of Bill Strickland, whose philosophy of "hope through opportunity" has impacted thousands of lives. This film traces his personal...
Free Admission -
Sunrise Paddle – Kayak/SUP
Sports Club, WaterfrontEnjoy 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...
-
CHQ Mystic Heart – Dhara Kowal, Zen Buddhism Meditation Practice
Presbyterian House Presbyterian HouseSensei Dhara Kowal- Kowal is Dharma Successor to Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede, who sanctioned her as a Zen teacher in 2022 and gave her Dharma Transmission in 2025. As a resident...
free -
Episcopal Holy Eucharist
Chapel of the Good Shepherd Chapel of the Good ShepherdFree Sunday Event -
-
Catholic Mass
Hurlbut Church sanctuary Hurlbut Church sanctuary -
Movement and Meditation with Monte Thompson
Hall of Philosophy GroveMonte 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...
free -
Chautauqua Prays for Peace though Compassion
Hall of Philosophy Grovefree -
Rev. Anna Carter Florence
Amphitheater AmphitheaterThe 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...
Free -
Service of Blessing and Healing
Randell Chapel, UCC HeadquartersFree -
David W. Blight and Tiya Miles
Amphitheater AmphitheaterContinuing Chautauqua’s weeklong commemoration of “America at 250,” two of the country’s pre-eminent historians present a mainstage conversation about the moral foundations of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution,...
$40 -
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades & Skills Demonstrations: Blacksmith, Cabinetmaker, Carpenter & Joiner
Bestor Plaza Bestor PlazaThe Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades and Skills community uses 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in and eventually master more than 20 historic trades and skills. These world-renowned experts not...
-
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades & Skills Demonstrations: Milliner & Journeyman Founder
The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades and Skills community uses 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in and eventually master more than 20 historic trades and skills. These world-renowned experts not only make goods and provide services to the Historic Area, they also consult and produce for other cultural institutions around the world. Milliners design, make,...
-
Women In Ministry
free -
Twelve Step Meeting
free -
CHQ Dialogues
free -
Guided Kayak Historic Tour
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...
-
-
-
Brandon Dillard
Brandon Dillard is Director of Historic Interpretation and Audience Engagement at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the iconic home and historic plantation in Virginia, where he has worked for sixteen years. At...
$20.00 -
CHQ Dialogues
free -
-
Masters Series Masterclass: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation presents Becoming History with Katharine Pittman, Nation Builder Martha Washington and Fifes & Drums Experience: Wednesday
During "Becoming History with Kathatine Pittman, Nation Builder Martha Washington", learn how Colonial Williamsburg’s Nation Builders bring the voices of the past to life with a behind the scenes look...
$49 -
WICKED FOR GOOD
The conclusion to Jon M. Chu's 2024 Wicked is "a soaring musical triumph filled with standout performances, extraordinary craft, and an emotional core that is sure to delight fans young...
$11 – $15 -
CHQ Mystic Heart – Therapeutic Gong Meditation with Kim Hehr
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...
free -