Derrick Weston is the Director of Theological Education and Formation, Creation Justice Ministries. Derrick is a writer, filmmaker, podcaster, speaker and educator whose most recent work has focused on the intersection of food and faith. He is the co-host of the “Food and Faith” podcast and producer of “Spoon, Spade, and Soul,” a podcast highlighting...
At the intersection of food insecurity and climate change lies one powerful opportunity: food rescue. Food waste and food insecurity are often treated as separate crises — yet they stem from the same structural inefficiencies in our food system. In the United States, up to 40% of food produced goes uneaten, even as 1 in...
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...
Guest Chef Dinner: Nyesha Arrington 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | Athenaeum Hotel Join acclaimed chef and television personality Nyesha Arrington for an unforgettable evening of elevated dining at the historic Athenaeum Hotel. This exclusive Guest Chef Dinner offers an intimate opportunity to experience Arrington’s soulful, seasonally driven cuisine through a thoughtfully curated multicourse...
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 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...
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...
Karen Florini is a strategic advisor with C-Change Conversations, which educate audiences throughout the country about how climate change will impact them personally, why there is urgency to address it and how to forge consensus for action. She also serves as a senior fellow with the Climate Democracy Initiative. Previously, she held multiple leadership roles...
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...
At the intersection of food insecurity and climate change lies one powerful opportunity: food rescue. Food waste and food insecurity are often treated as separate crises — yet they stem from the same structural inefficiencies in our food system. In the United States, up to 40% of food produced goes uneaten, even as 1 in...
Programmed by Unity of Chautauqua
Preacher Lawson is a stand-up comedian, actor, and creator known for his high-energy storytelling and physical, joy-driven comedy. He first gained national attention as a finalist on America’s Got Talent and has since built a global fanbase through touring, social media, and multiple comedy specials. Preacher headlines clubs and theaters across the world, selling out...
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 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...