Week Two: July 1–8, 2023
Every summer, over the course of nine weeks, more than 100,000 people visit Chautauqua Institution in search of respite, community and personal growth. And every summer, they find it. See for yourself what makes Chautauqua Institution a destination like no other. Keep scrolling to explore Week Two.
Featured Entertainment and Events
Straight No Chaser: The Yacht Rock Tour
July 7
Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra: “Independence Day Celebration”
July 4
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
See all dates
Music School Festival Orchestra – Opening Night
July 3
Chautauqua Lecture Series
Games: A Celebration of Our Most Human Pastimes
Games, in all their forms, share one common trait: Philosopher Bernard Suits once said that “playing a game is a voluntary attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles.” For thousands of years, gameplay has been a part of human history, evolving alongside us as a species. Now, in the 21st century, we recognize that games can be more than games. They can aid education, generate revenue streams, or serve as welcome distractions. They can be a source of world-building and bonding, a space of contained competition and practice with real-world applications. From sports to puzzles, brain teasers to board games, this week we explore our capacity for self-created delight and how we rise to the surmountable challenges of our own making.
Enigmatologist and crossword editor for The New York Times Will Shortz closes the week on Friday, July 7, by sharing his favorite crosswords and puzzle makers, how crosswords are created, their curious history, and his lifelong passion for puzzles.
Confirmed Lectures
Interfaith Lecture Series
A Spirit of Play
We do not always think of religious life as the wellspring of playfulness. And yet, winning, losing, competition, and the joy of playing with others create a distinctive dimension of being human. There is a spiritual nature to many of the games we play, which are metaphors for life. Many of our religious traditions embrace or even revere the spiritual lessons of the trickster – one who plays games and causes trouble or mischief to explore life’s complexity. This week takes us into the spiritual, bonding, teaching, and socializing nature of play – and makes us smile.
Confirmed Lectures
Explore Performing and Visual Arts
The arts can sometimes bridge differences and illuminate perspectives as no other method can. Artistic expressions at Chautauqua — including professional and pre-professional offerings in classical and contemporary music, theater, opera, dance, visual arts and literary arts — aim to inspire, educate, entertain and engage a diverse and growing audience.
Places to Stay
Make the night complete by staying on our historic grounds. From the Athenaeum Hotel to countless private rental properties, Chautauqua offers accommodations for all needs and tastes.
Dining & Shopping
Make your Chautauqua experience memorable! Share a delicious meal at one of our many restaurants. Or take piece of Chautauqua home with you from our unique shops.