Youth & Family Events
June 23 @ 2:30 pm Week One (June 22–29)
Sunday Afternoon Entertainment: Soldiers’ Chorus of The U.S. Army Field Band
Amphitheater
Sunday Afternoon Entertainment: Soldiers’ Chorus of The U.S. Army Field Band
Chautauqua opens the 2024 season with The Soldiers’ Chorus of The U.S. Army Field Band! This 29-member chorus travels throughout the nation and abroad, and is a mainstay of PBS’s annual National Memorial Day Concert, inspiring patriotism and garnering a reputation for musical excellence.
June 30 @ 2:30 pm Week Two (June 29–July 6)
The Chipper Experience! Where Comedy & Magic Collide!
Amphitheater
The Chipper Experience! Where Comedy & Magic Collide!
Chipper Lowell, a two-time “Comedy Magician of the Year,” remains a beloved favorite among audiences of all ages, captivating theater-goers with his unique blend of uproarious comedy and mind-boggling magic for over 25 years. With multiple appearances on esteemed platforms like THE TONIGHT SHOW and THE DISNEY CHANNEL, as well as numerous accolades including the prestigious Senator Crandall Award, Chipper’s reputation as a high-energy entertainer precedes him, enchanting audiences worldwide from the U.S. to Malaysia with his electrifying performances. Described as a “Cyclone of high-energy wit & laughs” by the press, Chipper’s shows promise an unforgettable experience brimming with laughter, jaw-dropping illusions, and interactive fun, making it a must-see event for everyone!
Families are invited to meet Chipper on the Amphitheater Porch following the show!
4th of July Parade
Annual Children’s School Parade to Bestor Plaza. Join us as we celebrate our country and sing patriotic songs with the Community Band on the front steps of the Colonnade!
July 6 @ 7:30 pm Week Three (July 6–13)
Jurassic Park Live in Concert with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra
Amphitheater
Jurassic Park Live in Concert with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra
Stuart Chafetz, conductor
The action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making.
Now audiences can experience Jurassic Park as never before: projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture.
Welcome… to Jurassic Park!
July 7 @ 2:30 pm Week Three (July 6–13)
Sunday Matinee: Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra: Carnival of the Animals
Amphitheater
Sunday Matinee: Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra: Carnival of the Animals
Rossen Milanov, conductor
Featuring students from the Chautauqua Piano Program
Embark on a whimsical journey through the animal kingdom witha delightful family concert featuring Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Carnival of the Animals.” Students from the Chautauqua Piano Program join the CSO for an afternoon of musical enchantment as Saint-Saëns’ imaginative score brings to life a delightful menagerie of creatures, from graceful swans to playful kangaroos. This relaxed concert offers a magical experience for audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned music lover or experiencing the wonder of orchestral music for the first time, this family concert promises an unforgettable adventure that will spark imagination and inspire a love for classical music in the hearts of children and adults alike.
Program:
Camille Saint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animals
Additional works to be announced.
July 17 @ 12:15 pm Week Four (July 13–20)
CLSC Young Reader Book Discussion — Big Tree
Alumni Hall Porch
CLSC Young Reader Book Discussion — Big Tree
July 24 @ 7:30 pm Week Five (July 20–27)
Chautauqua Opera Company presents Hansel and Gretel
Amphitheater
Chautauqua Opera Company presents Hansel and Gretel
This timeless fairytale follows two siblings bravely navigating a mysterious forest, and their perilous encounter with a mischievous witch and her delectable gingerbread house.
Chautauqua’s Amphitheater is the perfect setting to bring Engelbert Humperdinck’s mesmerizing and lush score to life with the full power of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, sung in English and transporting audiences of all ages into a fantastical realm.
July 28 @ 2:30 pm Week Six (July 27–August 3)
Family Entertainment: Sonia De Los Santos
Amphitheater
Family Entertainment: Sonia De Los Santos
Sonia De Los Santos, born in Monterrey, Mexico, has been enchanting audiences with her infectious smile and bilingual melodies since 2007, when she embarked on her musical journey with Dan Zanes and Friends. Her solo career boasts three acclaimed family music albums, filled with songs inspired by Latin American rhythms and North American folk traditions, alongside heartwarming tales of her Mexican upbringing and dreams realized in New York. With nominations for a Latin Grammy® and accolades from Billboard, Sonia’s uplifting performances have graced prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, and she eagerly anticipates the debut of her empowering new live show, “Música,” honoring women in music, set to premiere at New York City’s iconic New Victory Theater in March 2024.
Families are invited to meet Sonia De Los Santos on the back porch of the Amphitheater following the performance!
Air Band
Boys’ and Girls’ Club Groupers return to the Amphitheater for our annual Air Band competition!
Squonk
Squonk creates joyful, boisterous outdoor spectacles by fusing fantastical visual design, playful staging, and high-energy original music. Led by Co-Artistic Directors Jackie Dempsey and Steve O’Hearn, Squonk presents Brouhaha, a riotous romp featuring the Squonkcordion, an enormous musical instrument the audience gets to play. The New York Times called Squonk “ingenious, hallucinatory and hypnotic.” Experience the joy of community and the power of live music in this immersive outdoor spectacle bursting with rollicking music and dazzling imagery.
Squonk will help Chautauqua celebrate its sesquicentennial with music, puppetry, and performance outdoors on a pop-up stage in Bestor Plaza. On Sunday, watch them perform; on Monday join them for a street puppet-making workshop (times and locations TBA), and on Tuesday, celebrate Chautauqua with a birthday edition of Brouhaha: participatory entertainment for kids and adults alike.
Rain location for Brouhaha performances: Amphitheater
Squonk
Squonk creates joyful, boisterous outdoor spectacles by fusing fantastical visual design, playful staging, and high-energy original music. Led by Co-Artistic Directors Jackie Dempsey and Steve O’Hearn, Squonk presents Brouhaha, a riotous romp featuring the Squonkcordion, an enormous musical instrument the audience gets to play. The New York Times called Squonk “ingenious, hallucinatory and hypnotic.” Experience the joy of community and the power of live music in this immersive outdoor spectacle bursting with rollicking music and dazzling imagery.
Squonk will help Chautauqua celebrate its sesquicentennial with music, puppetry, and performance outdoors on a pop-up stage in Bestor Plaza. On Sunday, watch them perform; on Monday join them for a street puppet-making workshop (times and locations TBA), and on Tuesday, celebrate Chautauqua with a birthday edition of Brouhaha: participatory entertainment for kids and adults alike.
Rain location for Brouhaha performances: Amphitheater
August 6 @ 10:00 am Week Seven (August 3–10)
Children’s School Old First Night Sing-Along
Smith Wilkes Hall
Children’s School Old First Night Sing-Along
Children’s School Old First Night Sing-Along! Families are welcome to join us at Smith Wilkes hall for a birthday celebration, sing-along, and dance party!
Squonk: Brouhaha
Squonk creates joyful, boisterous outdoor spectacles by fusing fantastical visual design, playful staging, and high-energy original music. Led by Co-Artistic Directors Jackie Dempsey and Steve O’Hearn, Squonk presents Brouhaha, a riotous romp featuring the Squonkcordion, an enormous musical instrument the audience gets to play. The New York Times called Squonk “ingenious, hallucinatory and hypnotic.” Experience the joy of community and the power of live music in this immersive outdoor spectacle bursting with rollicking music and dazzling imagery.
Squonk will help Chautauqua celebrate its sesquicentennial with music, puppetry, and performance outdoors on a pop-up stage in Bestor Plaza. On Sunday, watch them perform; on Monday join them for a street puppet-making workshop (times and locations TBA), and on Tuesday, celebrate Chautauqua with a birthday edition of Brouhaha: participatory entertainment for kids and adults alike. The Tuesday performance on Bestor plaza immediately follows the Old First Night ceremony, striking up outside of the Amphitheater in Odland Plaza and then progressing to Bestor Plaza for the show itself.
Rain location for Brouhaha performances: Amphitheater
Squonk: Brouhaha
Squonk creates joyful, boisterous outdoor spectacles by fusing fantastical visual design, playful staging, and high-energy original music. Led by Co-Artistic Directors Jackie Dempsey and Steve O’Hearn, Squonk presents Brouhaha, a riotous romp featuring the Squonkcordion, an enormous musical instrument the audience gets to play. The New York Times called Squonk “ingenious, hallucinatory and hypnotic.” Experience the joy of community and the power of live music in this immersive outdoor spectacle bursting with rollicking music and dazzling imagery.
Squonk will help Chautauqua celebrate its sesquicentennial with music, puppetry, and performance outdoors on a pop-up stage in Bestor Plaza. On Sunday, watch them perform; on Monday join them for a street puppet-making workshop (times and locations TBA), and on Tuesday, celebrate Chautauqua with a birthday edition of Brouhaha: participatory entertainment for kids and adults alike. The Tuesday performance on Bestor plaza immediately follows the Old First Night ceremony, striking up outside of the Amphitheater in Odland Plaza and then progressing to Bestor Plaza for the show itself.
Rain location for Brouhaha performances: Amphitheater
Beach-to-Beach Color Sprint
Ages 6+ are invited to run the color sprint. $12 fee includes white t-shirt. Powdered paint tossed at participants as they run from the children’s beach to Heinz beach.Great photo opp at the end! Questions? contact sportsclub@chq.org
August 11 @ 2:30 pm Week Eight (August 10–17)
Chautauqua School of Dance: Student Gala II
Amphitheater
Chautauqua School of Dance: Student Gala II
Sasha Janes, Director
Patricia McBride, Director of Ballet Studies and Master Teacher
Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Principal Resident Coach
Chautauqua School of Dance presents an outstanding mixed repertoire matinee of new and established works featuring 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 focused on bringing the next generation of dance stars from the studio to the stage.
The Great Massey Sing-Along
On the final day of Chautauqua’s sesquicentennial season, we will come together in song. Joshua Stafford, Chautauqua’s Director of Sacred Music and Organist, will lead us in a joyful sing-along of beloved tunes from the Great American Songbook and Broadway accompanied on the Massey Organ, with lyrics projected for all to read. Join us as we lift our voices in celebration of this once-in-a-lifetime summer season!