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Summer is waiting for you at Chautauqua.

Challenge yourself. Discover a hidden talent. Share the memories. Inspire a new generation.

Chautauqua Institution is a community on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York state that comes alive each summer with a unique mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational and lifelong learning activities. Over the course of nine weeks, more than 100,000 visitors will stay at Chautauqua and participate in programs, classes and community events for all ages—all within the beautiful setting of a historic lakeside village.

Chautauqua’s 2013 summer season runs June 22 to August 25. Enter now to win 2 tickets for a Friday evening at Chautauqua.

What does a typical day at Chautauqua look like? > View a day

The Chautauqua experience is based around one’s engagement in five program areas:

The Arts

Chautauqua as a community celebrates, encourages and studies the arts and treats them as integral to all of learning. With symphony, opera, theater, dance, visual arts and a renowned music school, Chautauqua produces an "ecstatic mix" of programming and a summer concert series that can be found nowhere else. Read more »

Education

Self-improvement through lifelong learning was at the heart of the impulse that motivated Americans and founded Chautauqua in 1874. That tradition continues today with a morning and afternoon lecture platform, continued education courses (Special Studies), the Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle book club, writers in residence, and a public library. Read more »

Religion

At Chautauqua, religious faith is perceived, interpreted and experienced as central to the understanding and expression of our social and cultural values. Chautauqua is a community that is open to all with a wide variety of services of worship and programs that express the Institution’s Christian heritage and its interfaith commitment. Read more »

Recreation

From adult to youth programs, Chautauqua has embraced the recreative experience and a healthy lifestyle as essential to the Chautauqua experience. Recreational opportunities include sailing, boating, fishing and swimming on Chautauqua Lake as well as a 36-hole golf course, fast-dry and hard-surface tennis courts, playing fields, playgrounds, fitness centers and cycling oppertunities. Read more »

Youth

Chautauqua’s programs for youth present a diversity of activity, in settings varied and historic. From pre-school to day camp and Boy's and Girl's Club, from sports instruction to informal youth centers, from enrichment classes to entertainment, and from reading to experiences in the arts, these programs offer opportunities to explore the Chautauqua experience. At the same time, youth are encouraged to grow in independence, make choices, take responsibility and celebrate family time, all in the safe and supportive community that is Chautauqua. Read more »

6:00 a.m.	Take in a beautiful sunrise over Chautauqua Lake near the Central Dock and Sports Club.
7:00 a.m.	With more than a mile of waterfront, Chautauqua's grounds are perfect for a morning walk or run on the lake shore.
7:15 a.m.	Pick up fresh fruit, vegetables and other locally grown and made products from the Farmers Market.
7:30 a.m.	The Chautauquan Daily, a perfect accompaniment to your morning cup of coffee, is delivered to your front porch.
8:45 a.m.	Watch the little ones board the bus to Children’s School.
9:30 a.m.	Story time at Children’s School — today’s selection is "Letter Birds"!
10:00 a.m.	The bigger kids can enjoy some friendly competition at Boys’ and Girls’ Club.
10:45 a.m.	Hear a lecture at the 5,000-seat, open-air Amphitheater — and get a question of your own answered at the end.
12:00 p.m.	Eat your picnic lunch on Bestor Plaza with some musical accompaniment by Music Festival students and faculty.
1:00 p.m.	Stroll through one of Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution's world-class galleries.
2:00 p.m.	Take in another lecture, one from a religious or ethical perspective, at the gorgeous open-air Hall of Philosophy.
2:30 p.m.	Be one with nature as you attend a lecture in one of Chautauqua's many outdoor "classroom" spaces.
3:00 p.m.	Support tomorrow's best singers with a visit to an afternoon Voice Program recital.
4:00 p.m.	Spend some time on the water with a lesson from the Sailing Center.
6:00 p.m.	Sit down for a delicious five-course dinner at the Athenaeum.
8:15 p.m.	Attend a performance of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, featuring some of the best instrumentalists from orchestras around the world.
11:00 p.m.	Wind down at the end of a wonderful day with a nighttime stroll down the lake front.