22 Peck Avenue, Chautauqua, New York 14722, United States
Weekly Themes 2026
Week 1: Icons and Instigators: Women Who Change the World (June 27 - July 4)
Week 2: Breaking the News: Charting a New Media Landscape (July 4 - 11)
Week 3: The 2026 Election: What's at Stake? (July 11 - 18)
Week 4: Wasted: Our Era of Disposability (July 18 - 25)
Week 5: Art and Artists Against the Odds (July 25 - August 1)
Week 6: America at 250: In Partnership with the National Constitution Center and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (August 1 - 8)
Week 7: Global Power and Our Evolving International Order (August 8 - 15)
Week 8: The Future of Food: Climate, Technology and the Next Agricultural Revolution (August 15 - 22)
Week 9: The Importance of Gathering: A Collaboration with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival (August 22 - 30)
Frequently Asked Questions
What IS Chautauqua?
The Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit, 750-acre community on Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State, where approximately 7,500 persons are in residence on any day during a nine-week season, and a total of over 100,000 attend scheduled public events.
Chautauqua is dedicated to the exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life through a program that explores the important religious, social and political issues of our times; stimulates provocative, thoughtful involvement of individuals and families in creative response to such issues; and promotes excellence and creativity in the appreciation, performance and teaching of the arts. Learn more here.
What other costs are involved in a trip to Chautauqua?
You will need to purchase a gate pass and parking pass. Most programming is included in the gate pass, but some requires additional ticketing. Sundays are free.
What is there to do in Chautauqua?
From the morning lecture to the evening concert, Chautauqua programming offers activities for all ages all day. Check out the calendar for daily activities as well as the Special Studies Guide for additional courses offered.
Where are the nearby grocery stores?
If you turn right out of the Institute, you will be driving towards Mayville. About 5 minutes down the road is the Lighthouse which offers very basic groceries. Five minutes further down the road is Tops, the main grocery store in Mayville. If you turn left out of the institute and drive about 30 minutes, you'll find Wegmans or Walmart in Lakewood.
What are the dining options on or around the grounds?
The Institute and surrounding area offers a wide variety of dining options.
How does one get around on the grounds?
Walking or biking is encouraged where possible on the grounds. Red brick roads are dedicated to pedestrians only and bikes can be rented weekly. The Institute also offers bus and tram services throughout the grounds. These can be tracked live: https://busandtramtracker.chq.org/trams/