The Chautauqua Experience in Summer
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At a Glance
What You'll Learn
- Hear from notable experts during morning classes exclusively for our Road Scholar group.
- Your tuition includes a Chautauqua gate ticket admitting you to Amphitheater lectures featuring world-class speakers plus numerous options each day for recitals, talks, nature walks and much more.
- Each evening offers a dazzling array of entertainment events.
General Notes
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
- 2024
- 2025
- Jun 23 - Jun 29
- Jun 30 - Jul 06
- Jul 07 - Jul 13
- Jul 14 - Jul 20
- Jul 21 - Jul 27
- Jul 28 - Aug 03
- Aug 04 - Aug 10
- Aug 11 - Aug 17
- Aug 18 - Aug 24
- 2024
- 2025
- Jun 23 - Jun 29
- Jun 30 - Jul 06
- Jul 07 - Jul 13
- Jul 14 - Jul 20
- Jul 21 - Jul 27
- Jul 28 - Aug 03
- Aug 04 - Aug 10
- Aug 11 - Aug 17
- Aug 18 - Aug 24
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon: After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Welcome Reception: 5:00 p.m. We will gather on the hotel veranda (weather permitting) and enjoy including complimentary canapés, beer, wine, soft drinks, and aperitifs. This will be an excellent opportunity to meet fellow Road Scholars and share stories of learning adventures past.
Dinner: In the hotel parlor at 6:00 p.m. We will dine as a group at tables reserved for Road Scholar.
Evening: Orientation. Following dinner, the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Each full day of the program, we will have a Road Scholar exclusive lecture from 9:00-10:30 a.m. followed by a public lecture for the entire Chautauqua community in the Amphitheater — adjacent to the hotel — from 10:45 a.m. until Noon. There will be a choice of lectures and activities in the afternoons and an entertainment event in the evenings. Each program date will have a different theme and Road Scholar lecturer. Educational themes are typically announced in January. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Everyone who would like to do so is welcome to attend the Sacred Song Service in the Amphitheater at 8:00 p.m., a beloved aspect of each Sunday during the Chautauqua season. The ecumenical service features the Chautauqua Choir, accompanied by the Massey Memorial Organ with its 5,640 pipes, performing a broad range of sacred music. The congregation is invited to join in singing the hymns, and the service lasts about an hour. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity note: Extent of walking and other non-class activities according to personal choice. Shuttles and trams available to move around the grounds.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: Road Scholar Class: 9:00-10:30 a.m. We’ll meet in the hotel parlor with our Road Scholar instructor in residence for this program, Marc Glassman. Public Lecture: 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater. Today Winton Marsalis' keynote address is titled "Speaking a Common Language Against the Cacophony of Sectarian Opportunism."
Lunch: In the hotel dining room. We will dine as a group at tables reserved for Road Scholar. Take this opportunity to discuss the morning lectures.
Afternoon: Interfaith Lecture Series: 2:00 p.m. in the Hall of Philosophy, sponsored by the Chautauqua Department of Religion. Todays' speaker is Miroslav Volf, Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School and the Founder and Director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture. Road Scholars are also welcome to choose from a variety of other lectures, classes, and recreational activities. For example, you may enjoy the 4:00 p.m. Monday chamber music series in Lenna Hall. Other possibilities include overviews of the Chautauqua campus by bus, exploring the campus independently, seeing what’s on at an art gallery, curling up with a book, or simply relaxing. Available recreational activities include lawn bowling, tennis, sailing, kayaking, nature walks, walking, running, golf, cycling, and use of gym facilities.
Dinner: In the hotel dining room.
Evening: Evening Entertainment: 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater.
Activity note: Extent of walking and other non-class activities according to personal choice. Shuttles and trams available to move around the grounds.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Road Scholar Class: 9:00-10:30 a.m. We’ll meet in the hotel parlor with our Road Scholar instructor in residence. Public Lecture: 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon: Interfaith Lecture Series: 2:00 p.m. in the Hall of Philosophy, sponsored by the Chautauqua Department of Religion. Alternatively, you are welcome to choose from a variety of lectures, classes, exploring the Chautauqua campus, and recreational activities.
Dinner: Hotel dining room.
Evening: Evening Entertainment: 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater.
Activity note: Extent of walking and other non-class activities according to personal choice. Shuttles and trams available to move around the grounds.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Road Scholar Class: 9:00-10:30 a.m. We’ll meet in the hotel parlor with our Road Scholar instructor in residence. Public Lecture: 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater.
Lunch: Hotel dining room.
Afternoon: Interfaith Lecture Series: 2:00 p.m. in the Hall of Philosophy, sponsored by the Chautauqua Department of Religion. Alternatively, you are welcome to choose from a variety of lectures, classes, exploring the Chautauqua campus, and recreational activities.
Dinner: Hotel dining room.
Evening: Evening Entertainment: 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater. Tonight the performance of Winton Marsalis' All Rise will feature the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with the Music School Festival Orchestra and Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.
Activity note: Extent of walking and other non-class activities according to personal choice. Shuttles and trams available to move around the grounds.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Road Scholar Class: 9:00-10:30 a.m. We’ll meet in the hotel parlor with our Road Scholar instructor in residence. Public Lecture: 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater.
Lunch: On your own to have what you like from choices available on the Chautauqua grounds. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon: Interfaith Lecture Series: 2:00 p.m. in the Hall of Philosophy, sponsored by the Chautauqua Department of Religion. Today's speaker is Ken Chitwood, religion scholar, journalist, and public theologian. Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle Lecture: 3:30 p.m. Alternatively, you are welcome to choose from a variety of lectures, classes, exploring the Chautauqua campus, and recreational activities.
Dinner: Hotel dining room.
Evening: Evening Entertainment: 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater. Tonight is the concluding performance of Winton Marsalis' All Rise.
Activity note: Extent of walking and other non-class activities according to personal choice. Shuttles and trams available to move around the grounds.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Road Scholar Class: 9:00-10:30 AM. We’ll meet in the hotel parlor with our Road Scholar instructor in residence. Public Lecture: 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater.
Lunch: Hotel dining room.
Afternoon: Interfaith Lecture Series: 2:00 p.m. in the Hall of Philosophy, sponsored by the Chautauqua Department of Religion. Alternatively, you are welcome to choose from a variety of lectures, classes, exploring the Chautauqua campus, and recreational activities. Road Scholar reception: 5:00 p.m. We will gather on the hotel veranda (weather permitting) for a closing reception including complimentary canapés, beer, wine, soft drinks, and aperitifs. An excellent opportunity to discuss the ideas we have encountered at Chautauqua.
Dinner: Hotel dining room. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening: Evening Entertainment: 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater. Tonight's performance:. Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity note: Hotel check out is 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room. This concludes our program.
Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!