Festivals

Enjoy a free outdoor screening of classic I Love Lucy episodes on the National Comedy Center’s two 350-square-foot video screens. Refreshments will be available for purchase, and guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, as bench seating is limited. Grab a spot, sit back, and laugh the night away with one of television’s most beloved comedies.

Experience one of our region’s most exciting summer traditions at the Chautauqua Lake Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, August 8. Enjoy a full day of dragon boat racing, food vendors, family activities, and lakeside fun. No paddling experience needed — open to paddlers and spectators of all ages. Great for families, groups, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Proceeds support organizations that protect and care for Chautauqua Lake.

Comedians from across the nation who have appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show, Conan, The Late Late Show with James Corden, HBO, Comedy Central and more, will perform their newest and sometimes blue-est material in Ricky Ricardo's famous nightclub.

An ever-popular guided bus tour of Lucy’s hometown, our “Lucy Town Tours”, with a friendly and knowledgeable step-on guide, will take you to places of significance to Lucille Ball in Jamestown, NY and nearby Celoron. You will see the house that she was born in, the house where she grew up, and much more. Approx. Duration 1hr 45min. FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2026 at 10:30AM, 1:00PM & 3:30PM. SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026 at 10:00AM,…

Join us in the Tropicana with Sirena Irwin and Bill Mendieta, stars of the original production and national tour I Love Lucy Live Onstage for dinner. It’s a big night at the club as "Ricky" performs for a mystery Hollywood producer somewhere in the audience. Could it be you? As "Ricky" takes the stage, "Lucy" does everything she can to make an unforgettable impression in this playful, music-filled evening of laughs and classic charm. FRIDAY…

Have fun and learn more about how you can make comedy! Explore the museum through discussions and activities led by a museum educator, then try your hand at improv, stand-up, and internet humor. Ideal for children aged 6 to 12 and their families, though all ages (and audience members) are welcome!

Join us in the Tropicana with Sirena Irwin and Bill Mendieta, stars of the original production and national tour I Love Lucy Live Onstage for brunch. After a big fight, "Lucy and Ricky" are lured to a solitary meeting by the "Mertzes". When they discover a dusty box of props, laughter and memories lead them back to love, forgiveness, and each other in this charming and heartfelt event.

We all know and love Lucy, but you may not realize just how deeply I Love Lucy shaped the shows you still watch today. From the multi-camera format and live studio audience to the chemistry between its stars, this groundbreaking sitcom changed television forever. Join a museum educator for a look at the lasting influence and legacy of one of TV’s most iconic comedies.

Celebrate I Love Lucy’s 75th year with an exclusive view of rare production documents and behind-the-scenes photographs pulled from the archives. Engage with members of the archives team and materials highlighting the work of both cast and crew, including Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, offering insight into the creative forces, production innovations, and collaboration that shaped this enduring sitcom.