Learning on Vacation

Join renowned musician Kenny G for a freewheeling, intimate conversation with longtime Chautauquan Phil Lerman -- co-author of Kenny’s recent autobiography Life in the Key of G. How did a kid who once got hassled for his lunch money become the world’s most successful instrumental musician? Does he really still practice three hours every day? And what was the fast one he pulled on the Johnny Carson show that launched -- but almost…

August 6th 2:45PM - 3:30 Black Bears Black bears are a staple mammal to Western New York. During this program, participants learn about the black bear’s habitat, eating habits, hibernation patterns, and how humans’ actions can affect them. Meet in the Gifford room on the bottom level of bathhouse. August 13th 2:45PM - 3:30 Edible Plants Learn plant identification: Learning to safely identify edible plants and Ethical Harvesting:…

“CBS News Sunday Morning” correspondent and best-selling author Conor Knighton returns to Chautauqua to close out the 2026 Chautauqua Lecture Series and our week on “The Importance of Gathering: A Collaboration with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival” with stories of the unconventional conventions, fascinating festivals, and passionate subcultures and communities he’s encountered around the country. From the…

August 27th 10-10:30 am Watercolors -End of summer means changing landscapes. Learn more about water coloring and create some beautiful art. 10:45-11:15 am- History Walk - Learn more about the great area of Lake Erie on this informative walk and talk. 12:30-1:30 pm America's Animals - Learn more of the creatures of the land, lake and sky that make up and contribute to the beauty of America. August 29th 10-10:30am BEACH GLASS WALK Join us to…

Learn the stories about veterans buried in Lake View Cemetery. Six veterans will be highlighted whose stories need to be heard. Participants will meet outside the Lake View Cemetery office on the corner of Buffalo Street and Lakeview Avenue at 10:00 a.m. The Fenton History Center conducts historic walking tours from June to August. The cost is $8 for members and $12 for non-members. Participants can pre-register online, at the Fenton, or by phone…

Join us at 10:30 am on Saturday and Sunday mornings for a small-group guided tour behind the scenes of the Johnson Estate Gardens and Vineyards. This 45-minute walk leads you through our historic estate as you explore the grape varieties we grow and discover how the Lake Erie Region’s climate and unique geology help us craft so many award-winning wines. After your tour, you’ll be welcomed to FLIGHT, our outdoor tasting venue, for…

Join us at 10:30 am on Saturday and Sunday mornings for a small-group guided tour behind the scenes of the Johnson Estate Gardens and Vineyards. This 45-minute walk leads you through our historic estate as you explore the grape varieties we grow and discover how the Lake Erie Region’s climate and unique geology help us craft so many award-winning wines. After your tour, you’ll be welcomed to FLIGHT, our outdoor tasting venue, for…

September 3rd 10-11 am Marvelous Mammals - What characteristics make a mammal a mammal? Which ones live here? Learn about some of the interesting furry creatures that call here home. 12:30-1:30pm Raffia Basket weave and create your own basket September 5th 10-10:30 Nature Scavenger Hunt: Use your senses to find all the items on our hunt! 10:45–11:15 Friendship Bracelets: Create your own beaded friendship bracelet 12:30-1:30 Nature Trivia:…

September 3rd 10-11 am Marvelous Mammals - What characteristics make a mammal a mammal? Which ones live here? Learn about some of the interesting furry creatures that call here home. 12:30-1:30pm Raffia Basket weave and create your own basket September 5th 10-10:30 Nature Scavenger Hunt: Use your senses to find all the items on our hunt! 10:45–11:15 Friendship Bracelets: Create your own beaded friendship bracelet 12:30-1:30 Nature Trivia:…