Looking Ahead While Celebrating a Remarkable Season
As the 2026 Summer Season comes to a close, Chautauqua is already looking ahead. This edition of the Chautauqua Community Newsletter begins with a message from Kyle Keogh and Laurie Branch about responsible stewardship and planning for 2027. You’ll also find updates on Amphitheater sound improvements, a landmark season for the arts and new leadership in Literary Arts. You will also find information about end-of-season dining, post-season gates and vehicle registration, dock removal and access and parking for the Sept. 10 Indigo Girls concert.
Planning for Chautauqua’s Future Through Responsible Stewardship
A message from Kyle Keogh and Laurie Branch
Dear Chautauquans,
Chautauqua Institution’s Board of Trustees and leadership team have begun the process of preparing the 2027 budget for review and finalization in November. These discussions naturally involve careful consideration of resources and, at times, difficult questions. We wanted to share some initial thoughts based on the budget review conducted thus far.
As always, our goal is to manage expenses responsibly while continuing to invest in the people, places and experiences that make Chautauqua unique. For us, responsible stewardship means balancing our commitment to our mission and the programs that define this Institution with our responsibility to ensure the Institution remains strong and sustainable for future generations.
Today, Chautauqua continues to face rising operating costs, including insurance, health care, and wages. Based on our current planning assumptions, which factor in a modest year-over-year price increase and a $4.3 million investment in key facilities and infrastructure, we expect to have an approximate $1.5 million gap in funding for 2027.
We believe this is a manageable challenge, but one that requires thoughtful planning and action. Importantly, we want to avoid a cycle of short-term fixes and instead build a thoughtful, multi-year path toward greater financial sustainability; this is about more than just balancing a single year’s budget. It will require aligning reliable recurring revenues and expenses, finding efficiencies in how we operate, investing in opportunities that can grow participation and revenue, and making deliberate choices about where Chautauqua can have the greatest impact.
Philanthropy is essential to this work. The generosity of Chautauquans sustains the programs people value, supports our staff and grounds, and helps preserve access without placing the full weight of rising costs on gate passes and tickets. While donor conversations are underway, unrestricted giving is currently tracking to be approximately even with last year. This is one of the most meaningful ways our community can help: by continuing – and where possible, increasing – philanthropic support for Chautauqua’s mission and programs.
Throughout this process, we remain committed to transparency and ongoing conversation with our community. That commitment feels especially meaningful as we look toward the 2027 season, which will include a week exploring trust. Trust is built through transparency, listening and honest communication. We will continue to keep you informed as plans develop and the budgeting process moves forward.
We have great confidence in Chautauqua’s mission, in the strength and generosity of this community, and in the Institution’s future. By approaching this work with care, discipline and a shared commitment to our purpose, we can continue to ensure Chautauqua remains vibrant for generations to come.
Kyle F. Keogh
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Laurie Branch
Chair, Board of Trustees
Post-Season Information
As summer transitions to fall, several operational changes will take effect across the Institution. Below you'll find important information about dining hours, gate operations, vehicle registration, parking, dock removal and preparations for the Indigo Girls concert on Sept. 10. Please review these updates as you plan your time on the grounds in the weeks ahead.
Dining Hours and Updates
Heirloom Restaurant
Heirloom Restaurant will operate on its normal schedule through brunch on Sunday, Aug. 30. Last day open to the public: Aug. 30. Heirloom Restaurant will continue serving scheduled groups.
3 Taps and A Truck
Last day open: Sept. 6.
Afterwords Wine Bar
Last day open: Aug. 29.
Order Ahead at 3 Taps and Afterwords Wine Bar
Order ahead from during Week Nine for lunch or dinner. Select the button below to view menus, choose a pickup time and place your order.
As the Summer Season concludes, Chautauqua Institution will move to its post-season operating schedule. Please review upcoming gate-hour changes and access information before visiting the grounds this fall.
From Aug. 30 through Sept. 30, gates will operate on the following schedule:
Main Auto Gate: Open 24/7; staffed 8 p.m.–6 a.m.
Main Walkthrough Gate: Open 24/7
Turner Gate: 6 a.m.–8 p.m.
Market Gate: 6 a.m.–8 p.m.
South Gate: 6 a.m.–8 p.m.
Elm Gate: 6 a.m.–8 p.m.
Bryant Gate: 6 a.m.–8 p.m.
Off-Season Gate Hours Beginning Oct. 1
Main Auto Gate: Open 24/7; staffed 6 p.m.–6 a.m.
Main Walkthrough Gate: Open 24/7
Turner Gate: 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
Market Gate: 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
South Gate: 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
Elm Gate: 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
Bryant Gate: 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
Gate hours are subject to change based on operational needs and events.
Elm Gate Fob Access
During the off-season, the Elm Gate fob access system will remain operational. Authorized individuals with an active fob may continue to use the Elm Gate outside posted gate hours.
Residents remaining on Institution grounds during the off-season are eligible for a winter vehicle-registration sticker. Stickers are available from the Safety & Security Office, 7 Massey Ave., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please bring your vehicle's year, make, model, color and license plate number.
The winter vehicle-registration sticker helps Safety & Security identify vehicles authorized for off-season access.
Off-Season Parking Reminder
All parking regulations remain in effect during the off-season. Please park only in designated areas, follow posted signs and observe the 12 mph speed limit.
Seasonal Dock Removal Begins Sept. 18
Chautauqua Institution will begin removing public docks Sept. 18. Central Dock will remain in place until removal begins Oct. 26.
Private dock owners should prepare docks for winter by stacking dock sections, stanchions and lifts neatly along the shoreline while maintaining a clear walking path along the promenade.
Questions may be directed to Jennifer Majewski at jmajewski@chq.org.
Preparing for Indigo Girls on Sept. 10
Anyone driving onto the grounds after 1 p.m. on Sept. 10 must register their vehicle in advance. Walking access will remain available through the Main Gate.
Vehicle Registration Required
All vehicles must be registered to enter and park on the grounds after 1 p.m. Winter vehicle-registration stickers will be accepted for access to the grounds. Nonresident guests must register their vehicles before arrival.
The Main and South gates will remain open. The Elm Gate will remain accessible to authorized gate-fob holders.
Amphitheater Entrances and ADA Access
Gates 1 and 6 will be closed.
ADA access will be available at Gates 2 and 5, with Gate 5 located near the Athenaeum Hotel.
The area between Gates 1 and 2 will be reserved for United Church of Christ guests.
Food, Beverage and Water Policies
Empty water bottles are permitted, and a water-refill station will be available. Outside food and beverages are not permitted within the Amphitheater perimeter.
What Will Be Open
The following amenities are expected to be open Sept. 10:
• Chautauqua Bookstore
• CHQ Store
• Fitness Center
• Golf and Tennis Centers, weather permitting
• Bestor Welcome Center
• Coffee Gazebo
• Athenaeum Hotel
• 3 Taps
• Double Eagle Patio, weather permitting
Season Updates and Highlights
Landmark Season for Chautauqua's Performing and Visual Arts Programs
By Laura Savia, Vice President of Performing and Visual Arts
From the opening of the Roe Green Theater Center and Greene Family Commons to ambitious performances, exhibitions and new artistic work across the grounds, 2026 marked a milestone for Chautauqua’s performing and visual arts. Laura Savia reflects on the artists, students, staff, donors and audiences who brought the season to life—and looks ahead to performances and partnerships already taking shape for 2027.
Chautauqua Institution continues to refine the new audio system in the Amphitheater to deliver the best possible experience for audiences across the wide variety of programs presented this season and for many more seasons to come.
Sound Associates returned to Chautauqua for a midseason visit to continue refining the system, with a particular focus on spoken-word programming. While the new audio system has delivered a significant improvement for amplified evening performances throughout the summer, lectures and other spoken-word presentations have not yet realized the full benefits of the upgrade.
Over two mornings of on-site work, Sound Associates made substantial adjustments to the system that have already resulted in improved clarity. These enhancements help ensure that speakers can be heard more clearly throughout the Amphitheater while maintaining a comfortable listening experience for patrons.
The Institution appreciates the feedback it has received from patrons and remains committed to continually improving the Amphitheater experience for all audiences.
Stephine Hunt Named Michael I. Rudell Director of Literary Arts
Chautauqua Institution announces the appointment of Stephine Hunt as Michael I. Rudell Director of Literary Arts. Hunt has served in the role on an interim basis since Jan. 1 and officially assumed the permanent position this month.
A familiar and trusted presence within the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, Hunt began her Chautauqua journey in 2017 as a seasonal manager of the CLSC Veranda and Octagon. Over the years, she has guided every CLSC class with dedication and care while taking on increasing leadership responsibilities within Chautauqua's literary arts programming.
For the past three years, Hunt has helped plan and oversee Chautauqua Literary Arts programs, including two years working alongside Kwame Alexander in support of the department’s continued growth and innovation. This summer's Literary Arts offerings, from author conversations to special programs and events, reflect her leadership and vision.
Please join us in congratulating Stephine on this well-deserved appointment and her continued leadership of Chautauqua’s Literary Arts programs
End-of-Season Savings at CHQ Store
Almost everything in the CHQ Store is now 40% off through the end of the season. There are a few exceptions.
Included in the sale is apparel from brands including Lululemon, Johnnie-O, Peter Millar, League, Imperial and Vineyard Vines.
Whether you're looking for a last-minute gift, a Chautauqua keepsake or a favorite brand to take home, it's a great time to stop by the CHQ Store in the Hultquist Center before the season comes to a close.
