Old First Night at Chautauqua Institution

Annual Celebration of Old First Night: The original first night of the Summer Assembly

Chautauqua’s beloved Old First Night traditions will be accompanied by:
• Squonk: A special participatory performance on Bestor Plaza by puppeteers and band Squonk, bringing all generations of Chautauquans to their feet.
• Giant Birthday Cake: Served to patrons from the porch of the Athenaeum Hotel.
• Drone Fireworks Display: Chautauqua Lake’s first drone fireworks display — a 350-drone animated spectacle in the sky. Drone display presenters will offer an educational session for all who are interested in learning how drone displays are created and staged. A drone display was selected over traditional fireworks to align with the Institution’s commitment to Chautauqua Lake conservation and environmental sustainability.