There is so much to do in Chautauqua County, New York this summer! The staff at the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau has assembled a list* of FREE and low-cost activities to experience in the coming months. While you could easily spend more at some of the suggested attractions, everything on this list costs $15 or less per person!
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We hope you enjoy this list! Be sure to reference our digital 2019 Travel Guide and maps for help planning your adventure. Feel free to share additional suggestions in the comments below. (*This is not a ranked list and the featured items are in no particular order however we did try to keep events and festivals in chronological order.)
1. Appreciate the talents of local artisans
The abundant natural beauty of Chautauqua County's verdant countryside, calming waterways and colorful wildlife plus charming architecture has inspired many local artists. A collective called the North Shore Arts Alliance serves as a directory to nearly two dozen local art studios and galleries. Additionally, visit Chautauqua Institution on a Sunday for free admission to the Strohl and Fowler-Kellogg Arts Centers, plus the Melvin Johnson Sculpture Garden. Keep an eye out for annual events like a Stir of Artists (July 6 & 7, Aug. 10 & 11) in Bemus Point Lakeside Park and the Crafts Alliance's two juried fine art shows that happen on the grounds at Chautauqua Institution.
Admission: FREE (*Chautauqua Institution opportunities are free on Sundays only, otherwise a gate pass is required.)
2. Taste Local Grape Products
The Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt was designated a New York State Heritage area in 2006, but the growing industry took roots in the 1870s. The Grape Discovery Center is a place to promote the grape industry through sharing stories and educating guests about all things grape! Taste the flavor of the region by sampling local Lake Erie Wine Country wine and grape juice. Visit the museum store for grape-inspired art, artisanal food products, and local wine sold by the bottle.
Admission: FREE
3. Learn about Chautauqua County’s Boating Heritage
Prepare to be amazed as you browse the museum’s collection of antique boats and related artifacts. Glimpse real-time restoration projects through the workshop windows or cozy up in the reading nook, it’s in the hull of a boat!
Admission: $5.00 for adults, children under 18 and active military families are FREE.
4. Attend the Annual Strawberry Festival
Merritt Estate Winery is kicking off the summer on June 8 & 9 with their 39th Annual Strawberry Festival. This event features everything strawberry... from wine to shortcake and chocolate covered strawberries! Highlights include Merritt's famous Sangria Wine Slush, great food, a classic car show, live music and craft vendors.
Admission: FREE
5. Hunt for beach glass at Lake Erie beaches
The rocky beaches at Barcelona Harbor* and Point Gratiot are a popular spot to gather this Lake Erie treasure. Search for a variety of colors; it’s our understanding that cobalt glass is the rarest of them all. (*Please be advised that Barcelona Harbor is not a designated swimming beach as there is no lifeguard on duty.)
Cost: FREE
6. Dance, Eat and Drink at the Yassou Greek Festival
The Yassou Greek Festival is Father’s Day tradition in Jamestown! Drinks and food are for sale but the entertainment is free. Be prepared to park a few blocks away from the festival and walk.
Admission: $2.00 adults, children 12 and under free. Free parking.
7. Explore an ancient forest with 60-foot-tall rocks
Panama Rocks are reputed to be one of the most extensive formations of glacier-cut, ocean-quartz conglomerate in the world! Formed more than 165 million years ago by major geologic activity and further shaped around 10,000 years ago by glaciers during the most recent Ice Age, Panama Rocks Scenic Park is truly a sight to behold!
Admission (cash): $8 for adults, $5.50 for kids under 12, and FREE for children under 5
8. Outdoor Shakespeare Performances
There will be three outdoor Shakespeare Productions happening throughout the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region. The Chautauqua Theater Company will be performing Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream on eight separate dates throughout the summer at venues including; Chautauqua institution's Bestor Plaza, Mayville Lakeside Park, Southern Tier Brewing Company, and Jamestown's Allen Park.
Admission: FREE *Chautauqua Institution Gate Pass may be required for the Bestor Plaza performances.
For two weeks during the month of July, enjoy Shakespeare on the Lake at the Dunkirk Lighthouse. Hamlet will be performed July 23-27 and Two Gentleman 'Fredonia' will be performed July 30-August 3 by The Playground Academy and Venture Productions.
Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for students, and $5 for kids 12 and under.
9. FREE Fishing Weekend
The perfect time to try fishing is June 29-30, during New York’s FREE Fishing Weekend. US and Canadian anglers may fish fresh or marine waters of New York State sans fishing license or recreational marine fishing registry. All freshwater and saltwater fishing regulations still apply.
Cost: No Fishing License Required (FREE)
10. Visit Chautauqua Institution on Sunday’s, no gate pass required!
Every Sunday during Chautauqua Institution's nine-week season (June 22 - August 25), visitors can obtain a free gate pass to access the grounds from 7am-10pm. The gate pass gives you access to most events on the grounds including lectures, religious services, popular entertainment and Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra performances in the Amphitheater. The gate pass also includes access to art galleries, beaches, parks, and complimentary shuttle and tram service on the grounds. Parking on Sunday’s is free from 7am-2pm only, after that, visitors are expected to purchase a parking pass. Don't forget, Chautauqua Institution is ALWAYS free for children 12 and under.
Admission: FREE on Sundays, FREE Sunday Parking Until 2pm
11. Take a selfie with Marmaduke and his comic strip creator, Brad Anderson
Brad Anderson was born on May 14, 1924, in Jamestown, NY with a pen in his hand, or so the legend goes. His hometown of Portland, NY has recently commemorated Anderson and his lovable Great Dane Marmaduke with a statue in the town center.
Cost: FREE
12. Go on a Moonlight or Evening Paddle
Evergreen Outfitters will host a Chautauqua Lake Moonlight Paddle each month this summer close to the full moon in addition to evening paddles on Cassadaga Lakes, Lake Erie, and Chautauqua Lake
Cost: FREE with your own equipment, or you can rent a kayak from Evergreen Outfitters for $25.
13. Free Movies at "Sunset Cinema"
Each Monday evening from June 24 - August 12, Sunset Bay Beach Club will be screening FREE, family-friendly movies on the patio. Bring your own lawn chair. The new snack bar Beach Bites will be open and pop and adult beverages will be available for purchase. The movies begin at 8:30pm. (If the weather is inclement the show will be moved indoors.)
Admission: FREE
14. Explore Lily Dale Assembly, the world's largest center for the religion of Spiritualism
Lily Dale Assembly hosts daily services and seminars demonstrating clairvoyance and healing, special workshops, and lectures on mediumistic phenomena. Participation in many of the workshops, lectures and meetings with registered mediums require and additional fee. A gate pass will gain you access to the daily Message Services at Inspiration Stump or the Healing Temple. You can also walk through the Fairy Trail, The Lily Dale Labyrinth, The Fox Cottage Meditation Garden, Leolyn Woods Nature Trail and more. Lily Dale Assembly is one of only two New York State Communities designated as a "National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat," there are many beautiful and interesting places to explore.
Admission: $15 gate fee is required from June 21-September 1. Children 17 and under are free with the admission of a paying adult.
15. Visit Liberty, a non-releasable bald eagle
Liberty lives out her days at the Audubon Community Nature Center due to a wing injury. She came to the Audubon Center in June of 2002 after spending a year in rehabilitation. While she can fly short distances inside her cage, she is unable to fly well enough to hunt.
Admission: Trail access for hiking (and viewing Liberty) is FREE. Access to the Nature Center Building is a $6 donation.
16. Attend one of many 4th of July celebrations happening throughout Chautauqua County
Visit CHQcalendar.com for details. Major 4th of July celebrations happen each year in the communities of Bemus Point, Cassadaga, Cherry Creek, Dunkirk, Findley Lake, Lakewood, Mayville, and Silver Creek. Peek'n Peak Resort and Midway State Park also have festivities planned.
Fireworks Shows: FREE
17. Watch a professional golf event, The LECOM Health Challenge – a Web.com PGA TOUR tournament
Known as “The Path to the PGA TOUR,” players will compete for 50 PGA TOUR Cards and a cash prize. The LECOM Health Challenge takes place July 1-7* at Peek’n Peak Resort's challenging Upper Course. (*July 1 & 2 are Junior and Adult Pro-Am days, Course closed to the public for practice rounds on July 3, first three rounds July 4-6, final round July 7.)
Tickets: General Admission Tickets are FREE
18. Bring the Kids to Wright Park Beach's Splash Pad
Wright Park in Dunkirk is a lakefront park in the City of Dunkirk with a splash pad, lifeguarded beaches (Lake Erie), pickleball, basketball and street hockey courts, a playground, picnicking facilities and more!
Cost: FREE
19. View the heavens up close
The Martz Observatory in Frewsburg, NY holds a donation-based Public Open House every-other Wednesday evening from 7:30pm-9:30pm.
Cost: Donate what you can
20. Picnic at the Water Wheel Overlook in Findley Lake
The gazebo at the Marion Labar Walford Water Wheel Overlook is a great place to enjoy a summer day in Chautauqua County! You can see Findley Lake from the gazebo and there are plenty of local shops to explore on Main Street.
Cost: FREE
21. Go Antiquing at the Westfield Antique Show
The Annual Westfield Antique Show, July 20-21, features antique furniture, dining sets, glassware, silver, jewelry and much more. Over 23 different dealers will be in attendance from both the Western New York Region as well as from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut and Indiana.
Admission: $7
22. Get a free Worship Pass at Chautauqua Institution to attend a service
Called a “Purpose Passes,” this special type of admission is valid from 8:30am to 11am and grants visitors access to the morning interfaith services held on the Chautauqua Institution grounds. This pass does not include parking or access to any other activities on the grounds. Sundays are always free at Chautauqua Institution.
Ticket: FREE
23. Go to the movies for $7 or less Jamestown’s Reg Lenna Theater and the 1891 Fredonia Opera House screen recent box office favorites for $7 and less. The snacks are also very reasonably priced; we all know that’s the most expensive part of a trip to the movies, especially when the whole family is in attendance. Visit each of their sites for information.
Cost: Varies
24. Third Thursdays and First Fridays
During the summer months, Jamestown, NY offers Third Thursday entertainment at locations in the downtown corridor and Westfield offers First Friday entertainment. All events are family friendly.
Admission: FREE
25. Live Music on Summer Thursdays at Mayville Lakeside Park and the Dunkirk Pier
Mayville is the capital of Chautauqua County. Before heading to Mayville Lakeside Park, take a moment to appreciate the Victorian architecture along Erie Street. The Entertainment in the Park Summer Concert Series will take place every Thursday evening during July and August. All performances are in the gazebo from 6:30-8:30pm.
The festivities begin at 5:25pm every Thursday in Dunkirk. Head to the Dunkirk Pier for live music from local and regional favorites. The nearby Dunkirk Boardwalk offers many casual dining options that will please the whole family. *Do to anticipated construction during the 2019 season, the event may take place in the park adjacent to Dunkirk Pier. For timely updates, please check with Dunkirk Festivals & Events' Facebook.
Admission: FREE
26. Tour Southern Tier Brewing Company
Southern Tier Brewing Company is one of the largest craft brewing companies in the United States! You can find their beers all over the globe and visit some of their other locations in cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Charlotte, but they got their start right here in Lakewood, NY. Tours are offered throughout the afternoon on Saturdays on a first come, first serve basis. Afterward, hang out in the Brewhouse Tasting Room overlooking their primary production vessels, The Empty Pint Taproom or their expansive outdoor beer garden and Stones Throwing Course, Brewer's Hollow, which is team game invented by local stonemasons that is akin to bocce and frisbee golf.
Cost: $15 for a brew tour ticket
27. Reserve a morning for browsing Farmers Markets
Chautauqua County is home to over 1,500 farms that produce high quality, safe and nutritious food for us all to enjoy! Many towns offer weekly farmers and artisan markets to connect these growers with the general public. You'll find fresh local produce and everything else needed to create the perfect farm-to-table feast, including fresh flowers and even local pottery products.
Admission: FREE
28. Spend the day at the beach
Spend the day at Sunset Bay USA, voted WNY’s “Best Beach.” 5 acres of clean sand that is groomed daily and views of the endless Lake Erie horizon, the 11th largest lake in the world, will trick your mind into thinking you’re at the ocean. Restaurants, a patio bar, a nightclub, and arcade will keep you entertained from 10am to sundown.
Cost: $3 per person
29. Experience all things Lucille Ball in her hometown, Jamestown, New York!
Grab a Hometown Guide brochure from the Lucy-Desi Museum's gift shop and embark on your own Lucille Ball hometown tour. The map highlights five breath-taking murals painted by local artist, Gary Peters, including the world's largest I Love Lucy mural. You can pay your respects at the Hunt family plot where Lucille's ashes resh with her parents and other Hunt family members. You can even drive by her two childhood homes, the first at 69 Stewart Ave. in Jamestown was the home in which she was born. The second, 9 Lucy Lane in Celoron, was where she grew up. Both residences are privately owned and are not open for guests/tours. Certainly, do not forget about the two statues in Lucille Ball Memorial Park done in the comedienne's likeness. If your budget allows, we strongly recommend a tour of the Lucy-Desi Museum, which is a ticketed attraction.
COST: FREE
30. Watch the sunset over Bemus Bay in a coveted Hotel Lenhart rocking chair. Drink optional.
The rainbow-colored rocking chairs on the Hotel Lenhart’s porch are prime real estate. Grab a seat and maybe a drink from The Lamplighter Room, the hotel’s lounge. Their signature cocktail is appropriately named The Rocker. Its exact contents are a mystery but most will agree it is delicious and unique. If the rockers fill up, there are additional Adirondack chairs scattered on the front lawn offering equally impressive views of the setting sun over Bemus Bay.
Cost: FREE
31. Attend the Chautauqua County Fair
The 137th Annual Chautauqua County Fair is July 15-21st this year. Tickets give you access to midway rides, family theater shows and grandstand events excluding Demolition Derby Reserved Seating.
Admission: Tickets at the gate are $12/each but you can buy them online in advance for considerable savings. Parking: $5/vehicle
32. Bring the family to Findley Lake for Kids Day
Our Own Candle Company in Findley Lake is hosting a Kids' FREE Fun Day for children on July 20th! There will be bounce houses, a slip’n slide, activities and crafts! Kid favorite foods like hot dogs, sno cones and cotton candy and beverages are available. Plus, special visitors from the Erie Zoo and Erie Children’s museum! Did we mention everything is FREE?
Cost: FREE
33. Go off road during the Thursday Night Mountain Bike Social Ride
Meet at Loud Performance Products in Bemus Point every Thursday evening for a social mountain bike ride through Long Point State Park on Chautauqua. Because you’ll be biking into the park via the trails, there is no access fee. Bikes and gear are available to rent from Loud Performance for a reasonable fee or bring your own at no cost.
COST: FREE to bike into Long Point State Park with your own bike. Pay to rent a bike from Loud if you left yours back home.
34. Tour the Dunkirk Lighthouse overlooking Lake Erie
Tours of the Dunkirk Lighthouse and the Veterans Park Museum include a climb to the top of the spiral stairs to the upper observation level, a walk through the restored 1800 lighthouse keepers home, the museum which features many nautical and US Veteran displays, and a tour of the grounds!
Admission: General tickets for adults are $10 and $3 for children under 10. Family rates including tours for two adults and up to three children are only $25.
35. Attend a Nature Festival that doubles as a juried art show and local food cook-off The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History (RTPI) and Panama Rocks Scenic Park will co-host the second annual Wild America Nature Festival at Panama Rocks on July 27th & 28th. The festival will feature a juried-entry fine nature art and craft show and competition; a local food cook-off competition; and classes, workshops, music, and talks by well-known speakers and artists! The 2019 keynote speaker is internationally renowned naturalist and photographer, Clay Bolt, and the festival is excited to welcome back Jeff Musial and Wild Spirit Education!
Admission: $10 adults, $6 youth, FREE under 5 years
36. Visit a Lake Erie Wine Country Winery
There are 23 wineries along Lake Erie Wine Country’s trail. Open year-round, many offer special events and entertainment like tours, free music Sunday’s, etc. Samples of wine at most wineries begin at just a couple of dollars for several. As long as you have a designated driver, a scenic tour of our wine country with a few “sip stops” along the way is a wonderful way to spend the day.
Cost: Varies
37. Celebrate the comedic arts in the streets of Jamestown during the Lucy Comedy Fest Block Party
Every August the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival draws big-name comedians to perform in Jamestown, NY, Lucy’s hometown. Even if you don’t have tickets to see this year’s headliners including John Mulaney and Sebastian Maniscalco (on sale here), you can still get in on the excitement during the FREE National Comedy Center Block Parties happening August 8, 9 and 10. The section of street in front of the National Comedy Center is shut down to motor vehicles and taken over by pedestrians dancing to live music and partaking in revelry.
Admission: FREE
38. Laugh with the family at a special FREE kid-friendly comedy show during Lucy Comedy Fest: "Oh, Behave! With the Mannerhausens.
39. Take a Scenic Drive or Bike Ride
Other than the cost of gas, it costs nothing to use our Interactive Map to discover Breathtaking Scenic Overlooks throughout the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region. You could even ditch the car and cycle to many of the locations! For more inspiration, check out our blog post, 25 Most Instagrammable Spots in Chautauqua County. Be sure to tag us in your #TourChautauqua photos on Instagram.
Cost: FREE
40. Cool off at Northwest Arena with Ice Bumper Cars & Public Skating
What are Ice Bumper cars? They are the newest attraction at Northwest Arena in Jamestown! Hop into one of the electric engine powered bumper cars and glide over the ice avoiding or seeking contact with your fellow ice bumper car companions. Ride them during designated hours, check the schedule before you visit here.
Cost: $6 Bumper Cars | $12 Bumper Cars & Public Skate | $14 Bumper Cars & Public Skate with Rentals
41. Visit the Sugar Shack to sample locally made fruit syrups on ice cream
These delicious syrups are made from fruit grown and harvested on the Vinewood Acres Sugar Shack property. The fruit is all picked by hand before being transformed into delicious syrups like Elderberry, Concord Grape, Wild Mint with Pear, Strawberry Rhubarb and Currant Raspberry. In all, the Sugar Shack produces 21 flavors!
Cost: FREE Samples with bottles retailing around $9
42. Events for Outdoor Adventurers at Long Point State Park on Chautauqua Lake
From May through early August there are many free events like Art in Nature, Pollinators in the Park, Nature Scavenger Hunt, Leaf Printing, Sensory Night Hikes at much more at Long Point State Park on Chautauqua Lake. While the events are free and often include free entrance to the park if you tell the attendant why you are visiting. Regular entrance fee $6.00 to enter Long Point State Park with a vehicle, $7.00 if the beach is open. Collections times, dates and event information can be found here. You may use the Empire Pass at Long Point State Park on Chautauqua Lake.
Cost: FREE
43. Tour Amish Country
Pick up a map and head out for a drive in the more rural parts of Chautauqua County. There is a detailed map of Amish communities in Chautauqua County in the Visitors Guide, which can be found at most area establishments and attractions. You can also find digital maps here. You’ll notice that many members of the Amish community will have goods for sale. Look for the signs and bring cash if you plan to shop.
Cost: FREE
44. Have ice cream for dinner
There are so many delicious ice cream shops to choose from! Some have soft serve, some hard. Some make their own homemade varieties, others serve brand favorites. Ask around for the best place to get ice cream and you’ll get 20 different answers! Either way, ice cream for dinner one night this summer won’t hurt you.
Cost: Varies
45. Embark on a historic walking tour of Jamestown, Chautauqua County’s largest city
The Fenton History Center offers multiple guided walking tours through Jamestown’s various neighborhoods, churches, and cemeteries.
Cost: $15 for adults, children are free.
46. Visit the statue dedicated to a Westfield, NY girl who inspired President Lincoln to grow a beard
The Lincoln-Bedell Statue showcases unique, bronze statues of Abraham Lincoln and Grace Bedell, Westfield resident. In 1860 when Bedell was a young girl, she wrote to Mr. Abraham Lincoln, Presidential Candidate, encouraging him to “grow whiskers and her brothers would vote for him and he would look nicer.”
47. Bring the family to the longest running rodeo in the east, the Gerry Rodeo!
July 31 - August 3, 2019 will mark the 75th year of the Gerry Rodeo, the longest running rodeo east of the Mississippi! 200 cowboys and cowgirls will make their way to the hamlet of Gerry, NY to compete in this professionally sanctioned rodeo.
Admission: Adults are $13, children under 12 are $7. Proceeds benefit the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department.
48. Watch Million Dollar Speedboats compete along Dunkirk's Lake Erie shoreline
Professional Speed Boat Racers will invade the Lake Erie shoreline in Dunkirk, NY August 16-19, 2019 during the 2nd Annual Dunkirk Great Lakes Offshore Grand Prix. This internationally televised sporting event features $1.5-$2 million dollar boats and will be broadcast in 103 countries.
Cost: FREE
49. Experience Celtic heritage
The 14th Annual Jamestown Regional Celtic Festival and “Gathering of the Clans” will take place August 23rd and 24th at Mayville Lakeside Park. The festival is an opportunity for bands, both pipe and Celtic, from two countries and three states to perform, exchange music and ideas, and educate the public on Scottish and Irish culture!
Tickets: $10, kids under 13 are FREE
50. Visit a Local Museum or Historical Society
With few exceptions, most of the area museums and historical societies offer admission for less than our $15 "low-cost" threshold.
Cost: Varies
For more information about events and attractions in Chautauqua County, call 1-866-908-4569 to request a free travel packet or visit TourChautauqua.com.