The Chautauqua-Lake Erie region offers unique, picturesque performing arts and entertainment venues for enjoying great bands, symphonies, and family-friendly fun. Catch a concert along Chautauqua Lake or Lake Erie, take in a band and a drink at a brewery or winery, or experience world-class entertainment in an open-air amphitheater within an idyllic summer community. With Chautauqua County’s beautiful natural spaces, you’ll enjoy not just the show but the memorable backdrop.
Summer Classics
Chautauqua Institution – a one-stop vacation destination all its own – boasts a one-of-a-kind, 4,400 seat venue known simply as “the Amphitheater.” The open-air attraction serves as a gathering place for Chautauqua Institution’s signature Morning Lecture Series, nationally touring popular entertainers, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, and family-friendly events including films in concert and flying acrobats. Making it even more family-friendly is that admission to Chautauqua Institution is always free for children 12 and younger. Plus, 2024 is Chautauqua Institution's 150th anniversary season with a lineup more spectacular than ever in honor of the milestone.
The Heron Farm and Events Center in Sherman, New York, features more than 400 acres with pristine views, trails, retreats, educational opportunities, a farm store, camping, and of course – festivals.
For more than 30 years, The Great Blue Heron Music Festival has become a tradition for many as an event to celebrate music, nature, and the spirit of self-expression. The annual event, which takes place the first weekend in July, draws thousands of fans from across the U.S. and features Americana music at this magical campground in the hills of western New York.
Lake Erie Fun
Dunkirk’s City Pier Park provides Music on the Pier and more great events all summer. Enjoy Lake Erie fishing, birdwatching, a boat launch, and picnic facilities. Then, complete your visit with a stop at the Boardwalk Market for a bite to eat and some gifts.
South of Buffalo, NY, on the shores of Lake Erie, you’ll find a pair of waterfront attractions, The Sunset Bay Beach Club and Cabana Sam’s Beach Bar & Grill. Enjoy live entertainment along 5 acres of clean, sandy, life-guarded beach featuring volleyball courts, an arcade, ice cream shop, T-shirt shop, and of course the restaurants and beach bars.
Live Music Along the Craft Beverage Trail
The largest grape producer east of the Rockies, Lake Erie Wine Country runs 50 miles in Chautauqua County and Pennsylvania. With 23 great wineries, the wine trail makes up the oldest, largest global Concord grape-growing region. You’ll enjoy great wines – and great tunes – during the warmer months outdoors along the Lake Erie wine trail. Wineries such as 21 Brix and Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits & Brewery – New York State’s first combined winery/brewery/distillery – host regular live musical entertainment.
Big Inlet Brewing offers live music year-round, including on the outdoor stage during the summer, headlined by the Mayville Bluegrass Festival. Southern Tier Brewing Company and Southern Tier Distilling Company host numerous festivals and events, including live outdoor music which pairs perfectly with a craft beer and pub fare.
Downtown Festivals and Park Concert Series
From bustling farmers markets to block parties, Chautauqua County’s downtowns come to life throughout the summer with unique events and live music – from a full slate of festivals in Fredonia to First Friday street fairs in Westfield.
In Jamestown you’ll find the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, downtown Cruise In, music in the Winter Garden Plaza and the Jamestown Municipal Band’s annual concert series in Allen Park. In fact, picturesque parks countywide host concert series throughout the season. For the most up-to-date events, check our calendar.
