CHAUTAUQUA–Progress often comes in steps rather than all at once.

One encouraging step at Chautauqua Institution is particularly worth applauding.

A few years ago a visitor came to Chautauqua other than by being invited by the institution.

Shortly thereafter, the visitor was critical of the institution in a national forum.

Never mind who the visitor was, what the visitor said, or what the forum was. None of those is important here.

What is not only important but also noteworthy here is that the institution–the institution itself–has invited the visitor to give a morning-amphitheater lecture this summer.

Think about that for a minute. Chautauqua didn’t have to do that. Without even mentioning the criticism, the institution could have blown by the criticism and never even entertained a notion of inviting the visitor, much less inviting the visitor to give a morning lecture on what some at Chautauqua call “the main stage.”

One needn’t go out on a limb to say such an invitation would have happened during no recent Chautauqua season before 2025.

Yet it has happened in 2026.

Applause, applause for Chautauqua Institution.

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You, faithful reader of this column, will recall that this isn’t the only such progress.

In 2025, Chautauqua reached out to an organization that has been critical of the institution, and worked with the organization to invite a speaker to give a morning lecture on the main stage.

Never mind who the speaker was, what the criticism was, or the identity of the organization. None of those is important here.

What is not only important but also noteworthy here is that the collaboration occurred.

Again, one needn’t go out on a limb to say such collaboration would have happened during no recent Chautauqua season before 2025.

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Would further improvement be good? Sure. Yet let’s celebrate the progress while nurturing the improvement.

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What has occurred during multiple seasons before 2025 and since has been the hospitality that Chautauqua Institution has consistently shown toward this column, regardless of whether criticism of Chautauqua appeared here.

This column has always appreciated the institution’s hospitality.

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Regardless of whether it has been a while since you’ve been to Chautauqua, pick an event–or maybe a whole day–this summer and go.

The schedule is full of lectures, performances, worship services, and much more. Have a look at the institution’s schedule and see what sparks your interest.

Apart from what’s on the institution’s schedule, have a look at the Advocates for Balance at Chautauqua schedule at https://www.abcatchq.com. Events are at 3 p.m. on Mondays in the Athenaeum Hotel.

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It’s tempting to recommend particular programs, yet it may be better if you explore the possibilities yourself.

One exception: The 2026 Chautauqua County day is July 17. According to the institution’s website:

�–� Chautauqua County residents enjoy free admission and parking from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., including free access to all amphitheater and Hall of Philosophy events.

�–� Bring proof of residency. Children 12 and under are always free.

Two caveats:

�–� Parking is complimentary for Chautauqua County day participants who secure tickets before July 17, either online, by phone, or in person. If you wait until July 17, you’ll have to pay for parking with a credit card at the parking lot or with cash at the main gate before entering the parking lot.

�–� Attending the Friday evening, July 17, performance requires purchase of a separate ticket.

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Another idea is to head to the institution before the season begins, on June 27, and after it ends on Aug. 30. Beforehand and afterward, no one needs to park across Route 394 from the institution, and you’re welcome to drive through the gates.

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Randy Elf hopes you’ll visit Chautauqua Institution this summer.

COPYRIGHT © 2026 BY RANDY ELF