Buffalo Day

Buffalo Day 2026 Explore locally and come to Chautauqua Institution on Buffalo Day. Residents of Buffalo have free admission and parking* all day. Our Buffalo Day includes access to all events in the Amphitheater and Hall of Philosophy that day, beaches, and so much more! Please bring proof of residency for entry. Youth 12 and under are always free at Chautauqua! Access to the from 7 a.m. to midnight August 25 9:15 a.m. (Amphitheater) Morning Worship: Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J. 10:45 a.m. (Amphitheater) Morning Lecture: Lara Downes and John McWhorter 1:00 p.m. (Amphitheater) Buffalo Day Special Programming – Chautauqua Institution’s First Ever Naturalization (Citizenship) Ceremony 3:30 p.m. (Hall of Christ) Buffalo Day Special Programming – Spencer Morgan and Bren Price “Presidential Stories Rooted in Western New York” 3:30 p.m. (Norton Hall) Masterclass Series Culinary Masterclass: Chef Darian Bryan Admission to this event requires purchase of a separate ticket, available at tickets.chq.org 5:30 p.m. (Athenaeum Hotel) Guest Chef Dinner: Chef Darian Bryan Admission to this event requires purchase of a separate ticket, available at tickets.chq.org 8:00 p.m. Get Happy with Lara Downes and Kurt Elling Patrons from the Buffalo region zip codes 14201 through 14280 are admitted free to Chautauqua 7 a.m. –11:59 p.m. Order tickets at the Chautauqua Ticket Office. Parking is complimentary for Buffalo Day when tickets are purchased in advance—online, by phone, or in person prior to August 25. On the day of the event, a credit card will be required for parking lot entry. Guests wishing to pay with cash should proceed to the Main Gate before entering the parking lot.