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Sunset Kayakers on Chautauqua Lake - Photo by Randall Burt
The Peak of Summer in Chautauqua County
One of the most amazing things about Chautauqua County is the range of weather it experiences. From 200-plus inches of annual snowfall, to temperatures in the mid-80°s accompanied by humidity, and every single wonderful day in between, "here" is a great place to be. Chautauqua County is truly a year-round destination but that doesn't stop us from squeezing out every last drop of summer fun we can manage. As we reach summer's peak and begin inching toward harvest season, there is no shortage of things to do, places to see, and adventures to plan. Keep reading for our tips on making the most of these last dog days of Summer 2017 in Chautauqua County.
 
The Wild America Nature Festival
July 29-30, 2017 
During  The Wild America Nature Festival at  Panama Rocks Scenic Park in Panama, NY you can see and shop for nature art made by over 40 talented artists; expand your mind with nationally renowned speakers; taste delicious locally-sourced food in the festival's local food cook-off; meet live animals including hawks and owls; listen to live music; and enjoy activities that are fun for all ages.

Shop discounted tickets for only $10.30 now through July 23rd (or until the limited supply is depleted.)

 
Lucille Ball Comedy Festival
August 3-5, 2017
With Lectures and Events Taking Place at Chautauqua Institution during Week Six: Comedy and the Human Condition, in Partnership  with the National Comedy Center July 29-August 5, 2017

The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival is an annual festival that takes place in Jamestown, NY. Lucille Ball's vision was an annual festival of comedy that would support rising comedians in her hometown.

Lucille Ball worked with the Arts Council in Jamestown to develop a comedy festival and comedy film festival in her hometown in the late 1980s. Ball was to visit and attend the first-ever Lucille Ball  Festival of New Comedy, as well as accept an honorary degree at Jamestown Community College commencement in the spring of 1989. Unfortunately, Lucille Ball passed away in April 1989 before attending the festival that would attract thousands of Lucy fans and contemporary comedy lovers alike.

Since the festival started in 1991, The Lucille Ball Comedy Festivals has featured performances by Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Lewis Black, Ray Romano, Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Poundstone, Joan Rivers, Bob Newhart, George Wallace, Billy Gardell, and many more.


2017 headliners include Jim Gaffigan, Kevin James, Lisa Lampanelli. Additional events include lectures at the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater by Lewis Black, David Steinbeg, Jim and Jeannie Gaffigan, W. Kamau Bell with Kelly Carlin, and more! Take a guided tour of Lucille Ball's hometown or a Lucy themed art class with Gary Peters, creator of the famed Lucille Ball murals found around Jamestown. Stomp grapes, wrap chocolates, dance in the streets during a block party. Bring the family to one of two free kid-friendly productions, Story Pirates and the Nells Ross Kids Comedy Shows.

To see more of the 70+ events taking place during the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, Click Here

To learn more about Week Six at Chautauqua Institution, Click Here.
 
Jamestown, NY Loves Lucille Ball!
Jamestown, New York LOVES Lucy! Lucille Ball was born on August 6, 1911 in Jamestown, NY. Her childhood home, 59 Lucy Lane, still stands in Celoron, NY. The Greater Jamestown area pays homage to Lucille Ball's legacy with the installment of large, public murals by local artist, Gary Peters, two bronze statues in Lucille Ball Memorial Park, and an the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, which coincides with her birthday.  

The Lucy-Desi Museum and Center for Comedy draws visitors from around the globe each year. Guests can view furniture from the I Love Lucy sets, Ball's glamorous wardrobe, her multiple awards and personal items related to her life as a mother and wife.

Soon, Jamestown will be home to the National Comedy Center, the first national cultural center to exclusively celebrate the comedic arts. Additionally, the National Comedy Center will also be to the world's first Hologram Comedy Club! Here, classic routines of some of the world's comedic legends will be forever preserved so that audiences can have a lifelike experience with these acts that no archival film clip can give. 


 
Hiking in Chautauqua County
Breathtaking Overlooks, a Fairy Trail, Wooded Forests a Wildlife...
Chautauqua County is home to an expansive and diverse network of multi-use trails and scenic parks. Perfect for hiking, geocaching and mountain biking during the warmer months and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter, these trails pass through wooded forests, wetlands, wildflower fields and creek beds. Many areas provide prime locations to view wildlife and migratory birds in their natural habitat. Before you hit the trail, be sure to check out our  interactive hiking map . Share photos of your Chautauqua County hiking experience on social media and you just may see them on our map! 

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Upcoming Events
Chautauqua County Fair
Chautauqua County Fair
July 24-30, 2017
 It happens once a year! Combining farming, food and fun for 135 years. Grandstand events, agricultural exhibits and a superb midway will keep everyone entertained.


Westfield Art's & Crafts Festival
July 28-30, 2017
With over 150 vendors and artisans, you're most certainly going to find something that catches your eye. Makers and guests come from all over to attend this 2-day festival, a Chautauqua County tradition! Free admission, free parking and a free shuttle bus. This is a rain or shine event.  


Wild America Nature Festival
July 29-30, 2017
Co-hosted by the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History (RTPI)  and  Panama Rocks Scenic Park.  Festival features nationally-renowned speakers; a juried fine nature art and craft show and competition; local food cook-off competition & farmer's market; live music; workshops, and more!
Gerry Rodeo
Gerry Rodeo
August 2-5, 2017
The oldest consecutively running rodeo east of the Mississippi! PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association) events including bareback bronc, saddle bronc, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing. Rain or Shine! Western Beef BBQ every night 5pm-8pm. 


America's Grape Country Wine Fest
August 11-13, 2017
The two and half day festival showcases the best of NY Wines, Agricultural producers, breweries, and distilleries from across the state. The festival is about everything local and features the area's finest craft artisans and lifestyle companies. Learn about the various companies and products in a fun and entertaining environment with live local music, wine and cooking demonstrations and a classic car show. 
Chautauqua Institution Food Festival
August 20-25, 2017
 A week-long food, craft beverage and entertainment festival in  Chautauqua Institution's  Bestor Plaza. Featuring renowned speakers from the culinary world and a daily roster of food- and drink-themed events from cooking demonstrations and competitions to interactive experiences and tastings prepared by the best regional restaurants, farms, wineries and breweries. 
Request a Guide
Plan your vacation with the help of the 2017 "I Love NY" Chautauqua County Visitors Guide.
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Download an APP
The Visit Chautauqua County APP is available through iTunes or 
Google Play.
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Chautauqua Golf Club
Special Offers
Find vacation packages and special offers for  winter getaways.
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