Join us in Lakeside Chautauqua on Memorial Day weekend for a time of honor and remembrance. We’ll also kick off the summer with exciting events and fun for the whole family!

The holiday weekend includes hotelscottage rentals, shuttles and our signature Chautauqua experience, with a lineup of entertainment, education, worship, swimming at the pool, fitness classes and so much more. Shop and dine in Lakeside’s downtown business district throughout the weekend. View the schedule of events below, as well as details about our Memorial Day weekend hotel package.
Book a Memorial Day Weekend Hotel Package
Lakeside is offering a Memorial Day weekend hotel package for $775 (+tax) at Hotel Lakeside or the Fountain Inn, with check-in on Friday, May 26 and check-out on Monday, May 29. The package includes: 

  • 3-Night stay (Friday-Sunday)
  • 2 Adult Chautauqua Passes (Friday-Sunday)
  • 2 Child/Youth Chautauqua Passes (Friday-Sunday)
  • 3-Day South Gate Parking Lot Pass
  • Breakfast Buffet (Friday & Saturday)

Book a room by calling (419) 798-4461, ext. 230, and ask for the Memorial Day weekend hotel package. Room type exclusions apply. See additional details.
Celebrate 150 Years at Lakeside
Lakeside Chautauqua was founded in 1873 by a group of faithful visionaries, insightful businessmen and dedicated locals. Among the early organizers were Rev. Richard P. Duvall, B.H. Jacobs, A.C. Payne and Samuel R. Gill. Now 150 years later, we celebrate their vision and the rich history of Lakeside Chautauqua with two Founders Day Celebrations. 

The first celebration will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 28 with a brief ceremony at the Steele Memorial Bandstand. Following the ceremony, enjoy a variety of afternoon activities, including live music, horse-drawn carriage rides and square dancing. The second celebration will be held on Sunday, July 2. 
Connect with the Lakeside Chautauqua Team to kick off our Sesquicentennial season. While you enjoy refreshments graciously provided by local merchants, learn about this week’s Chautauqua pillar programs and activities and meet new Lakeside friends. 
During Lakeside’s Founders Day Celebration, stop by the Hotel Lakeside lawn for a cookout provided by Ward Catering featuring all your favorite grilled favorites: hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches and BBQ chicken salad with sides. 
To celebrate Lakeside’s Sesquicentennial, we’ve partnered with WGTE, a Toledo PBS affiliate, to create a documentary about Lakeside’s history, titled “Lakeside Chautauqua: An American Treasure.” The documentary, narrated by Lakesider and CBS News Correspondent Steve Hartman, will premiere in Hoover Auditorium. Before the premiere, Lakeside staff, Board members, community members and WGTE representatives will introduce the film. After the showing, stay for a Q&A with the documentary producers, Nathan Hursh and Caleb Johnson, and a reception in the Hoover Auditorium Lobby. 
Live Entertainment at Hoover Auditorium & Bettinger Park
Back by popular demand, Lakeside’s Sesquicentennial summer concert series kicks off with The Drowsy Lads, a band known for their spirited arrangements, original bluegrass compositions and true obsession for traditional Irish music.
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Jerry Popiel returns to Lakeside to provide a relaxing afternoon of music with hits from the 1970s through today. Popiel is from the Indie rock band Cat o’ Nines and the 1970s tribute band Cowbell Fever.
Straight from the Heart is a barbershop quartet that has been entertaining Northeast Ohio audiences since 2017. All four singers are active members of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
DSB’s high-energy stage production and accurate recreations of Journey classics have made them one of the most sought-after Journey tribute shows. They’ve captured the signature sound of renowned vocalist Steve Perry and Journey in its prime, singing “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Any Way You Want It” and “Wheel in the Sky.” 
Special community events all weekend
Beautify your summer landscape with flowers from the Bevy of Blooms Plant Sale. A Plant Sale Preview will be on display all day Friday, May 26. Plant pricing will be posted onsite. Shop from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 27 and 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 28.  
Join Lakeside’s Master Gardener, Loretta Wilken, for a short demonstration on plant selection for sensational gardens. Wilken will share ideas and tips on selecting the right plants, container and soil to make your garden shine. 
Show your support for the Lakeside Heritage Society (LHS) by shopping the Annual Recycle Sale in South Auditorium. Want first dibs on this year’s merchandise? Early bird hours are Friday, May 26 from 9-11 a.m. with a $5 admission. View Recycle Sale hours.
This year, Lakeside Chautauqua will host the peninsula’s Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. The parade begins at Central Avenue and Fifth Street, travels north on Central Avenue, west on Second Street and proceeds to Pavilion Circle, located in Bettinger Park, where the Memorial Day Ceremony will take place. 

The Ceremony includes remarks by Lakeside and Marblehead leaders, a wreath laying, music and remembrances. The rain location for the ceremony is Orchestra Hall. 

There’s no charge for admission and parking to enter Lakeside for the parade and ceremony. Guests may enter the gates between 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. If the time allotted is exceeded, guest(s) will be charged a fee upon departure.  
Sunday Worship Services
This informal worship service near the water’s edge includes prayer requests, Christian hymns and contemporary songs, an inspiring message and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The first worship service of the day is led by Rev. Dr. Scott Wilson and Rev. Dr. Charles Yoost. 
Led by Rev. Karen Graham, this traditional church service at the Lakeside United Methodist Church (UMC) offers a vibrant style of worship using inspirational songs and motivational words. This worship service is recorded for viewing at home and posted as soon as it’s available. 
We welcome internationally known author, speaker and pastor Rev. Dr. Brian McLaren as Guest Preacher. This week’s preacher is supported by Steve & Jane Anderson. During the service, names will be read of those buried in the Memorial Garden and Lakesiders we lost during the 2022-23 year. 
Following the Community Worship Service opening prayer, kids (ages 6-11) join a parade from Hoover to Bradley Temple. Here, they'll enjoy music, dancing and a message from “Mr. Chip," as well as a fun craft and refreshments. Younger children and siblings are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Join worship leaders John and Bonnie Wilkie for an evening of praise music, traditional hymns, moments of reflection and spiritual renewal against the backdrop of the sun setting on Lake Erie. In the case of inclement weather, this event will be moved to the Lakeside United Methodist Church sanctuary (450 Central Ave.). 
Chautauqua Lecture Series: Ornithology
Celebrate the world of birding May 26-June 2. Explore the many different species that call Lakeside home or stop on their travels during the migration seasons. This week of the Chautauqua Lecture Series is supported by the Knobel Family Endowment. 
Martyn and Morgan Drabik-Hamshare have been birding as a couple since 2014 and married since 2018. Birds have been a big part of their lives together. Come hear their story of how they met in South Africa, tales from their birding adventures across three continents, and how they're constantly growing as a birding couple.
Naturalist and 19th century painter, John James Audubon was one of the most remarkable naturalists of early America. This documentary brings to life his timeless paintings with dazzling footage of the living birds he immortalized, and it celebrates the natural world he described in his writings. 
Fun for the whole family
Kids ages 7-15 (or younger is accompanied by a parent) are invited to deliver stacks newspapers to the business district. Meet outside the Legacy House (217 Walnut Ave.) Upon completion of delivery, choose between an ice cream or miniature golf voucher. 
Over the winter and spring, generous volunteers have helped refresh Lakeside Chautauqua's group housing facilities, including Wo-Ho-Mis Lodge and the Cabins. All are welcome to an open house to view the progress of this hard work. 
The Rhein Center Open Studio allows guests to participate in the fun, creative atmosphere of the arts center without registering for classes. From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. you can buy an item to paint and decorate or perhaps drop into a class with no registration required. 
From May 26-June 30, enjoy this special art exhibit at the Train Station. Photos will be available to view from 3-5 p.m. Fridays. The exhibit will conclude with a special reception and book signing with the artists from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 30. 
These Pop-Up Dance Jam sessions incorporate stretching, movement and repetitive choreography to get your heart pumping. Let loose, groove to the beat and meet new friends while getting a great workout.
All ages are welcome to experience a joyful Family Yoga experience. Feel connected as you move through kid-friendly postures, build poses together and practice breathing techniques. Please bring a towel or yoga mat. Limited yoga mats available. 
Recreation & Wellness
Meet at Lakevue Marina at 8 a.m. for a Skipper’s Meeting. The sailing race starts at 9:30 a.m. 
Beach Walk
9:30-10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 27 | Beach
Join Dawn Cordero for a barefoot walk along the beach while learning the basics of reflexology. 
Chair Yoga
10-11 a.m., Saturday, May 27 | Wellness Center Drackett Hall
Join instructor Linda Green for a gentle form of yoga using a chair.
Practice various yoga poses that help to expand your body and bring a sense of calm.
Intermediate Tennis
Round Robin
9-11 a.m., Monday, May 29 Williams Tennis Campus
Play against other competitors in levels 3.0-3.5. Cost is $1. 
Pickleball Mixer
10 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday, May 29 | Hubbard Pickleball Center
Play in a fun and friendly environment. All welcome.
Admission & Parking
Lakeside Chautauqua requires guests and residents to purchase a Chautauqua Pass and Auto Pass to enter the grounds between May 26-Sept. 4, 2023. There are a variety of passes to choose from depending on the length of your visit. Guests ages 4 & under and 90 & older enjoy free admission. View 2023 Admission & Parking Fees.

Purchasing a Chautauqua Pass includes admittance to the grounds, as well as access to entertainment in Hoover Auditorium, the Pool, Wellness Center, and a variety of religious, educational, cultural arts and recreational opportunities.

For your convenience, purchase Daily, Weekly and Season Chautauqua Passes and Auto Passes online. You can also purchase passes at the Hoover Ticket Office, located at 115 W. Third Street, or upon entering the gates of Lakeside during the gated season. All passes are valid from the day of use until 7 p.m. the following day. The Lakeside Chautauqua gates will be in operation starting at 7 a.m. Friday, May 26. 

Early Bird Discount on Season Passes ends May 31
Take advantage of our Early Bird Discount on Season Chautauqua Passes and Auto Passes by purchasing online or in-person at the Hoover Ticket Office, located at 115 W. Third Street, by May 31. 
Lakeside Chautauqua
Mission
To enrich the quality of life for all people, to foster traditional Christian values, and to nurture relationships through opportunities for renewal and growth – spiritually, intellectually, culturally and physically – while preserving Lakeside’s heritage.