By Carol Fisher Linn
Over 140 years ago Chautauqua began as a two-week summer training camp for Sunday School teachers. Today, it is a 750-acre not-for-profit community where, on any given day some 7500 people reside during the nine-week summer season. Over 100,000 attend their scheduled events annually – 7,000 to 10,000 daily.
You are cordially invited to be one of those attendees who will enjoy a celebration of food and the joys of community while tasting a variety of local food. Think back to your favorite dinners/celebrations with kith and kin gathered for the pleasure of sharing a meal, and the merriment and deep sense of community that results. In today’s mobile society, the opportunity to gather with family is limited, but gathering with friends fills the gap nicely. Restaurants abound, particularly in our tourist areas, but even then, there is little chance for serendipity. At the Chautauqua Food Festival August 16-29, people have two weeks of opportunities to gather with friends or soon-to-be friends around scattered tables in Bestor Plaza. They will enjoy a taste of Chautauqua County by visiting the countless neighborhood food trucks serving a variety of foods. Come with family or friends or meet new friends you never knew around the tables. Be part of the Chautauqua family for one day or two weeks. Truly, this is a food festival you can vacation at. A food lovers paradise!
If you’ve never been to Chautauqua Institution, the first place to visit is Bestor Plaza, approximate 250 acres (about 0.4 square miles) of the core Chautauqua community. The area is easily walkable. Bestor, with its restored central fountain is the beating heart of the institute. It sits in the center surrounded by the Post Office building (housing a café, bookstore and visitors center), Smith Library, Brickwalk Café, St. Elmo hotel and shops, Colonnade building (shops and administrative offices) and Odland Plaza.
If you come for a day, multiple days or the full two weeks, you are welcome to spend the mornings at lectures, the afternoon tasting regional flavors and the evening at a concert or a communal meal. Although all lectures are not about food, many during these weeks focus on food, global agriculture, technology and climate change while still others focus on the cultural themes of the Importance of Gathering. Exactly what this event is all about.
In several conversations with Samuel Nelson, Director of Business Development, his excitement was unmistakable when he discussed the idea of community – at Chautauqua in general – but most especially at this festival. He stated, “our mission is to explore the best in human values … and to stimulate community involvement.” He then praised the community food trucks. “These are not just random food trucks scattered here and there; there will be a CARAVAN…” featuring a rotating showcase of 15 to 20 different WNY and regional restaurants and food trucks each week! Vendors rotate throughout the week and visitors will be offered small bites Monday-Friday at lunch time, 11:30am-2:30pm and dinnertime Tuesday and Friday, 4:30-8pm. You’ll want to come back on Sunday evening, August 16 and feast at Smokin’ Dicks Community BBQ, a regional catering company known for bold flavors and generous hospitality. Who doesn’t love pulled pork on a bun, mac and cheese, coleslaw and, of course, an ear of corn? It’s summer after all! Ask about their dietary restriction menu. They offer something for everyone.
During each Caravan lunchtime guests will be treated to a live culinary demonstration or discussion in the plaza. Then on Monday, August 24, guests can watch The Battle of the Bites Best Slider competition, 3-6pm at Bestor Plaza. Buffalo’s celebrity chef, Darian Bryan will serve as guest judge, leading the panel of judges including Ed Work (Skunk and Goat), Bruce Stanton (Stella’s: A Bar and Grill), Russ Warhol (Oliver’s), and Travis Bensink (Tulip’s Brunch House). It costs nothing to watch but sampling will cost $20.
Several featured celebrity chefs leading masterclasses and special events are TV personality and Next Level Chef co-star Nyesha Arrington and WNY favorite/ Next Level Chef season winner Darian Bryan. Even more reasons to come and spend several days in the Chautauqua community.
For details, admission, etc., go to foodfestival.chq.org; at FB Chautauqua festival food; ticket office 716-357-6250, email ticketoffice@chq.org or visit Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau. Reminder, this a final call for the 2026 season which concludes on August 30 with the Obon Festival of Lanterns. We’ll miss you, Chautauqua.