The 2024 Chautauqua season is almost here! We hope you'll return to Lakeside for a summer full of new and enriching experiences. View a snapshot of programs below and visit the Calendar of Events online. 

Lakeside Welcomes New Programming Staff

Lakeside Welcomes Karyn Torigoe as New V.P. of Programming

Things have come full circle for Karyn Torigoe.


As Senior Manager of STEM Programs & Evaluation at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Torigoe played an integral role in bringing the museum’s Eclipse Ambassador Program to Lakeside. She was assisting and answering questions at different locations around Lakeside during the eclipse weekend, not for the Science Center, but as Lakeside’s new Vice President of Programming.


“It was such a wonderful way to end my journey with the Science Center,” Torigoe said. “To be able to start at Lakeside with the eclipse program that I worked on with both organizations, it was full circle.”

Born and raised in Berea, Ohio, Torigoe holds a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University in theater. Read more.

Matt Charboneau Ready for New Challenge as Director of Performing Arts & Entertainment

It’s never an easy task for an organization to fill a vacant role. It’s more difficult to replace a person who is so respected in the community like Shirley Stary in Lakeside. Matt Charboneau is experienced, qualified and ready for the challenge.


Charboneau is Lakeside’s new Director of Performing Arts & Entertainment. Stary has held the position for the past 19 years and will have a part-time programming consultant role with Lakeside for a few months before retiring. Charboneau said he’s repeatedly heard the phrase “big shoes to fill,” but it’s something he’s ready to take on.


“Nearly 20 years anywhere is remarkable, especially in the nonprofit and art sectors where people move around every three years or so,” Charboneau said. “Shirley is training me well. She has laid a good foundation to where all the pieces are going to be in place when she moves on. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be manageable to take over.” Read more.

Tree Trimming in Chautauqua Park

If you’re taking a stroll on the east side of Lakeside, you’ll notice that Ohio Edison recently trimmed and removed trees around major powerlines near the Fifth Street and Poplar Avenue entrance to Chautauqua Park.


The power company is mandated to keep a 15-foot clearance of any tree branches and other obstructions from the power lines.


Most of the trees growing in this wooded area were invasive species, namely the “Tree of Heaven” (Ailanthus) and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica). These species spread rapidly and outcompete natives to take over woodlands and disrupt the natural ecosystem. Read more.

2024 Chautauqua Season Highlights

Lakeside’s calendar is already populating with exciting programs, and we will continue to announce summer highlights on social media and e-newsletters. For all the enriching experiences, visit the Calendar of Events.

Preacher of the Week: Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis

Aug. 11-15

Lakeside welcomes Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis, Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. This week’s preacher is supported by the Rev. Dr. Charles & Barbara Yoost Endowment.

Keynote: Robert P. Jones

7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 20

Robert P. Jones, President of Public Religion Research Institute, is a keynote speaker this summer. He's the author of the New York Times bestseller The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future.

The Sounds of Soul

7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 31

Back by popular demand, relive the hits of Motown and beyond as The Sounds of Soul take the stage of Hoover Auditorium. This talented group of singers, dancers and songwriters will perform Motown classics mixed with some of the greatest pop and R&B hits ever written.

5K Raccoon Run & One-Mile Fun Run

Sunday, July 21

Walkers, joggers and runners of all ages will take to the streets of Lakeside for the 44th Annual 5K Raccoon Run & One-Mile Fun Run. Light refreshments for all racers will be provided at the finish line, and awards will be given immediately following the race. Register now!

CLS: Latin America Labor/Migration Conditions

Aug. 5-9

This week's Chautauqua Lecture Series features Latin America Labor/Migration Conditions. Stay current and learn about the labor and economic conditions in Central America/Mexico and some of the forces that drive migration northward.

Watersports Show in Lakeside

Aug. 3-4

For the second year, Lakeside is partnering with Buckeye Sports Center to host a Watersports Show in Lakeside. Adventure awaits with on-the-water demos and exhibits of the top brands of wake boats, fishing boats, kayaks and more.

Season Chautauqua Passes on Sale Now!

Now through May 31, take advantage of our Early Bird Discount on Adult Season Chautauqua Passes and Season Auto Passes by purchasing online.


With a Season Chautauqua Pass, you can participate in thousands of enriching Lakeside experiences offered all summer long. View 2024 Admission & Parking Fees.


Early Bird Discount ends May 31

The cost of an Adult Season Chautauqua Pass is $1,050, a Youth Season Chautauqua Pass (ages 13-21) is $470, a Child Season Chautauqua Pass (ages 5-12) is $85, and a Season Auto Pass is $245. A 2-4-passenger Golf Cart Pass is $235, and a 6-passenger Golf Cart Pass is $245. Children ages 4 and under and guests over the age of 90 enjoy free admission. 


After May 31, the cost of an Adult Season Chautauqua Pass increases to $1,100 and a Season Auto Pass increases to $260. The Season Youth and Child Chautauqua Passes and Golf Cart Passes are not affected. 

PURCHASE SEASON CHAUTAUQUA PASSES

New Procedures at the Gates

Lakeside is introducing new procedures at the gates this summer. Please share with your Lakeside friends.


Shopping/Dining Pass: This complimentary pass has been extended from 90 minutes to 2 hours, giving you more time to shop, dine and explore Lakeside. Please note that an Auto Pass is not included, and this pass does not include access to Hoover Auditorium entertainment or the pool.


Fifth Street Gate is Going Cashless: Bring your credit or debit card to make transactions at the Fifth Street Gate. Cash will still be accepted at the South Gate and Welcome Center.


Fast Pass Lanes: At the Fifth Street Gate, there will be fast pass lanes for online/prepaid Chautauqua Passholders and Season Chautauqua Passholders. Order your passes online before you arrive. A dedicated lane will also be available for those purchasing passes at the gates.

Book Now & Save BIG on Weekday Family Package

It's not too late to purchase a Weekday Family Package! Available for select dates from June-August 2024 for only $950 (+tax), the package features:


  • 4-Night Stay (check-in Sunday, check-out Thursday)
  • 2 Adult Daily Chautauqua Passes
  • 2 Children/Youth Daily Chautauqua Passes
  • 4-Day South Gate Parking Lot Pass
  • Kids’ Treasure Chest (1 toy per child) or 1 family game of mini golf (up to 4 guests)


Limited room types are available at Hotel Lakeside and the Fountain Inn. Call (419) 798-4461, ext. 230. 

Marblehead Peninsula Trail Feasibility Study & Open House

The Park District of Ottawa County is conducting a Marblehead Peninsula Trail Feasibility Study. The one-year study, which began in October 2023, will examine trail route options, assess overall safety, gather public feedback and provide guidance for future trail development.


The voices and opinions of local and year-round residents will be greatly valued and needed. Take the online public survey, which is available through May 3.


There will also be a Public Open House at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at the Shores & Islands Ohio Welcome Center, located at 770 SE Catawba Road, Port Clinton. For more information, visit ottawacountyparksoh.org.

Upcoming Events

Spring Cleanup Day

9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., May 4

To help prepare the grounds and buildings for the 2024 Chautauqua season, volunteer your time at Lakeside’s Annual Spring Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All ages are welcome!


There will be a mix of indoor and outdoor projects, including venue cleaning, organizing, gardening, park and waterfront cleanup and more. To participate, register by Friday, May 3. Register now!

Virtual Town Hall Meeting

6 p.m., May 21

Join us for a Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, May 21 at 6 p.m.


President & CEO Charles Allen and staff will provide an update about summer operations, introduce you to new staff members, provide a streets and drainage update and celebrate the various projects that have been completed.


RSVP now! A Zoom link will be sent after registration.

Memorial Remembrance Forms Due May 20

At our May 26 Community Worship Service, the names of Lakesiders who have passed away during the past year (May 2023 – May 2024) will be read aloud and a time to reflect upon their memory will be observed.


If you’ve lost a loved one or know of a Lakesider who died during the past 12 months, please email the name to cyoost@lakesideohio.com by May 20 for inclusion in the May 26 worship bulletin.

Lakeside Chautauqua

lakesideohio.com communications@lakesideohio.com | (419) 798-4461

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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.
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