Old First Night

Chautauquans to gather for Institution’s 148th birthday at Old First Night

by Cassidey Kavathas on August 1, 2022

The deep sense of community and tradition that Chautauqua embodies shines through on Old First Night. As the Institution’s sesquicentennial in 2024 approaches, it’s time to celebrate Chautauqua’s 148th birthday. “It’s a birthday party, which

Old First Night festivities return to Amphitheater

by Sarah Vest on August 3, 2021

SARAH VEST - STAFF WRITER Jeffrey Jacobs raises a handkerchief aloft during the Drooping of the Lilies at Old First

Chautauquans — and one special guide dog — prepare for Old First Night Run/Walk

by Nick Danlag on July 30, 2021

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NICK DANLAG - STAFF WRITER Alexandra Bradstreet, center, and her guide dog Wasabi — along with members of Sports Club

Institution to celebrate Old First Night, welcome fundraising match program

by Jamie Clarkson on August 4, 2020

People watch as the Chautauqua community Band performs during the family-friendly Chautauqua Birthday celebration and Annual old First Night Concert.

Japanese Drum Group Taikoza to Take Stage in Old First Night’s Family Entertainment Series Act

by Duard Headley on August 5, 2019

Taikoza The weather forecast for today calls for thunderstorms in the evening, but the rhythmic rumbling that emanates from the

‘Only at Chautauqua’: Final Community Band Concert of the Season to Celebrate Old First Night

by Val Lick on August 5, 2019

Jason Weintraub conducts the Chautauqua Community Band in their Old First Night Concert Tuesday, August 7, 2018 on Bestor Plaza. RILEY ROBINSON/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER The Chautauqua Community Band will take over Bestor Plaza today for its

Jared Jacobsen to Take Audience on International Musical Trip in Tallman Concert

by Chris Clements on August 4, 2019

Jared Jacobsen, organist and coordinator of worship and sacred music, practices for of the 2019 season. SARAH YENESEL/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jared

Chautauqua to Gather for Old First Night Festivities and Honor Institution in Birthday Celebration

by Marianna Moore on August 4, 2019

Chautauquans celebrate Old First Night with family activities and a Chautauqua Community Band concert Tuesday, August 7, 2018 on Bestor

An Ode To Enjoyment: Club Carnival Brings Outdoor Fun

by Evan Dean on July 27, 2019

Groupers were excited to get down the waterfront on Wednesday, but for a different reason than usual: the annual Club

Old First Night Fun

by Brian Hayes on August 10, 2018

Chautauqua Institution officially turned 144 years young with its annual, all-day Old First Night and Annual Fund Day festivities

Old First Night: A happy 144th birthday to Chautauqua

by Matthew Steinberg on August 6, 2018

Every year since 1966, the founding of Chautauqua Institution has been celebrated on the first Tuesday of August in an evening known to Chautauquans as Old First Night. “(OFN) is the annual birthday celebration for

Gallery: Chautauqua Institution turns 143 with reinvigorated Old First Night festivities

by Photo Staff on August 4, 2017

Chautauqua’s Old First Night gets reimagined

by Meaghan Wilby on July 31, 2017

Happy birthday, Chautauqua, and welcome to your new party. For its 143rd birthday, Chautauqua Institution’s historic Old First Night, with

Chautauqua Community Band performs music for ‘trompe de chasse’

by Philip de Oliveira on July 31, 2017

John Gerber first encountered the trompe de chasse (“hunting horn”) while traveling in France. “I was so impressed hearing this

The Daily Record: Old First Night remains the most important of all Chautauqua traditions

by George Cooper on July 31, 2017

Since Chautauqua’s newspaper, then called the Assembly Daily Herald, didn’t begin until 1876, the Assembly’s third year, it was not

Annual Fund to host family-friendly activities on Bestor Plaza for Chautauqua’s birthday

by Meaghan Wilby on July 30, 2017

Bestor Plaza will be the site of several festivities throughout Tuesday in celebration of Chautauqua Institution’s birthday. Leading up to the Old First Night celebration at 6:45 p.m. in the Amphitheater, the Chautauqua Foundation will