This is Chautauqua. Community events for the whole family hosted in Syracuse Indiana and Lake Wawasee.
We celebrate creativity through performances, exhibitions, and hands-on opportunities that inspire expression, imagination, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
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We foster lifelong learning through lectures, conversations, and shared learning that encourage curiosity, reflection, and personal growth at every stage of life.
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At Chautauqua, faith plays an important role in shaping shared values, reflection, and connection within our social and cultural life.
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Recreation and healthy living are essential to life at Chautauqua, supporting connection, balance, and enjoyment through shared activity.
Learn MoreOur goal is to “raise the bar” continually by improving the quality of programs, authors, and presenters. Your support enables us to grow and carry out our mission of providing valuable programs related to education, arts, faith and recreation. Our vision is for Chautauqua-Wawasee to be cited as one reason a business and/or people choose to move and live in Syracuse, Kosciusko County, and Indiana. We promise to use all gifts wisely and responsibly toward this vision.
Mail Donations to:
Oakwood Foundation Inc.
Chautauqua-Wawasee
702 E. Lake View Rd
Syracuse, IN 46567
Wawasee Fine Arts Festival 2026 Returns to Oakwood Resort Experience Art, Music, and Family Fun on the Shores of Lake Wawasee Mark your calendar for one of the most anticipated early summer events in northern Indiana-the 12th Annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival returns on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at […]
Wawasee “Points of Interest” Historical Cruise – May 16, 2026 Step back in time while enjoying the beauty of Indiana’s largest natural lake. The Wawasee “Points of Interest” Historical Cruise returns for 2026. This two hour experience takes place aboard the SS Lillypad II and offers a relaxing afternoon on the water. This event is […]
Seeking Artists Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Chautauqua Wawasee is now accepting artist applications for the 2026 Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood. This juried fine arts festival brings together talented artists, collectors, and the community for a full day of art, creativity, and […]
Celebrate Archaeology Month This September: Three Free History Programs in Syracuse
Celebrate Archaeology Month This September: Three Free History Programs in Syracuse In celebration of Archaeology Month, Chautauqua-Wawasee invites you to enjoy three free, engaging programs that bring history to life. From the cultural renewal of the Miami Tribe to the earliest inhabitants of Northern Indiana and the leadership of Potawatomi Chief Five Medals, these events […]
A Patriotic Day to Remember in Syracuse
A Patriotic Day to Remember in Syracuse Sunday, June 29th, was truly unforgettable as Chautauqua-Wawasee hosted a powerful Patriotic Speakers program and proudly co-sponsored the spectacular Patriotic Pops Concert at Oakwood Resort. Teddy and Edith Come to Life A Historical Performance with Heart The day began at Wawasee High School, where 172 guests stepped back […]
Free Wednesday Evening Plein Air Paint Outs
Free Wednesday Evening Paint Outs at Lake Wawasee | 5:00 – 8:00 PM Dates:July 2, 9, 16, 23 Are you a beginner landscape painter eager to try Plein Air painting? Or a seasoned artist looking to paint alongside others in the beauty of nature? Join artist David Broerman and fellow creatives for a series of […]