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
Chautauqua Wawasee 2026 Program Schedule Discover the Chautauqua Wawasee 2026 Program Schedule, a full year of inspiring events celebrating Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation in the Syracuse and Lake Wawasee community. This year’s lineup blends beloved traditions with new programs designed to inform, entertain, and connect. Program Schedule Highlights for 2026 The ever-popular Purdue Varsity […]
By Kip SchummChautauqua-Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Oakwood Resort Returns Syracuse, IN – The Old Fashioned Christmas at Oakwood Resort is back! On Saturday, November 29, from 5:30 to 8 PM, families are invited to enjoy one of northern Indiana’s most beloved free holiday events. This evening tradition brings joy to all ages with a magical tree […]
Syracuse Ghost Tour: Haunted Past Comes Alive The Syracuse Ghost Tour premieres on Saturday, October 18, 2025, bringing history and hauntings together in one unforgettable evening. This one-night-only walking tour takes guests through downtown Syracuse, Indiana, where they’ll meet the “ghosts” of the past and hear the stories that shaped the town. What You’ll Experience […]
Exciting News: Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2025 Calendar of Events is Here!
Exciting News: Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2025 Calendar of Events is Here! We are thrilled to unveil our incredible lineup of programs for 2025! This year, Chautauqua-Wawasee has a mix of cherished favorites and exciting new events to engage, inspire, and bring our community together. From arts and culture to history and nature, there’s something for everyone! ✨ […]
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our 2024 Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration Sponsors
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our 2024 Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration Sponsors As the 2024 Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration draws near, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible sponsors who make this cherished community event possible. Their support helps bring the magic of the […]
Old Fashioned Christmas Seeking Volunteers!
Old Fashioned Christmas Seeking Volunteers Chautauqua’s annual Old Fashioned Christmas will return bigger than ever on November 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This extravagant event features Santa, 50-foot tree lighting, musical groups, caroling, live reindeer, a horse-drawn wagon ride, a family photo booth, six live characters such as Frosty, Grinch, Gingerbread Man, all done with […]