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Chautauqua Wawasee Fine Arts Festival 2025
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Wawasee Fine Arts Festival 2025 | Art, Music & Family Fun

Wawasee Fine Arts Festival Returns to Oakwood Resort

Chautauqua-Wawasee is proud to host the 11th Annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood Resort on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This beloved outdoor festival brings together a diverse range of fine art, featuring pottery, watercolor, oil painting, jewelry, and specialty art crafted from natural materials like wood, glass, and metal. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, created by talented artisans who reflect the beauty of the world around us — many with a lake-life influence perfect for the Syracuse-Wawasee community.

This year’s festival will welcome more than 30 juried artists, ensuring a broad and inspiring selection for guests to explore. Every artist is carefully selected to provide fine art of the highest quality — so you’re sure to discover a special treasure to take home.

Plein Air “Paint Out” Returns

Also returning this year is the popular Plein Air Paint Out, sponsored by the Northern Indiana Plein Air Artists Association. Plein Air, or “painting outdoors,” allows artists to capture the local landscape directly onto canvas while immersed in the environment.

All Plein Air artwork will feature scenes from the Syracuse/Wawasee area. Prizes will be awarded following the event, with Plein Air pieces available for purchase shortly after 4:00 p.m.

A Fun-Filled Day for the Whole Family

The festival will take place outdoors (rain or shine) in the beautiful lakefront park setting at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana. In addition to browsing incredible art, families will find activities for children, both recreational and artistic — so there’s truly something for everyone!

Enjoy delicious food and drinks from local food trucks on-site, or visit Oakwood’s Pier & Back Porch Restaurant for a relaxing meal.

Admission is free, with free parking available. For added convenience, a golf cart shuttle will be running between the parking lot and the festival grounds.

Live Music Entertainment

Guests can enjoy live music throughout the day, featuring performances by Garry Jones Music and Michelle Fife on the Dulcimer.

Event Details:

What: Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood
When: Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Oakwood Resort, Syracuse, Indiana
Cost: Free Admission

Questions?

Contact us at info@ChautauquaWawasee.org or call 574-377-7543.

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2025 Points of Interest Cruse-Narrated by Ann Garceau
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Wawasee “Points of Interest” Historical Cruise – May 17, 2025

🚤 Wawasee “Points of Interest” Historical Cruise – May 17, 2025

If you’ve ever wanted to step back in time while enjoying the beauty of Indiana’s largest natural lake, this is your chance. The Lake Wawasee historical cruise is back for 2025—an unforgettable two-hour event aboard the SS Lillypad II, brought to you by Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

Local historian Ann Garceau will narrate the cruise, highlighting fascinating “Points of Interest” along the shoreline. Learn about the lake’s rich past as you float past sites of historic hotels, entertainment venues, marinas, and more. You’ll receive a map of the lake so you can follow along during the journey.

🎟️ Tickets:
This event sells out quickly, so don’t wait! Purchase your tickets in advance!

🗓️ Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Boarding begins at 12:45 PM)

  • Location: The Frog Tavern, 1116 S Harkless Drive, Syracuse, IN

  • Ticket Link: Click HERE to purchase

📍 What to Expect:

  • A narrated tour of historic and lesser-known spots around Lake Wawasee

  • Insight into past events, property owners, boat taxis, and restaurants

  • Snack food provided and a cash bar available onboard

  • A relaxing and educational afternoon on the lake

📞 Questions?
Contact Chautauqua-Wawasee:
Phone: 574-377-7543
Email: info@chautauquawawasee.org

Chautauqua-Wawasee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to offering quality programming centered on Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation—enhancing life in Syracuse and the surrounding region.

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Ball State Singers Return to Syracuse in 2025 – Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Performance!

Ball State Singers Return to Syracuse in 2025 – Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Performance!


The Ball State Singers are back in Syracuse, Indiana, for a highly anticipated performance on Sunday, February 16th, 2025, at 3:30 PM. Presented by Chautauqua-Wawasee, this exciting event will be held at the Wawasee High School Auditorium.

This talented musical ensemble offers a diverse and dynamic repertoire, including gospel, vocal jazz, swing, contemporary hits, romantic ballads, classical choral selections, barbershop, folk, patriotic standards, opera choruses, country, and novelty tunes. With a blend of small group performances, incredible soloists, and lively choreography, the Ball State Singers will deliver a 90-minute musical experience that you won’t forget.

Celebrate the return of Wawasee High School alum, Devin Van Lue, as part of this one-of-a-kind performance!

Devin Van Lue-Ball State University Singers

 

Event Details:

  • Date: Sunday, February 16th, 2025
  • Time: 3:30 PM (Doors open at 3:00 PM)
  • Location: Wawasee High School Auditorium, Syracuse, IN

Ticket Prices:

  • VIP Tickets: $20
  • General Admission: $10

The Ball State Singers are Indiana’s official goodwill ambassadors and have been recognized since 1964 as one of America’s top collegiate entertainment groups. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, classical, pop, or patriotic music, this performance offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this special opportunity to see one of the nation’s most acclaimed university ensembles right here in Syracuse.

Plan Your Visit:

Arrive early to explore local dining options before the show or enjoy a bite to eat afterward. Check out our calendar for more exciting Chautauqua Wawasee events – 2025 promises to be our best year yet!

Get Your Tickets Now!

Click HERE to purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

Make plans to join us for an afternoon of incredible music and entertainment with the Ball State Singers at Wawasee High School!

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2025: The Best Year Yet with Chautauqua-Wawasee Programs!

2025: The Best Year Yet with Chautauqua-Wawasee Programs!

Chautauqua-Wawasee offers an incredible lineup of programs throughout 2025, providing enriching experiences rooted in the Four Chautauqua Pillars: Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation. With something for everyone, the year kicks off with the Ball State Singers in February, setting the stage for a year filled with cultural and educational events.

From the Old Fashioned Hymn Sing in April to the Patriotic Pops Concert in June, and the Famous Hoosiers – Eli Lilly presentation in July, each event brings unique insights and entertainment. Art lovers will enjoy multiple hands-on opportunities, including Pottery Workshops, a Plein Air Workshop, and a new Stained Glass Workshop series.

Community favorites like the Pawasee Dog Parade and the Syracuse Ghost Tour promise family fun, while history enthusiasts can look forward to a visit from a Patriotic Speaker: Teddy Roosevelt and the Wawasee “Then & Now” Historical Cruise.

Closing out the year, the Old Fashioned Christmas in November wraps up the season, bringing the community together in festive spirit. Chautauqua-Wawasee’s programs are designed to create lasting memories and enrich lives, making 2025 truly “the best year yet!”

Join us for these unforgettable events and create memories that last a lifetime!

Chautauqua-Wawasee 2025 Events

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