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Pawasee 2026

Pawasee Dog Parade returns to Oakwood Resort on June 6

The Pawasee Dog Parade returns to Syracuse on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at Oakwood Resort, located at 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse, Indiana.

Now in its third year, this tail-wagging community favorite invites dogs, families, and friends to enjoy a fun morning filled with costumes, canine cuteness, laughter, and plenty of puppy love.

Photos of Pawasee Dog Parade

A fun morning for dogs, families, and the community

The parade will follow a quarter-mile route through the beautiful grounds of Oakwood Resort. Get creative with decorated carts, wagons, strollers, and leashes while showing off your beloved canine companions.

Dogs can also compete for several fun awards, including:

Best Dressed Dog
Best Dog Trick
Best Tail Wag

Whether your dog is a natural performer, a costume superstar, or simply has the happiest tail in town, the Pawasee Dog Parade is a chance to celebrate the joy dogs bring to our lives.

New this year: Puppy Kissing Booth

New for 2026, dog lovers can enjoy a special Puppy Kissing Booth, sponsored by New Hope Pet Rescue. Even if you do not have a dog to enter in the parade, you are welcome to come out, enjoy the event, and soak up some puppy love.

Back by popular demand, canine-themed vendors will also be on site with treats, gifts, and treasures for your favorite pooch.

Supporting New Hope Pet Rescue

The Pawasee Dog Parade is free to attend. Parade participants are encouraged to make a $15 donation to support New Hope Pet Rescue and its ongoing work to save and care for local animals.

The 2026 primary sponsor is Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware of Syracuse. Additional sponsors include Main Channel Marina, South Shore Social, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Interra Credit Union.

The event is hosted by Chautauqua-Wawasee in partnership with New Hope Pet Rescue, Special O.P.S. K-9 Academy, Syracuse-Wawasee Trails, and Oakwood Resort.

Join the Pawasee Dog Parade in Syracuse

Bring your dog, bring your family, bring your best costume ideas, and join the fun at the Pawasee Dog Parade on Saturday, June 6, at Oakwood Resort.

For updates, follow Chautauqua-Wawasee on Facebook.

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 Glee Club Performance returns on April 17, filling the spring air with music, harmony, and school spirit.

In July, our Famous Hoosier Series will feature Ralph Teetor. If you missed this film and discussion in 2024 at the Pickwick Theater, mark your calendar for July 28 when it returns to Chautauqua-Wawasee.

Our growing Arts Programs continue to expand in 2026 with hands-on workshops. Included in the lineup are Pottery, Stained Glass Mosaics, Pour Paint, and Plein Air Painting. These offerings support our ongoing goal of establishing our region as a true Artists’ Destination.

And since our Patriotic Speaker Series features a new historical figure each year, we’re especially excited to announce that George Washington will be our featured guest in 2026. His engaging reenactment will bring America’s early days to life through storytelling and character portrayal.


Returning Favorites

You’ll see the return of crowd favorites like the Pawasee Dog Parade, Taps Across the Water, Old Fashioned Christmas, and our Historic Cruises — all programs that continue to bring joy, connection, and tradition to our community year after year.


Plan Ahead

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and make 2026 a year to remember with Chautauqua Wawasee. You can always find the most up-to-date information on all of our programs on the Chautauqua-Wawasee Facebook page. You can also check the Chautauqua-Wawasee calendar of events.

Chautauqua Wawasee Fine Arts Festival 2025

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.

2025 Festival Map

2025 Festival Map

2025 Points of Interest Cruse-Narrated by Ann Garceau

🚤 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.

Chautauqua Wawasee Programs

2025: The Best Year Yet with Chautauqua-Wawasee Programs

Get ready for an unforgettable year with Chautauqua-Wawasee! Our 2025 schedule is packed with enriching programs inspired by the Four Chautauqua Pillars: Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation. There’s something for everyone, starting in February with the lively performance of the Ball State Singers, setting a vibrant tone for the year ahead.

A Year Full of Events

Throughout 2025, you’ll find a wide variety of events to enjoy, including:

Hands-On Art Workshops

For art enthusiasts, hands-on workshops will ignite your creativity:

  • Pottery Workshops

  • Plein Air Painting Workshop

  • New Stained Glass Workshop Series

Community Favorites

Families and community members can look forward to fun-filled favorites:

Special History Programs

History buffs won’t want to miss:

Wrapping Up the Year

We’ll wrap up this exciting year with Old Fashioned Christmas in November — a heartwarming tradition that brings the community together in festive spirit.


Mark your calendars and join us in making 2025 the best year yet with Chautauqua-Wawasee!
Join us for these unforgettable events and create memories that last a lifetime!

Chautauqua-Wawasee 2025 Events

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!