2026 House and Garden Tour
Ticket Pick Up
* * * ALL Tickets will be held for Pick Up * * *
BTG Table @
Sunday Activity Fairs
Bestor Plaza
12:00-2:00pm
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Sunday, June 28th
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Sunday, July 5th
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Sunday, July 12th
BTG Table @
Sunday Activity Fairs
Bestor Plaza
12:00-2:00pm
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Sunday, June 28th
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Sunday, July 5th
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Sunday, July 12th
BTG Tuesday Lectures
Smith Wilkes Hall
12:00-2:00pm
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Tuesday, June 30th
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Tuesday, July 7th
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Tuesday, July 14th
BTG Tuesday Lectures
Smith Wilkes Hall
12:00-2:00pm
-
Tuesday, June 30th
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Tuesday, July 7th
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Tuesday, July 14th
Thursday, July 16th
BTG Welcome Table
Main Gate
8:00am-12:30pm
Thursday, July 16th
BTG Welcome Table
Main Gate
8:00am-12:30pm
House & Garden Tour - July 16, 2026
The House & Garden Tour is the BTG’s primary fundraiser. Each season the BTG offers more than 100 free events including lectures and guided nature walks and other programs in support of our mission to educate and advocate for the environment. The BTG is a 501C3 charity, independent from Chautauqua Institution. Thank you for your support.
Tour Notes
Parking is available in the Main Lot across the street from the Main Gate. There is a $15 fee for parking in the Main Lot. Shuttle buses run through the Main Lot.
If you’re coming from off the grounds, the House and Garden Tour ticket provides you access to Chautauqua Institution on July 16, 2026 from 8:00AM-8:00PM. You must present your ticket for entry and exit from Chautauqua Institution.
The House and Garden Tour ticket will also provide you access to the Amphitheater for the 9:15am Morning Worship Service and the 10:45am Morning Lecture. The week's theme is 'The 2026 Election: What's at Stake?'.
Clear Bag Policy. Be prepared! When entering the Amphitheater and other venues, Chautauqua requires clear bags for bags larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.
The BTG House and Garden Tour is a walking tour. While there are shuttles and trams moving throughout the Chautauqua grounds, be prepared to walk. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen, umbrella, and a water bottle.
Water stops are available at several locations over the tour route.
Stop by Smith Wilkes Hall for a rest...sit, relax, have a glass of water and a cookie!
Additional information is included in the back of the Ticket Booklet.
Take a peek at some of the homes on the 2026 House & Garden Tour
To help plan your day, here is a suggested schedule:
8:00 am - 12:30 pm: Check in at the BTG Welcome Table inside the Pedestrian Tunnel at the Main Gate. Here you can pick up tickets and a map.
9:30 am: Join us for a lecture by Betsy Burgeson, Supervisor of Gardens and Landscapes at Smith Wilkes Hall, the home of the BTG.
8:00 am - 12:00 pm: Visit the public gardens, walk and sit by the lake, enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat.
10:45 am: Attend the morning lecture in the Chautauqua Amphitheater. Check chq.org for details.
12:00 - 5:00 pm: Home interiors open to ticket holders for docent-led tours.
Each home is unique in its history, decor, and style.
Master Gardeners and garden docents will be stationed at the gardens on tour from 12-5 pm as well.
Complimentary water and Swedish cookies will be available in Smith Wilkes Hall throughout the afternoon.
5:00 - 8:00 pm: Attend any of the Chautauqua programming or wander the grounds and enjoy dinner.
