Pennsylvania Chautauqua announces 2026 summer programs in Mount Gretna

The Pennsylvania Chautauqua has announced its lineup of summer programs for the 2026 season in Mount Gretna.

The annual tradition, begun in Mount Gretna in 1892 reflecting a larger Chautauqua Movement from the mid-1800s, is open to the public and funded entirely by donations.

Summer programming revolves around the four historic pillars of the Chautauqua: arts/culture, recreation, religion, and education.

This year’s arts/culture events include lectures given by visiting artist lecturers working with the Mount Gretna School of Art, along with an Art Lecture Series by Gloria Mast (Wednesdays in August). Craft events include Knit in Public (Saturday, June 13) and Mark Making (Thursday, Aug. 13). There will be three organ recitals at Mount Gretna United Methodist Church, featuring Abigail Wood, Carolyn Hoff, and Daniel Brownell (Wednesdays June 3, 10, and 17).

The film series will follow the theme of America’s 250th anniversary. Films to be screened on Wednesdays in July are “1776,” “Lincoln,” “The Right Stuff,” and “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” Additionally, there will be poetry with Jesse Waters (Fridays in July) and book reviews (Tuesdays in June and July).

Recreation includes a heart meditation with Leslie Bures on Wednesdays June 3, 10, and 17, pilates with Sarah Clem on Thursdays in June and July, and yoga with Stephanie Bost on Wednesdays (May 20 through Sept. 9).

The Religion pillar will feature worship services on Sundays (July 5 through Sept. 6). There will also be a religion discussion series, “Faith and Freedom,” with Dr. Lee Barrett and Dr. Randall Zachman (Thursdays June 4, 11, and 18), as well as guest lecturers including Steve Nolt (“500 Years of Anabaptism”) and Mark Draper.

And under the heading of education, the schedule includes three Plant Walks, hosted by Wilson Alvarez on Saturdays, June 6, July 25, and Aug. 22. Potpourri in the Hall of Philosophy will include an extensive variety of lectures, ranging from topics in history, literature, business, language, and beyond.

Colleen Webster, a professor, naturalist, and living history performer, will give a presentation on the life of Jane Goodall. Other visiting experts include the archivist from the National Watch and Clock Museum and an authority on the history of postcards.

A panel of experts from the energy industry (PUC, PPL, PA Consumer Advocate, and PA Government Policy) will convene at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, in the Playhouse. The Conversation Cafe will return this year, with a moderated discussion after viewing “The American Miracle” documentary on Saturday, July 11, and the “Common Ground” documentary on Saturday, Aug. 8.

Special events will include the annual Student Art Show on Sunday, July 26, the Patriotic Bike Parade and Keystone Band of Rehrersburg on Saturday July 4, and MTG’s Great American Booksale on Friday, July 31. Additionally, the PA Chautauqua hosts several summer programs for children, including three performances in collaboration with Gretna Music 4Kids, along with Yoga for Kids on Thursdays in July, Step Into Stories & STEM, and the Fairy Tale Quest on Saturday, July 25.

The Chautauqua movement began with a goal of adult education, bringing lectures and programs to rural communities. A volunteer committee coordinates planning of summer programming, meeting annually from November through March.

“Just within Mount Gretna, we have any number of talented people who willingly share their stories and expertise with us. In addition, we are fortunate to have relationships with excellent colleges within a 20-mile radius of us,” Sue Hostetter, co-chair of the PA Chautauqua Summer Programs Committee, said in a release.

Many of the programs do not require advanced registration; however, some classes do have size limits, deadlines, and fees to cover the costs of materials. All summer programs, including dates, times, and additional details, can be found on the Mount Gretna and Chautauqua websites. Call the Visitor’s Center at 717-200-1187 or email pachautauqua@gmail.com for more information.