Waxahachie Chautauqua

04/30/2026

Ross MacKenzie was our first keynote speaker in 2000. He was a mentor and a friend. He will be missed.

Chautauqua mourns the passing of former Director of Religion and Historian Emeritus Ross Mackenzie, whose life of faith, intellect and compassion touched generations. Ross served as Chautauqua’s Director of Religion from 1989 to 1999, helping shape conversations that invited reflection, understanding and meaningful dialogue. He later continued his service as historian, preserving and sharing the stories of this special place.

He will be remembered not only for his leadership and scholarship, but for his kindness, warmth and genuine interest in others. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued.
Heartfelt sympathy is extended to Ross’ family, friends and all who knew him.

04/03/2026

**FREE CONCERT**Friday May 1st 7pm - Join us for Western Swing night at our beloved Chautauqua in Getzendaner Memorial Park! With Grammy Award-winning Redd Volkaert (Merle Haggard band fame) 2‑time U.S. National Fiddle Champion Ridge Roberts, Archtop guitar master Joey McKenzie, and 'Ace of the Bass' Matthew Mefford. Come swing with us for a night of world‑class fun! The Western Flyers are presented by the Waxahachie Preservation Society. Open seating in auditorium (no need to bring your own), no tickets necessary. Lions Club Concessions will be available. The Western Flyers

11/06/2025

🧹✨ Preservation Day at the Waxahachie Chautauqua! ✨🧹

We’re calling on our amazing community to help us give the historic Chautauqua Auditorium some much-needed love this Saturday during our Preservation Day: Operation Deep Clean!

Whether you're passionate about local history, need volunteer hours, or just want to lend a hand—this is a perfect opportunity to make a difference.

📍 Where: Chautauqua Auditorium, Getzendaner Park 🕘 When: Saturday, 10am -6pm🧤

Let’s come together to preserve this Waxahachie treasure for generations to come. Every helping hand counts!

10/22/2025

Do you love the Chautauqua? Would you like some volunteer hours to give back to our amazing community? The Chautauqua Preservation Society needs all hands on deck for "Preservation Day Operation Deep Clean"! Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Clubs & Societies, Church Groups, or you, your friends, and family are invited!

07/04/2025

This is pretty cool!

The Chautauqua Auditorium is open for viewing today and tomorrow. Feel free to come in and have a look at this historic masterpiece! Self guided tours. Check out the backstage dressing room with autographs down through the ages! Cameras and recording are in place.

07/01/2025

A century ago, “Chautauqua” was a North American movement renowned for enriching lives through books, lectures, music, and theatre — all set in beautiful outdoor spaces that brought people closer to nature. 🌿

From its 1874 beginnings at Lake Chautauqua in New York, the movement grew across the continent — including, quite famously, right here in Muskoka.

Though U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt called it “the most American thing in America,” Muskoka Chautauqua became the most Canadian thing in Canada. 🇨🇦

📖 Excerpt from “Muskoka Chautauqua Uplifts Canadian Literature” by J. Patrick Boyer, Muskoka historian.

07/01/2025

The Chautauqua Movement included locations in Canada and was modeled after the "Mother Chautauqua" in New York. Like many of the Chautauquas, they died out in the early 30s because of various economic factors. There are a few, such as the Chautauqua in New York and the Lakeside Chautauqua in Ohio and others, that never ended. The historic Muskoka Chautauqua was revived about 15 years ago.

A century ago, “Chautauqua” was a North American movement renowned for enriching lives through books, lectures, music, and theatre — all set in beautiful outdoor spaces that brought people closer to nature. 🌿

From its 1874 beginnings at Lake Chautauqua in New York, the movement grew across the continent — including, quite famously, right here in Muskoka.

Though U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt called it “the most American thing in America,” Muskoka Chautauqua became the most Canadian thing in Canada. 🇨🇦

📖 Excerpt from “Muskoka Chautauqua Uplifts Canadian Literature” by J. Patrick Boyer, Muskoka historian.

06/04/2025

Fun event!

We are so proud to have the historic Chautauqua Auditorium open as a bonus stop for both days of the Gingerbread Trail Tour!

Built in 1902 to host crowds of up to 7,000, this rare octagonal wooden auditorium was once the heart of Waxahachie’s cultural scene. Though it fell into disrepair by 1971, passionate community members stepped in to save this cultural treasure. Thanks to their efforts, the Chautauqua was restored and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974! Today, it stands as a proud symbol of Waxahachie’s enduring spirit — and you’ll have the opportunity to step inside this landmark during the Gingerbread Trail!

Don’t miss your chance to step inside this iconic local landmark along with several others and our beautiful historic homes! Get your tickets at gingerbreadtrail.org 🎟️ 🏠

06/03/2025

What is a “Chautauqua”?
Chautauqua refers to a social movement that began in the late 1800’s on the shores of Chautauqua Lake, New York. With a goal to provide lifelong learning opportunities through lectures, performances, music and cultural activities, the concept of Chautauqua caught on and spread to many communities throughout North America (including Muskoka!), with gatherings held in the summer months in primarily rural (and often seasonal) locations. 🏞️

05/15/2025

Great opportunity to hear live music in the incredible Waxahachie Chautauqua Auditorium this Saturday. Information and tickets below.

🎵 Make plans to join us for a Swingin Saturday Night! The Texas Gypsies are bringing their high-energy mix of vintage jazz, swing, Western Swing, Gypsy Jazz, and Rockabilly to the historic Chautauqua Auditorium. From blazing horns to swingin’ guitars, they’ll have you dancing in your seat—and on your feet!

Live music doesn’t get any better than this!

Tickets available online and at the door - $20 Adult, $10 Children Under 18

https://waxahachiesymphony.org/so/a8PQsVzup?languageTag=en