Join us for the next Chautauqua!

August 8 & 9, 2025 in Scottsbluff/Gering

Free family fun with an educational thread!

In commemoration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, HN invites you to explore a selection of lesser-known stories from our country’s rich tapestry of backgrounds and perspectives. It’s a fun, interactive experience that will help people connect with history and each other.

Help HN bring Chautauqua to Gering/Scottsbluff in 2025!

Chautauqua is a unique opportunity for communities to explore key time moments of history and culture that still affect our lives today.

  • Family friendly
  • Multiple opportunities to explore topics from the past that affect us today
  • Interact with experts, family members, neighbors, and friends
  • Free for everyone!

Humanities Nebraska presents this new style of Chautauqua to give participants multiple opportunities to explore the social, economic, political, and international influence of historic events on today’s society. It includes a variety of activities and events for Nebraskans of all ages to enjoy, led by various experts and scholars.

Join us in Scottsbluff/Gering on Friday & Saturday, August 8 & 9, 2025!

This festival will include family-friendly events, engaging workshops, and Chautauqua-style presentations that allow audience members to interact with historic figures. 

All events are free and open to the public. HN thanks the many donors who have made this possible.

What is Chautauqua?

With origins in the late 19th century, Chautauqua combines oratory and lectures with literary readings and musical entertainment. In the past, these touring groups would entertain and inform people living on the plains about political and cultural happenings. The name itself comes from a resort community in New York State where in 1875, a summer program of lectures, sermons, and music attracted such enthusiastic audiences that within a few years similar programs sprang into existence for the public in other parts of the country. Today, Chautauqua upholds the tradition of offering entertainment, education, and community-based heritage. Humanities Nebraska has re-imagined Chautauqua to include contemporary experts offering insight regarding how historic events and achievements affect our lives today, along with scholars-in-residence presenting first-person portrayals of some of our most important historical figures. It’s family-friendly fun, history and activities for all ages.
Would you like to know when activities are added and plans are finalized?

Meet Benjamin Franklin

Gering Civic Plaza 1450 11th Street, Gering, United States

A pre-Chautauqua event! Meet Benjamin Franklin, a key figure in the founding of our nation. He will be portrayed by Larry Bounds. Free and open to the public at the […]

The Five Tribes of Nebraska

Lied Scottsbluff Public Library 1809 3rd Ave., Scottsbluff, NE

A pre-Chautauqua event! Nancy Gillis provides a look at the origins, history, and current state of five Native American tribes who made their homes in Nebraska. Free and open to […]

Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers with the Gering City Band

Centennial Park – Scottsbluff 400 E 20th St, Scottsbluff, NE, United States

A pre-Chautauqua event! Enjoy an evening with Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers and the Gering City Band. Free and open to the public. Lawn chairs welcome.

A Nebraska Tapestry

Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds County Road East, Mitchell, NE, United States

A pre-Chautauqua event! Featuring Dan Holtz and Gary Zalud See Dan and Gary live on the Free Stage at the Scotts Bluff County Fair in Mitchell! Dan Holtz is a […]

The No Name Bluegrass Band

Gering Civic Plaza 1450 11th Street, Gering, United States

A pre-Chautauqua event! Enjoy the No Name Bluegrass Band with your family and friends! Free and open to the public at the Gering Civic Plaza.

“Weaving a Nation” Nebraska Chautauqua

Scottsbluff/Gering Gering, United States

Free family fun with an educational thread! In commemoration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, HN invites you to explore a selection of lesser-known stories from our […]