By Matthew Charboneau
Lakeside Chautauqua’s Director of Performing Arts
When planning the 2026 summer entertainment series at Lakeside, my goal was both simple and ambitious: to create a lineup as vibrant and varied as the community it serves. Lakeside brings together generations, lifelong Lakesiders, first-time guests, children, grandparents, music lovers and curious newcomers. Our stage should reflect that richness.
The result is a season designed to offer something for everyone without sacrificing excellence or artistry. Across 15 weeks, audiences will experience music, magic, ballet, symphony, theater and even a fully costumed musical, each selected to broaden horizons and spark joy.
A Soundtrack for Every Taste
Music anchors the season, and the range of styles is intentionally wide – from rock and pop to jazz, classical, bluegrass, country, blues, R&B, chamber music, light opera, global traditions and silent film organ recitals. Nationally recognized artists will share the stage with outstanding regional and local performers, creating a musical tapestry that evolves week by week. Highlights include:
- May 23: Uptown “A Celebration of Motown & Soul”
- June 6: Live from Laurel Canyon “Songs & Stories of American Folk Rock”
- June 12: Emmet Cohen Trio
- June 13: Forever Simon & Garfunkel: A Tribute
- June 19: Apollo’s Fire
- June 27: The Stray Cats’ Lee Rocker
- June 30, July 14 & Aug. 11: Silent Movies with Organist Clark Wilson — Supported by Peter & Debbie Stephens
- July 2: The Raleigh Ringers
- July 3: The Ultimate Tribute to Elvis featuring Mike Albert & the Big “E” Band
- July 11: Micky Dolenz “60 Years of The Monkees”
- July 17: Cleveland Ballet
- July 18: Blind Boys of Alabama
- July 23: 88bit: 8-bit Video Game Music on 88 Keys
- July 24: The Barricade Boys
- Aug. 1: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
- Aug. 15: American Patchwork Quartet
- Aug. 21: Rodney Crowell
- Aug. 22: Judith Hill
- Aug. 28: Rumours
- Sept. 4: Harvest – Tribute to Neil Young
- Sept. 5: The Sounds of Soul
Family Nights Reimagined
Families will find even more to love this summer. The expanded Hoover Family Night series on Wednesdays features early evening performances designed for all ages, including magician comedians, a cappella and beatbox groups, theatrical troupes and the Singing Zoologist who introduces live animals from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
On select dates, afternoon pop-up activities will give families the opportunity to engage directly with performers before the evening show, turning a performance into a lasting memory. Family Nights in Hoover feature:
- June 17: Backtrack Vocals
- June 24: Yellow Bird Chase
- July 1: Singing Zoologist Lucas Miller & the Columbus Zoo
- July 8: Lakeside Talent Show
- July 15: Jeko Yoo Magic
- July 22: Big Bang Boom
- July 29: Lakeside Symphony Orchestra Family Concert
Music Traditions & a New One
Themed music weekends return as seasonal highlights:
- June 9-12: Chautauqua Jazz Experience
- Aug. 8-9: Lakeside Bluegrass Festival
- Aug. 14-16: Global Music Weekend
- Aug. 29: NEW: Lakeside Old-Time Music Jamboree
Each series features nationally and internationally recognized artists within their genres. The Jazz Experience includes “Meet the Artists” sessions, while the Bluegrass Festival and the Old-Time Music Jamboree offer interactive activities for all ages leading up to the evening concerts in Hoover Auditorium.
A Musical from the Past & a Celebration of America
In July, Hoover Auditorium will host a fully costumed production of The Desert Song musical, last seen on this stage 65 years ago. Widely considered the most popular American light opera of its time, this sweeping production returns in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
That same company will present a special living history concert at the Steele Memorial Bandstand, recreating an authentic July 1927 Lakeside Band program. Musicians dressed in period-correct attire will transport audiences back nearly a century for a uniquely Lakeside experience.
American Threads: The Lakeside Symphony Orchestra
The beloved Lakeside Symphony Orchestra returns with the season theme American Threads, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Daniel Meyer, the orchestra presents a blend of cherished masterworks and lesser-known gems worthy of discovery.
The 2026 concert series features:
- July 25: Pops Concert “Total Eclipse of the Chart: ‘80s Chart-Toppers”
- July 29: Simone Dinnerstein, Piano
- July 31: Xavier Foley, Double Bass
- Aug. 4: Ying Li, Piano
- Aug. 5: Lakeside Symphony Candlelight Showcase
- Aug. 7: Stefan Jackiw, Violin
The Pittsburgh-based Beo String Quartet returns as quartet-in-residence. In addition to performing within symphonic concerts, they will bring chamber recitals, pop-up performances, and family programming into the broader community, ensuring that the music extends far beyond the main stage.
- Aug. 2: Beo String Quartet Recital
- Additional events to be announced soon
Summer 2026 at Lakeside is more than a calendar of events. It’s an invitation. Whether you come for bluegrass or ballet, the symphony or silent film, family nights or festival weekends, we hope you’ll discover something unexpected and perhaps even something new to love.
