Chautauqua Auditorium

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some music, theater, or art in Waxahachie, you should check out the Chautauqua Auditorium. This historic building is not only a beautiful architectural landmark but also a vibrant community hub that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. In this article, we’ll dive into the history, the activities, and tips for visiting this fantastic venue.

History

The Chautauqua Auditorium was built in 1902 as part of the Chautauqua movement, a widespread educational and cultural phenomenon in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The movement aimed to bring entertainment and enlightenment to rural areas through lectures, concerts, and workshops. The auditorium in Waxahachie was one of the largest and most successful Chautauqua sites in Texas, attracting thousands of visitors every summer. The building is a marvel of engineering, featuring a circular design, a domed roof, and a wooden frame that can hold up to 2,500 people. It is also one of the few remaining Chautauqua structures in the country, and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A space for the community

The Chautauqua Auditorium is not just a relic of the past but a living and breathing cultural center that serves the Waxahachie community and beyond. The auditorium is home to the Waxahachie Symphony Association, which organizes concerts and performances by local and international musicians. The auditorium also hosts the annual Chautauqua Preservation Society Festival, which celebrates the heritage and spirit of the Chautauqua movement with music, art, crafts, food, and fun. Additionally, the auditorium is available for rent for weddings, parties, meetings, and other events.

What known artists have played here?

Over the years, the Chautauqua Auditorium has welcomed some of the most renowned artists and speakers in the world. Some of them include:

• William Jennings Bryan, a famous politician and orator, gave his famous “Cross of Gold” speech at the auditorium in 1908.
• John Philip Sousa was a legendary composer and bandmaster who performed at the auditorium with his band in 1911.
• Helen Keller, a remarkable author and activist, spoke at the auditorium in 1913.
• Marian Anderson was a groundbreaking opera singer who sang at the auditorium in 1936.
• Ray Charles was a legendary musician who performed at the auditorium in 1958.

What makes it unique?

The Chautauqua Auditorium is unique for many reasons. First, it is a stunning example of architecture and craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. The auditorium has a unique acoustic quality that enhances the sound of any performance. Secondly, it is a place that connects people with history and culture. The auditorium has witnessed some of the most important events and personalities of the last century, and it continues to inspire and educate new generations. Thirdly, it is a place that fosters community and creativity. The auditorium is a gathering place for people passionate about music, art, and learning.

Tips for visitors

If you are planning to visit the Chautauqua Auditorium, here are some tips to make your experience more enjoyable:

Are there any rules?

Yes, there are some rules that you should follow to respect the auditorium and its guests. For example, you should not bring food or drinks inside the auditorium, you should not smoke or vape on the premises, you should not use flash photography or record any performance without permission, and you should silence your phone during any event.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit the auditorium depends on what kind of event you want to attend. If you want to see a concert or a performance by the Waxahachie Symphony Association, you should check their website for their schedule and tickets. If you want to attend the Chautauqua Preservation Society Festival, you should mark your calendar for the last weekend of September every year. If you want to rent the auditorium for your event, contact them as soon as possible to check their availability and rates.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes, it is! The Chautauqua Auditorium is a great place to bring your family and friends for a fun and educational outing. There are events and activities for all ages and interests. You can also enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Getzendaner Park, where the auditorium is located. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, and gardens that you can explore before or after visiting the auditorium.

Ready to move to Waxahachie?

The Chautauqua Auditorium is a treasure that you shouldn’t  miss if you are in Waxahachie. It’s a place where you can experience the best of music, art, and culture in a historic and charming setting. Whether you want to listen to a symphony, watch a play, or learn something new, you’ll find something to suit your taste and mood at the auditorium. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to discover the Chautauqua Auditorium, a cultural gem in Waxahachie.

A Trip Through Waxahachie Curious Stops: From College Street Pub to Estates of Hidden Creek

College Street Pub

210 N College St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head southwest on N College St toward Water St for 387 ft.
2. Turn right onto W Main St. The destination will be on the right after 174 ft.

The Texas Theater

110 W Main St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head northwest on W Main St toward S Rogers St for 85 ft.
2. Turn left onto S Rogers St and proceed for 0.1 mi.
3. Turn left onto W Madison St and continue for 262 ft.
4. Turn left onto S College St. The destination will be on the left after 75 ft.

Gingerbread Antiques

310 S College St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head northeast on S College St toward W Jefferson St for 194 ft.
2. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W Jefferson St and proceed for 0.1 mi.
3. Turn left onto S Elm St and continue for 272 ft.
4. Turn right onto W Madison St. The destination will be on the left after 180 ft.

Railport Brewing Company

405 W Madison St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head southeast on W Madison St toward S Elm St for 443 ft (approximately 44 sec).
2. Drive along W Marvin Ave and Farley St for 2.8 mi (approximately 7 min).
   1. Turn left onto S Elm St and proceed for 0.4 mi.
   2. Continue onto Ferris Ave, passing by Valvoline Express Care on the left, for 0.3 mi.
   3. Turn right onto W Marvin Ave and continue for 0.6 mi.
   4. Turn left onto Farley St and proceed for 1.4 mi.
   5. Continue onto Broadhead Rd for 0.1 mi.
3. Drive to your destination, which will take approximately 41 sec over a distance of 0.2 mi.
   1. Turn left and proceed for 0.2 mi.
   2. Finally, turn right and continue for 266 ft to reach your destination.

Waxahachie Sports Complex

151 Broadhead Rd, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Continue to Broadhead Rd for 0.2 mi (approximately 42 sec).
   1. Head southwest toward Broadhead Rd for 266 ft.
   2. Turn left and proceed for 0.1 mi.
2. Take Farley St to N Gibson St, which is a distance of 2.3 mi (approximately 6 min).
   1. Turn right onto Broadhead Rd and continue for 0.1 mi.
   2. Continue onto Farley St for 1.5 mi.
   3. Turn right onto E Marvin Ave and proceed for 0.8 mi.
3. Turn left onto N Gibson St and continue for 0.4 mi (approximately 1 min).
4. Turn left onto W Main St and proceed for 0.2 mi (approximately 26 sec).
5. Finally, turn right and continue for 52 ft (approximately 6 sec) to reach your destination.

Nicholas P. Sims Library

515 W Main St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head northwest toward W Main St for 0.0 mi.
2. Turn right toward W Main St and proceed for 121 ft.
3. Turn right toward W Main St again and continue for 52 ft.
4. Turn left onto W Main St and proceed for 0.8 mi.
5. Turn left onto S Grand Ave and continue for 0.2 mi.
6. Continue onto W Main. The destination will be on the right after 0.1 mi.

Chautauqua Auditorium

Getzendaner Park, 400 S Grand Ave, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head northwest on W Main toward Getzendaner Memorial Park for 0.2 mi.
2. Turn left onto US-287 BUS N/W Main St and continue to follow US-287 BUS N for 0.9 mi.
3. Turn right onto N Interstate 35 E Rd/N Interstate 35 East Service Rd and proceed for 0.3 mi.
4. Continue straight to stay on N Interstate 35 E Rd/N Interstate 35 East Service Rd for 0.9 mi.
5. Turn right onto Civic Center Ln and continue for 92 ft.
6. Continue straight onto Alliance Blvd for 0.2 mi.
7. Finally, turn left onto Rae Blvd. The destination will be on the left after 0.1 mi.

Poston Gardens

2000 Civic Center Ln, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head southwest on Rae Blvd toward Alliance Blvd for 0.1 mi.
2. Turn right onto Alliance Blvd and proceed for 0.2 mi.
3. Turn right onto N Interstate 35 E Rd/N Interstate 35 East Service Rd and continue for 0.6 mi.
4. Continue straight to stay on N Interstate 35 E Rd/N Interstate 35 East Service Rd for 2.2 mi.
5. Take the exit toward Butcher Rd and continue for 0.1 mi.
6. Turn right onto Butcher Rd and proceed for 2.0 mi.
7. Finally, turn left onto Stonebriar Dr. The destination will be on the left after 446 ft.

Estates of Hidden Creek

Waxahachie, TX 75165, USA