A woman performing on stage for Chautauqua Nebraska

Hastings: Humanities Nebraska’s traveling Chautauqua festival brings U.S. history to life

• Arts, Education, Performing Arts

For more than 40 years, Chautauqua has brought history to life in Nebraska communities. In June 2026, Humanities Nebraska’s Chautauqua festival arrived in Hastings to present “Weaving a Nation” in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Chautauqua is a free festival that travels to different Nebraska communities each year, creating unique opportunities to explore pivotal moments in history and culture that continue to shape our lives today. Through engaging performances and discussions, “Weaving a Nation” highlighted lesser-known stories from our nation’s rich tapestry of backgrounds and perspectives. Hundreds of Nebraskans experienced history in a fun, interactive way.

The beloved festival offers family-friendly activities, engaging workshops and Chautauqua-style performances that invite audiences to interact with historical figures. In addition to Hastings, “Weaving a Nation” was presented in Gering and Scottsbluff in 2025 and in Norfolk in 2024.

With origins dating to the late 19th century, Chautauqua blends lectures, storytelling, literary readings and musical entertainment. Historically, traveling Chautauqua performances brought education and cultural enrichment to people living across the plains.

Today, Humanities Nebraska has reimagined the tradition by pairing contemporary experts with scholar-performers who portray influential historical figures, helping audiences connect the past to the present.

For decades, Chautauqua has deepened appreciation for Nebraska’s — and our nation’s — history. The program remains free to the public thanks to support from Humanities Nebraska and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

The Nebraska Cultural Endowment matches private donations with State dollars to generate earnings that protect vital cultural experiences in Nebraska communities. You can help protect funding for Chautauqua and other culture-defining programs by donating to and advocating for the Endowment today.