Signs of Spring & Summer in Western NY

Destinations like Chautauqua & Lake Erie, NY in the Great Lakes region and northeast are known for their changing seasons. As the warmer weather of spring and summer rolls in, we can see the signs of the return of spring —and soon summer— activities, events and more.  

 

Here are 10 signs that its time for visitors to Chautauqua & Lake Erie, NY to plan a spring trip to the area:

 

1.      Boat docks are going in on Chautauqua Lake

Warmer days bring a flurry of activity all around Chautauqua Lake as vacation homes, cottages, hotels, and even restaurants put their boat docks back in. That is happening now in earnest, and we are also seeing boats out on the lake—mostly fisherman but some pontoons and kayaks as well. Check out our area lakes.

 

2.      Perch and Walleye Fishing has opened up on Lake Erie with anglers fishing off Dunkirk Harbor, Barcelona, and the Cattaraugus Creek/Sunset Bay areas. The Eastern Basin of Lake Erie is one of the hottest walleye fishing destinations in the U.S. Learn more about Lake Erie fishing!

 

3.      Osprey are rebuilding their nests. Several pairs of Osprey can be seen returning to nesting sites around Chautauqua Lake each spring and rebuild for their upcoming brood. In addition to the opportunity to observe these nesting pairs, visitors can further enjoy birding pursuits at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute and the Audubon Community Nature Center, both in the Jamestown area. Check out Birding opportunities in the region.

 

4.      Golf courses throughout the area are opening. The competition-level Upper course at Peek’n Peak opened on April 8^th. The Chautauqua Golf Club’s two courses are open and offer packages in combination with the Athenaeum Hotel beginning May 1^st.  Here is a list of area golf courses.

 

5.      The 2026 Chautauqua Institution summer event calendar has been released! Though information about Chautauqua Institution’s programs and events is all available online at chq.org, thousands of visitors still request their annual copy of the printed Institution calendar to post on their fridge or wall. It’s a reminder that summer will be here soon!

Order an Institution summer event calendar and Chautauqua County Travel Guide.

 

6.      “Bemus is Blooming” takes place May 2-3 as seasonal hotspots in Bemus Point reopen for the late spring and summer seasons of 2026. Lots of outdoor dining, shopping, and sunsets. Check out the Bemus is Blooming event information.

7.      Lake Erie beaches at Sunset Bay come to life with the opening weekend of Cabana Sams Restaurant, May 7-10. Cabana Sams is a lakefront tradition offering great food, live music, and unforgettable sunsets on Lake Erie. Cabana Sams Opening weekend information.

 

8.      Farmers’ Markets are opening up in several communities throughout the region, providing locally grown favorites ranging from meats to honey, mushrooms, vegetables, and fruits. Here is a list of area Farmers’ Markets.

 

9.      The Clymer Tulip Festival, May 15-16 leads the way as far as spring floral blooms go. This festival celebrates the Dutch heritage of the Clymer farming community in Chautauqua County, NY.  Learn more about the Clymer Tulip Festival.

 

10.  Though many area hiking and mountain bike trails are open year-round, they become a bit “nicer” from mid-spring onward. The Chautauqua & Lake Erie, NY area offers several trail options ranging in length and difficulty. A set of interactive digital maps is available.

 

 

Check out these exciting spring events still to come to Chautauqua & Lake Erie NY this season.

 

·         U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Brass Band: See the USAF Brass Band perform for free at two destinations in Chautauqua County. The first performance will be at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown on May 21^st at 7:30pm while the second performance will be at the Fredonia Opera House on May 22^nd at 7pm.

·         Art Trail: Discover unique, locally made art during the annual Art Trail event on Memorial Day Weekend which allows visitors to make stops at locations throughout the region that highlight multiple artists and individual galleries.

·         Heron May Day Celebration: Celebrate sunshine, music and community during the May Day Celebration at the Heron Farm and Event Center featuring beloved May Day traditions including decorating the Maypole on May 24th.

·         Jamestown Tarp Skunks: The Jamestown Tarp Skunks return for the 2026 season with their first home game on May 29^th.

·         Bluebird Festival: On May 30^th, celebrate the Eastern Bluebird at Roger Tory Peterson Institute’s 2^nd Annual Bluebird Festival. Enjoy guided walks around the RTPI Bluebird Trail, building your own bluebird box and more.

·         Merritt Winery’s Strawberry Festival: Bring the whole family out for a fun weekend at Merritt Winery in Forestville June 5^th-7^th for their Strawberry Festival featuring live music, craft vendors, their famous wine slush and strawberry desserts.

·         DownBeat Percussion: See the official Drumline of the Buffalo Bills perform at the Fredonia Opera House on June 5^th at 7:30pm.

·         Dragon and Fairies Festival: Look for hidden magical creatures along the Audubon Community Nature Center’s trails during the Dragon and Fairies Festival on June 13^th.

 

Find a comprehensive list of upcoming Chautauqua County events at Tourchautauqua.com/events.