July 12th & 13th
2025
FREE ADMISSION & PARKING
A FESTIVAL IN MOUNTAIN LAKE PARK, MARYLAND
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AN ANNUAL AFFAIR
The Victorian Adventure
Each year, Mountain Lake Park celebrates its founding with The Victorian Chautauqua on the weekend following the 4th of July. Performances, lectures, live music, and activities relive a bygone era that began as a planned community along the B&O Railroad. OUR HISTORY.
For an even bigger adventure, those attending the Victorian Chautauqua are invited to wear period attire throughout the weekend. Our Town Theatre’s Costume Shop can rent whatever you need in advance.
The Victorian Chautauqua is more than a festival. It's an experience. Live historical portrayals, music, lectures, vaudeville acts, and Kid-Tauqua for the little ones make a perfect family outing. It's history & fun for all ages and walks of life!
The 2025 Victorian Chautauqua is generously funded in part by The Town of Mountain Lake Park, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals like you. If you would like to send a donation to the festival, please select the “donations” button below. Visit our Sponsorship page to learn more about our giving and benefits levels. Whatever the size, this vital funding makes the free festival possible from year to year. Thank you!
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VICTORIAN CHAUTAUQUA SPONSORS
Samantha Funding The Arts | Community Trust Foundation | Naylor Family Trust | Mountain Maryland Gateway To The West | Mountain Lake Park | Garrett County Arts Council | Maryland State Arts Council | Arron’s | NeuBeam | Sunrise Sanitation | Edward Jones | Mountain Laurel Garden Club | Gary Ruddell, LLC. | Wild Wind Café
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS
The Gilbert & Schlattman Family | Mary Helen & Bob Spear | Laurie & Bill Grant | Don & Suzie Sincell | The Rev. Dr. Chip Lee and Kathleen Gibbs | Tom Shelton | Marthe McClive | Patricia Mullinix | Dr. Thomas & Kathy Johnson | In memory of Lee R. Mannheimer | Steven & Nancy Jo Shelton | Roland Hunn | Cherie Krug | Sharon Harwood | Laura Miller | Bowie Grant | Karen Wooddell | Dick & Christina Staufenberger
“The Chautauqua is the most American thing in America.”
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Whether you drink in a historical portrayal, listen to live music, learn from expert lecturers, witness demonstrations, shop, dine, browse the Ticket Office Museum, or stroll the historic district on foot or by Trolley, there’s something for young and old to enjoy at the Victorian Chautauqua. You can even dress in period attire to relive a time when propriety and cultural immersion were the order of the day.
Something for Everyone!
VAUDEVILLE IN THE STREET
HISTORICAL PORTRAYALS
VICTORIAN THEME
KID-TAUQUA
TICKET OFFICE MUSEUM
HISTORIC DISTRICT
Ticket Office Museum
Learn the history of Maryland’s original Chautauqua resort community.
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Learn about Mountain Lake Park’s Historic District on the Town Trolley. Experienced tour guides will point out distinctive landmarks and stories about life at the turn of the last century.
Support the Victorian Chautauqua by purchasing a Town Trolley Holiday Ornament after your tour. Visit the Victorian Chautauqua information table across from the Trolley Stop to get one for yourself or as a special gift. All proceeds benefit future programs and expenses for the festival.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
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Vendors & Activities
We are still arranging activities and vendors to round out the 2025 event. What you can count on are select foods, delectable treats, handmade goods, fun demos, and activities for the whole family. Be sure to check back to see a full list of attractions. Vendors interested in being part of the event can contact the planning committee for more details. CONTACT
ARTISAN ROW
A variety of handmade goods will complement the Chautauqua experience. Meet skilled artists who honor ageless traditions and preserve art forms from an earlier time. Our full list of outstanding guest artists will have irresistible one-of-a-kind treasures that make the perfect keepsake or gifts for someone special.
GOOD EATIN’
You can do more than feed your intellect at this year’s Chautauqua. If you like smoked barbecue, artisan sandwiches, homemade baked goodies, gelato, or world-class fresh-squeezed lemonade, you’ll want to come hungry. Stay tuned for a full list of menu items you will find in the pop-up food market.
DEMONSTRATIONS
Special guest Dave Wison will be sharing his love of wet plate photography. Dave replicates a technique that has long been replaced by film and digital technology. Period costumes are available, too. Commission your own tintype or glass plate picture that defies time.
UNEXPECTED SURPRISES
Intimate performances will satisfy your craving for impressive live music and unusual acts. Look for the round stage at the tent located near the Ticket Office Museum to listen to various music and watch acrobatics, fire, flow, and aerialist acts by the Victoray Circus.
“Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”
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Our Historic District
Mountain Lake Park is a registered Historic District with over 60 original structures dating back to 1882. Visitors can stop by the original Ticket Office and Museum at 301 G Street to pick up a printed map to begin a walking or driving tour. The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West mobile app allows interactive self-guided tours that highlight historic homes and sights. Access your Google Play or iTunes account for your free download.
Visit Google Play or iTunes to download your free mobile app. The tour will guide you through historic Mountain Lake Park beginning at the Ticket Office on G Street.
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
Alison Wonderland performs acrobatics at Vaudeville In The Street.