It is a 4-day, conference style event for the whole family orchestrated since 1996 by a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization called the Florida Chautauqua Center, Inc.  We are not religiously affiliated nor politically aligned, and we host discussions on a wide range of topics during our annual assembly.  We welcome famous speakers to open and close our assemblies, and we host free exhibits for the entire community to enjoy.  

Please visit our registration page on this site.

Have you ever wondered what is a Chautauqua, and what was the Chautauqua Movement, this year we are working to answer that question for you. Our theme is “A Journey into the American Chautauqua Movement,” and we have invited Former President Theodore Roosevelt (interpreted by Joe Wiegand of Tennessee) to be the featured keynote speaker.  We also have representatives of the Chautauqua Institution, and other Chautauquas invited to share in the 2013 program.  We are also expanding our new Florida Chautauqua History Exhibit and working closely with the Walton County School District on exhibits and presentations to make 2013 a spectacular event for all visitors to the 4-day program.

All exhibits are free and open to the public (live animal exhibits, art shows, Sunday afternoon presentations in the Lake Yard, etc.).  However, fees apply to attending educational sessions, performance teas and evening performances.  You may buy individual tickets (Individual Tickets Form)to a session or event, or you can purchase a money-saving 4-day passport for $125 (Registration Form) to attend whatever you like.  We also offer a one-day pass for $60 (Registration Form) should you not be able to enjoy the entire 4-day program.  

• Keynote presentations $10. 
• Breakout sessions $8. 
• Performance teas $18. 
• Evening DINNER performances $25. 
• Money-saving, 4-day “passports” TBA
• Money-saving, 1-day pass TBA.

Throughout DeFuniak Springs.

• Our "Welcome Center" is set up at the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood on Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs.  This is where you check-in, purchase tickets, enjoy continental breakfast, pick up a printed program, get directions to other locations, etc.
• First United Methodist Church on Circle Drive (across from Hall of Brotherhood) is the location of our keynote speakers.  The sanctuary is large enough to hold 350 people, and the congregation is kind to allow us to use this facility and electronic equipment for the event.
• Breakout sessions are held at the Wise Education Center (next to the Walton County High School in DeFuniak Springs), First United Methodist Church classrooms, the DeFuniak Springs Community Center and the Walton County Fairgrounds.
• Florida Chautauqua History Exhibit and food court will be at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center.
• Live animal displays and shows are held at the Walton County Fairgrounds just a few blocks from the DeFuniak Springs Community Center. 

We are taking reservations for 4-day passports now.  Call us at 850-892-7613              850-892-7613 or e-mail us at cmitchell002@panhandle.rr.com.  Individual session/event tickets can be purchased at the Hall of Brotherhood on Circle Drive during the assembly, but some sessions could fill up by those purchasing 4-day passports in advance.   If you plan to attend only select sessions, you may wish to call in advance to make sure seating is still available at that session, particularly at our signature performance teas.

Revenues from 4-day passports, 1-day passes and individual tickets help to cover the cost of speaker transportation and accommodations.  Many of our presenters support our organization and efforts to orchestrate the official Florida Chautauqua Assembly by not charging a speaker fee, but the Florida Chautauqua Center, Inc. offers to cover travel and lodging expenses.  Your purchase of a passport, pass or ticket helps to support our annual, historic program.

Yes!  We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and we receive donations frequently from individuals like you who wish to support our program and be listed in our annual program.  We also receive grants from the following:

• The City of DeFuniak Springs
• Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa (Sandestin, FL)
• The Little Big Store, DeFuniak Springs

If you feel your foundation financially supports goals like ours, please let us hear from you.  (850) 892-7613.