BACK IN TOWN
On Rhododendron Festival Week, The New Old Time Chautauqua (NOTC) returns to Port Townsend to expand traditions and renew connections across generational and cultural divides. The PT Chautauqua on Rhody Week is based on the old traveling or “circuit” Chautauqua - a community building and celebratory event.
2025 DATES
MAY 16 - 18
The Heart of the Port Townsend Chautauqua is the “BIG SHOW” Saturday May 17 at 7pm at the American Legion Hall in downtown Port Townsend. Featuring some of the best vaudeville acts in the world, bar none, this world class show is gonna knock your sox off and then tickle your feet 'til you're laughing so hard you'll be begging us to stop!!! All proceeds support NOTC’s 2025 Summer Tour and all its year round activities.
The New Old Time Chautauqua (NOTC) is back in town during Rhody Fest 2025! Paul Magid, a co-founder of NOTC and of the Flying Karamazov Brothers, says, “This year’s BIG SHOW is going to be one for the ages.” Besides including Broadway stars, the Flying Karamazov Brothers; and rock star, Artis the Spoonman; this year’s family friendly smash hit show will feature Kevin Murphy, renowned Northwest poet; magician, Tobias Weinberger; singer song-writer, Kym Trippsmith; clown of mystery, 8’ high, Godfrey Daniels; The Great Noodlini; Rollo Bollo Rocker, Miles Freelan; and the greatest marching band celebrating their 50th year of fun and music, the Fighting Instruments of Karma Marching Chamber Band/Orchestra!!! The show starts at 7pm on Saturday May 17 at the American Legion. You can't afford to miss it. We can't afford for you to miss it. Get your tickets while they're hot, they're selling like pancakes!!!
Saturday May 17 at 7PM
at the American Legion
About 2025 Port Townsend Chautauqua
on Rhododendron Festival Week
The New Old Time Chautauqua (NOTC) returns to Port Townsend, in joyful collaboration with The Production Alliance and a Jeffco created Makers Market, to complement the 2025 “90 Years of Rhody” events with a multiplicity of opportunities for meeting, celebrating, and coming together. The New Old Time Chautauqua is pleased to be part of “90 Years of Rhody.”
Read more below!!!
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
FRI 16 “EAST MEETS WEST” OPEN HOUSE 7:30PM
GET TOGETHER FOR EAST AND WEST JEFFERSON COUNTY
AMERICAN LEGION
Come to the American Legion right after the Kiddie Parade at 4, Hair and Beard Contest at 6, and the Bed Races at 6;30!! Connect with Jefferson County neighbors from near and far, share Rhody memories from the past, make new memories for the future, and support KPTZ, The Rhody Fest Association, and The New Old Time Chautauqua. A great way to kick off the weekend!!
SAT 17 RHODY FESTIVAL GRAND PARADE 1PM
CAKE PICNIC - “THE FINAL SLICE” 3PM -ish
POPE MARINE PARK
After 13 years of free cake and community celebration, the iconic Cake Picnic event is coming to a close with its 13th and final installment, Cake Picnic XIII, during the Rhododendron Festival Grand Parade in Port Townsend. Join us as we celebrate this beloved tradition with the 26,000th slice of cake served to the community.
“THE BIG SHOW 7PM
NEW OLD TIME CHAUTAUQUA BENEFIT SHOW
TICKETS ONLINE - $20 ADULTS $10 KIDS - AMERICAN LEGION
The Heart of the Port Townsend Chautauqua is the “BIG SHOW” at the American Legion Hall in downtown Port Townsend. Featuring some of the best vaudeville acts in the world, bar none, this world class show is gonna knock your sox off and then tickle your feet 'til you're laughing so hard you'll be begging us to stop!!! All proceeds support NOTC’s 2025 Summer Tour and all its year round activities. This year’s Aqua Chautauqua “Eau Canada” tour takes them by sailboat as goodwill ambassadors to our Canadian neighbors in the Gulf Islands. This is their 44th year building community through laughter, entertainment, and education.
SUN 18 PT CHAUTAUQUA DOWNTOWN 11AM - 4PM
“HONORING ELDERS AND YOUTH” - 11AM
COMMUNITY GATHERING FOR REMEMBRANCE AND CELEBRATION
COTTON BUILDING
Sunday morning, after all of the frenzy and festivities of Rhody Week and The Grand Parade, Cake Picnic, The BIG Show, Rhody Run and even more, take a breath and come together between 11am and 12pm at the Cotton Building to honor our elders and our youth - community leaders past, present, and future. This is an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for the many people who contribute to enriching, sustaining, and nourishing our community. Come and allow us to honor you, or invite someone you would like us to honor. The Cotton Building will remain open until 4pm for further visits and a chance to add your reflections during the Jefferson County and Salish Sea Makers Market at Pope Marine Park running from 11am - 4pm and showcasing the talents of local artists and makers and a wide variety of handmade goods.
MAKERS MARKET 11AM - 4PM
POPE MARINE PLAZA
This Jeffco created Makers Market showcases the talents of local artists and makers offering a wide variety of handmade goods and an opportunity to support these makers from our community.
