The Beat

Jamestown, NY – October 25, 2024 –The National Comedy Center, the United States’ official museum and archive dedicated to the art of comedy, announced a special exhibit celebrating Lear’s storied legacy in comedy and civic engagement, opening today.

2024 marks the first modern election absent the legendary comedy producer and writer who passed in December 2023 after dedicating his life’s work to championing all Americans’ right to equal participation in the democratic process—starting with the right to vote.  Lear’s contributions are being honored with an installation inside the Comedy Center’s galleries in Jamestown, NY, and in an online companion exhibit, both featuring rare archival materials and curated excerpts from Lear’s sitcoms.

Chautauqua County, N.Y. – As the summer vacation season begins in Chautauqua County in western New York state, attractions celebrate historic anniversaries and longtime family favorites open for the year. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region offers beautiful natural spaces comprised of five lakes, numerous waterways, multi-use trails, unique festivals and attractions drawing visitors from across the country.

Chautauqua County, N.Y. – For the first time in almost a century, a Total Solar Eclipse will take place in New York State and Chautauqua County will be in the path of 100% totality for viewing! The Eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8th, 2024 between 2:04 pm and 4:31pm and reach totality at 3:17 pm for approximately 4 minutes. With a total eclipse happening every hundred years or so, this is truly a once in a lifetime event! …

Museum to Celebrate the Legendary Comedian, known as “Mr. Warmth”, with Rare Artifacts on Display and Signature “Insults” for Visitors

Jamestown, New York – November 16, 2023 – The National Comedy Center, the United States’ official cultural institution dedicated to the art form of comedy, announced today that it will be preserving an archival collection from Don Rickles’ estate, showcasing the late comedy legend’s six-decade career. The collection spans from the 1950s to 2000s, chronicling a storied life in comedy through rare photographs, correspondence, creative papers, and wardrobe—all of which will be preserved at the National Comedy Center.

Jamestown, N.Y. - - Mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 2nd, because the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY is hosting a free, unforgettable night of laughter that will have everyone, from the littlest giggle monsters to the seasoned comedy connoisseurs, rolling in the aisles. 

Jamestown, N.Y., June 8, 2023 – On the 90^th birthday of the late comedy icon Joan Rivers, her daughter Melissa Rivers announced that the National Comedy Center, the United States’ official cultural institution dedicated to the art form of comedy, will become the home of Joan Rivers’ career archive including a file cabinet containing over 65,000 original jokes spanning from the start of her career in the 1950s to 2014 when she passed away. 

Supported with $1.22 Million from Ralph C. Wilson Foundation

New 3.6-Mile Trail Expands Access to Popular Quaker Lake Beach Area for Campers, Hikers and Bikers

Historic Ferris Wheel to Open at Midway State Park  

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a new $6.8 million multi-use trail at Allegany State Park that provides an accessible alternative for bikers, hikers and campers to reach the park's popular Quaker Lake beach area. The new trail is open in time for the summer camping season at Allegany State Park, which boasts the largest campground in the state park system.

Make a summer escape to the Empire State as new music festivals, museums and outdoor attractions  welcome visitors, while new lodging and dining provide comfort for every type of trip 

New York, NY (May 18, 2023) – The summer travel season is one of the most popular times to explore new places and events, and New York State is poised to welcome travelers this year with outdoor experiences and festivals that make any summer getaway shine. Let the shimmer of a lakeside campsite, the luster of a renovated retro motor lodge, the polished performers of a music festival, or the sparkling glassware in a new restaurant or brewery light the way to a fun-filled summer. …

Ticket Pre-Sale for Festival Events Starts Friday, May 12 for National Comedy Center Members

Public On-Sale Begins Friday, May 19

Jamestown, New York – May 5, 2023 – The National Comedy Center, the nation’s official museum and cultural institution dedicated to comedy, announced today that comedians Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and Taylor Tomlinson will headline the 2023 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, August 2 through 6.

Chautauqua County, N.Y. – Chautauqua County receives a large amount of snow every winter, up to 150 inches annually, due to its proximity to Lake Erie making it the perfect destination for a winter getaway.