2026 Silver Lake Experience

Enjoy the 2026 Silver Lake Experience!

The Silver Lake Experience offers a three-day "Chautauqua" collaboration by the Silver Lake Institute and Asbury Retreat Center. They are excited to offer over 90 excellent workshops covering educational, recreational, spiritual, cultural, historical, and social justice topics. Breakfast and lunch served daily. 

The event takes place from July 30 - August 1.

Thursday, July 30

Kick off the Silver Lake Experience with a full day of engaging educational and recreational programs. Choose from sessions on comic book history, bookbinding, origami, mushroom growing, pollinator gardening, DNA genealogy, pickleball, kayaking, cottage and boathouse tours, cooking demonstrations, line dancing, dream analysis, and architecture.

The evening concludes with desserts, a performance by the Carnival Kids Steel Orchestra, and a lantern walk along the lake.

Click here for a list of Thursday's programs & times.

Friday, July 31

Friday's schedule offers an eclectic mix of history, arts, wellness, and hands-on activities. Attendees can explore the Pioneer Museum, tour East Hill Creamery, create terrariums, learn about 3D printing, watercolor painting, pottery, book clubs, preservation, mindfulness, and the history of the Silver Lake Institute.

Evening activities include live acoustic music at the Blue Dock, a sunset boat ride, Mahjong, pickleball, a scavenger hunt, desserts, and a lantern walk.

Click here for a list of Friday's programs & times.

Saturday, August 1

The final day features workshops, outdoor adventures, and the new Sea Serpent Saturday Family Day. Programs include forest therapy, pollinator gardening, chair yoga, journaling, drum circles, antiques appraisal, library trends, local history, art classes, pickleball, boat rides, and an art show.

Families can enjoy themed activities inspired by Silver Lake's legendary sea serpent, including crafts, nature programs, architectural adventures, and storytelling.

The weekend concludes with a puppet show, the musical performance Sea Serpents and Restless Spirits, and a lantern walk.

Click here for a list of Saturday's programs & times.

Register now to participate in these unique experiences!