Ravinia Festival

Pavilion Lawn Picnics

Guests spread blankets on the expansive lawns for pre-concert picnics with wine and gourmet spreads, creating a communal ritual un…

Metra Train Arrival at Ravinia Station

Step off the only private train stop in Illinois directly into the festival grounds, evoking 1904 origins as a railroad resort. Th…

Martin Theatre Chamber Concerts

Housed in prairie-style architecture, this intimate indoor hall hosts chamber music and recitals with pristine acoustics, offering…

Ravinia's annual summer residency features the CSO in the open-air Pavilion, delivering classical masterpieces amid a wooded amphitheater unmatched elsewhere. This tradition anchors the festival's classical roots and draws global audiences. Summer (June-September)

Guests spread blankets on the expansive lawns for pre-concert picnics with wine and gourmet spreads, creating a communal ritual unique to Ravinia's park setting. This enhances every show, from rock to jazz, in a family-friendly outdoor haven. Summer (June-September)

Step off the only private train stop in Illinois directly into the festival grounds, evoking 1904 origins as a railroad resort. This seamless, nostalgic entry sets Ravinia apart from car-dependent venues. Summer (June-September)

Housed in prairie-style architecture, this intimate indoor hall hosts chamber music and recitals with pristine acoustics, offering close-up encounters with elite performers. It contrasts the outdoor spectacle for a refined classical experience. Summer (June-September)

The new Hunter Pavilion delivers immersive audio-visual shows by debuting artists across genres, elevating Ravinia's innovation in a state-of-the-art space. Its 2026 openings spotlight 50+ fresh acts in one of the festival's most exciting seasons. Summer (June-September)

Ravinia's lineup spotlights jazz legends and blues acts on the Pavilion stage, blending sultry sounds with fireflies and breezes for an unparalleled al fresco vibe. This genre thrives in the park's natural acoustics. Summer (June-September)

Iconic rock, pop, and indie stars fill the 36-acre park, turning lawns into massive sing-alongs visible from every vantage. Ravinia's diversity pulls acts like John Legend that define summer escapism. Summer (June-September)

Watch young virtuosos train under masters in Bennett Gordon Hall, a rare public window into elite classical development unique to Ravinia's educational mission. These free or low-cost sessions nurture future stars. Summer (June-September)

This 100-seat venue provides up-close, surround-sound encounters with emerging folk, jazz, and classical acts, fostering Ravinia's commitment to intimate discovery. It's the festival's hidden gem for audio perfectionists. Summer (June-September)

North Lawn's Carousel hosts laid-back folk, bluegrass, and local acts with general admission seating on the grass, capturing Ravinia's relaxed, community-driven side. Perfect for families seeking low-key magic. Summer (June-September)

Wander wooded paths and historic sites like the original 1904 pavilion before shows, immersing in the park's enchanting landscape that amplifies every performance. This pre-concert ritual is festival-exclusive. Summer (June-September)

Savor chef-curated meals from steak to salads at venues like Park Avenue Bistro, tailored for picnic integration and matched to concert vibes. Ravinia's food scene rivals urban spots without leaving the grounds. Summer (June-September)

Pavilion and hall stages host operatic arias and vocal ensembles, leveraging Ravinia's acoustics for soaring performances amid nature. This upholds its foundational classical focus. Summer (June-September)

Family-oriented shows introduce children to symphony, jazz, and storytelling music on dedicated stages, making Ravinia a top kid-friendly classical gateway. Interactive elements keep it engaging. Summer (June-September)

Ravinia's global beats from Latin rhythms to international fusions pulse through the park, diversifying the lineup beyond typical U.S. festivals. Dance under the stars with cultural flair. Summer (June-September)

Twangy sets on the Pavilion evoke Midwest roots, with lawn seating ideal for boot-stomping sing-alongs unique to Ravinia's versatile programming. Summer (June-September)

Urban sounds electrify the outdoor stages, drawing Chicago crowds for high-energy nights that expand Ravinia's genre-spanning reputation. Summer (June-September)

Indoor theaters revive musical theater hits with star soloists, blending nostalgia and virtuosity in Ravinia's compact, elegant spaces. Summer (June-September)

Evening classical concerts sync with natural firefly displays on the lawns, creating a bioluminescent backdrop exclusive to Ravinia's wooded summer nights. Summer (June-September)

Reserved boxes offer premium sightlines and service for headliners, elevating the outdoor festival to luxury concert status. Summer (June-September)

Curated wine events pair vintages with performances, tying into the picnic culture for sophisticated sipping amid music. Summer (June-September)

Explore remnants of 1904 rides and baseball fields turned performance zones, connecting modern shows to Ravinia's amusement park origins. Summer (June-September)

Pulsing EDM nights light up the Pavilion, a bold contrast to classical roots that showcases Ravinia's boundary-pushing diversity. Summer (June-September)

Outdoor screenings with live scores blend cinema and sound in the park, a multimedia twist on Ravinia's performance legacy. Summer (June-September)

Catch 50+ debuts across 90+ concerts, from unknowns to breakthroughs, fulfilling Ravinia's mission to spotlight emerging talent in a premier setting. Summer (June-September)

Details Ravinia's 36-acre park as North America's longest outdoor music festival with diverse genres and Chicago Symphony residency. https://www.visitlakecounty.org/RaviniaFestival

Covers the Highland Park venue's history, 400,000 attendees, facilities like Martin Theatre, and summer concert series from June to September. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravinia_Festival

Traces origins to 1904 amusement park, highlights 100+ events, Metra access, and mission for classical-to-pop diversity. https://www.ravinia.org/about