Ravinia Festival

Schedule

1. Summer 2026 — Concert Season: Ravinia lists 90+ concerts across Hunter Pavilion, Martin Theatre, Bennett Gordon Hall, Carousel Stage, and the lawn. Check the official calendar for the live artist-by-date grid.
2. July-August — CSO Residency Window: Chicago Symphony Orchestra nights are the sleeper value: world-class programming, picnic culture, and lawn tickets that feel civilized compared with downtown summer crowds.
3. Aug. 1 - Sept. 19 — Remaining-Season Watch: Use this listing for late-summer planning; popular pavilion shows can sell out while lawn inventory remains the practical fallback.

What to expect

North America's oldest outdoor music festival in Highland Park (NORTH SUBURB, not Chicago city), running June 3–September 23, 2026 with 90+ concerts. The newly revamped Hunter Pavilion stage debuts. 2026 lineup: Paul Simon, Gladys Knight, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Jacob Collier, Hugh Jackman, Rod Stewart, Kool & The Gang, Chance the Rapper, Ricky Martin, Alabama Shakes, Ray LaMontagne, Miranda Lambert, Ziggy Marley. Chicago Symphony Orchestra residency starts July 11 for the 90th anniversary. 50+ artist debuts.

Tickets

Tickets are sold through Ravinia's official site/account system. Ravinia explicitly warns against third-party sellers, says all guests need a ticket for park admission regardless of age, and delivers tickets through the Ravinia app. No refunds are given unless a performance is canceled in full with no replacement scheduled. Pavilion seats and lawn admission vary sharply by artist; the lawn is usually the best-value Chicago move if the act is not a must-see-from-row-10 situation.

Transit

Metra Union Pacific North line direct to Ravinia Park station — drops you AT the venue, no transfer. Ravinia runs a special 'Ravinia Express' from Northwestern Highland Park, Glenview, and Lake Forest stations on concert nights. Driving: 41/Sheridan to the venue, but parking ($20–$30) fills 90 minutes before showtime; satellite lots with shuttle exist. Don't drive to a Saturday show — Metra is the local move.

Bag policy

Lawn-friendly bag policy: soft-sided coolers permitted, picnic blankets, low chairs, food and wine encouraged on the lawn. Glass not banned but discouraged. Pavilion seats: bring small bag only, no coolers. Strict no-outside-alcohol on Pavilion side; lawn is permissive. Check ravinia.org for the specific list.

Family-friendly

Lawn picnic culture is genuinely the best classical-music-with-kids setup in the metro area. Strollers welcome on the lawn (some areas restricted), kids'-pack programming for select family concerts, and the Ravinia grounds have shaded picnic areas, indoor restrooms, and a children's playground. Toddlers nap through the orchestra; this is where Chicago families teach their kids to like music.

Local tips

1. Take Metra's Union Pacific North line when it works for your show. The Ravinia stop is at the gate for most performances, and it saves you from Highland Park parking stress.
2. Do not buy Ravinia tickets from random resale links or social DMs. Ravinia's own page warns guests to use official tickets, and all tickets are app-delivered.
3. For first-timers, lawn beats Pavilion unless the exact artist is the point. The picnic culture is the brand: blanket, low chairs, real food, and a slow evening under the trees.
4. Bring layers. Highland Park can feel much cooler after sunset than wherever you boarded the train in Chicago.
5. If you are bringing kids, remember they still need park admission tickets even when a ticket is free of charge.
6. Parking and drop-off rules vary by performance, and Ravinia says neighborhood street drop-offs are prohibited. Confirm the specific show page before you drive.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ravinia free?

No. Every guest needs a ticket for park admission, including children and even tickets sold free of charge. Prices vary by performance and seating area.

Where should I buy tickets?

Use Ravinia's official website/account system. Ravinia specifically warns guests to be wary of third-party sellers and uses app-based digital tickets.

Can I take transit?

Yes. Metra's Union Pacific North line stops at Ravinia's main entrance for most performances, which is usually easier than driving for major shows.

What is the local move?

Pick the lawn for a first Ravinia night, pack a proper picnic, and use Pavilion seats only when the artist or orchestra program is worth the premium.