Ravinia
UPDATED 2019
Ravinia - one of the wonders of the North Shore! It is a summer staple for many and is located right here on 
the North Shore in Highland Park. There are other outdoor venues throughout the United States - Wolf Trap in Virginia, Red Rocks and the Gorge in Colorado, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. But I don't think they appreciate sitting out on a warm summer evening as much as we Chicagoans do.
The festival generally spans from early June through mid-September and acts include such heavyweights as Carrie Underwood, Steeley Dan, John Legend, Buddy Guy, Sheryl Crow, and Maroon 5. Also included are many dates for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, plus visiting conductors, music ensembles, string quartets, dance companies, chamber players, and more big names like James Taylor, Tony Bennett, Anita Baker, Midori, Sarah McLachlan, Diana Krall, Seal, and Glen Campbell on his farewell tour.
There are three ways to enjoy the concert: reserved open-air pavilion seating, terrace dining, and the most popular by far - the lawn experience. 
Ravinia is vast - there are 36 acres of manicured lawn and trees and they do an excellent job of eliminating bugs. Getting tickets in the pavilion is best if you want to SEE the concert -it is important to note that you will not see the performance from the lawn areas. But there are many strategically placed speakers throughout the park and if you really want to have a peek, guests are allowed to walk up to the pavilion and stand for a while.
The Ravinia lawn experience is all about fun - event-goers bring small tables, candles, blankets, chairs, 
and of course, good food and wine. Since the gates open two hours before the show, regulars use that time wisely. We use a small Radio Flyer wagon to haul our things in and out, but if you're not up to it, you may purchase food on the premises. By the time the concert starts, blankets are touching and the grass is barely visible. It's time to stretch out, relax, and enjoy the evening's performance.
Please do NOT bring the following items as they are not permitted at Ravinia:
- no grilled is allowed so bring prepared food
- no tents, canopies, or stakes
- beer kegs
- animals (other than service) bikes, scooters, or skates. (You can bike to Ravinia and secure your bike in the races outside.)
- balls or frisbees - attendees can play cards or board games within their space.
- photographic or audio recording devices
- weapons
- cigarettes/cigars - Ravinia is a no-smoking environment
Ravinia is accessible by train (Ravinia stop on the North line,) car, or park-and-ride.
Ravinia Current Full Schedule
Ravina Festival
200 Ravinia Park Road
Highland Park, IL
847-255-5100 (box office)
(All photos used with permission of Ravinia Festival)
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