Ravinia   

There’s more to Ravinia than merely the world’s greatest music. For as many people who walk through Ravinia’s gate each summer, there are just as many ways to enjoy what we call “The Ravinia Experience.”

For some, it all starts with a picnic picked up along the way, followed by a hop on the train and greeting your friends at your favorite spot on the lawn. Gradually, day turns into evening, and from the comfort of your perfect lawn spot, it culminates in a great concert by candlelight as you gaze at the stars above.

For others, it’s a dinner reservation at one of Ravinia’s popular on-site restaurants followed by a casual stroll to the Pavilion, where you go to see and hear the stars on the stage.

Bring your own lavish picnic, treat yourself to an ice cream cone at intermission, or just come as you are and leave the details to us.

Since 1904, Ravinia has been Chicago’s “sound of summer,” a place where you can meet up with your friends, have a wonderful time and hear some of the greatest music in the world. We’ve got stars on the stage and stars in the sky, and it’s all within your reach. Enjoy!

Ravinia’s 3,200-seat open-air, covered Pavilion is the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, jazz luminaries and legends, and some of the greatest pop, folk, blues and country musicians of today. Since the early 1900’s, Ravinia has presented opera in concert. Today, it continues that tradition with rare productions of world music, as well as concert performances of opera with supertitles and musical theater.

Just inside the West Gate and steps from the train, the historic Martin Theatre is the only original building at Ravinia that still remains, since the park opened in 1904. Beautifully restored in 1996, the 850-seat recital hall is home to stunning chamber music and recital programs, jazz events during Jazz in June and also Martinis at the Martin, Ravinia’s cabaret series featuring great vocalists performing hits from the Great American Songbook.