Ravinia at a Glance:
According to Ravinia's Web site, in 1904, the A.C. Frost Company created Ravinia as an amusement park, which boasted a baseball diamond, electric fountain and refectory or casino building with dining rooms and a dance floor. The prairie-style Martin Theatre (then called Ravinia Theatre) is the only original building on the grounds. Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in North America and is known for presenting world-class music during a three-month period each summer. The festival attracts about 600,000 visitors to roughly 150 events that include classical and jazz, as well as music theater. (Tip: Learn everything about classical music from our Classical Music Guide, and learn about jazz from our Jazz Guide.
Concerts:
Ravinia is best known for its lawn, where people picnic under the stars and listen to a wide variety of concerts every summer at Ravinia. While the main pavilion stage where the concerts are held can not be viewed from most parts of the lawn, you can still easily hear the concert thanks to Ravinia's impressive sound system. Seating can be reserved in the pavilion. On the lawn, it is first-come first-serve in terms of where you sit. Most concerts have opening acts. Here is a list of the 2011 Ravinia concert series, which includes classical concerts, as well as famous performers like Lyle Lovett, Steely Dan, and more.
Location:
Ravinia Festival is located at Lake Cook and Green Bay roads in Highland Park, IL. Exact address is 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park,IL, 60035.
Getting There:
There are several ways to get to Ravinia. You can take the Metra Train, which stops at Ravinia's Tyler Gate (Ravinia Park stop). Tickets can be as low as $7. You can also drive to Ravinia. Parking costs between $10 and $20 and is located at 200 Ravinia Park Road in Highland Park, IL. Ravinia also has several Park 'N Ride locations where a bus will shuttle you to the park. Buses are free. (Tip: Check out our Using Public Transportation in Chicago Guide for more ways to get to Ravinia on mass transit.)
Tickets:
You can purchase tickets on Ravinia's Web site or you can call 847-266-5100. Kids under 15, as well as high school and college students with valid student I.D.s, are free on the lawn at all classical concerts. Tip: Listen to the music of Ravinia artists at the festival’s free online radio station at Raviniaradio.org, which is available 24 hours a day.
Dining:
Most people bring a picnic to Ravinia and enjoy sitting on the park's outdoor lawn area with speakers set up so you can hear the concert. The park does have several on-site restaurants, including:
- Park View - seasonal, contemporary foods
- Mirabelle - local Midwest foods
- Ravinia Market - sandwiches and salads
- Carousel Ice Cream - as the name implies: ice cream!
- The Gatehouse - takeout snacks and beverages, including wine and beer.
Contact Information:
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Ravinia's Web site or call the Ravinia Box Office at 847-266-5100. You can also follow Ravinia on Twitter @raviniafestival.
