Ravinia Festival
- 200-231 Ravinia Park Rd.
- Highland Park, IL 60035
- 847-266-5100
Music under the stars attracts thousands each summer to this world-renowned music and dance festival. While classical programming is the core, this year you'll hear Lyle Lovett, Wyclef Jean, Elvis Costello and more. Tote a picnic (regulars insist on glass stemware, linens, fresh flowers and candles) or buy fixin's at one of the in-park eateries, which as of 2007, include two sit-down restaurants and a take-away eatery. Rent chairs and tables for more comfortable lawn listening or bring your own (grills and tents are not allowed on Ravinia property). Tip: Skip traffic and parking hassles by hopping the Ravinia special Metra train that stops right at the front gate.
See the complete lineup for Ravinia 2008
See the complete lineup for Ravinia 2008
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Lake-Cook and Green Bay.
- Parking:
- Free Lot, Paid Lot, and Street Parking Difficult. Green Bay Road, just north of Lake-Cook Road; $7 on pavilion performance nights; free on Martin Theatre performance nights. Some free lots are serviced by free Park-N-Ride buses; call for information on buses and lots.
- Public Transportation:
-
Metra operates a "Ravinia Special" train that leaves from Ogilvie Transportation Center downtown, with limited stops between downtown and Ravinia. For details, call 312-836-7000.
Note: Bikes are not allowed on Ravinia property. Metra Train: Union Pacific North Line, Ravinia stop.
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes. All facilities are wheelchair-accessible. Parking (with authorized ID) is available on the right-of-way south of the West Gate and in the main lot off Green Bay Road.
The Basics
- Hours:
-
Performances in the Pavilion usually at 8 p.m.; park usually opens at 5 p.m (check specific shows for start times). The west parking lot opens one hour earlier than the park.
Restaurants and concessions open when gates open. Mirabelle closes when performance starts; concessions close one-half hour before performace ends.
- Reservations:
- Accepted. For Mirabelle only (call Levy Restaurants to make a reservation)
- Alcohol:
- Beer, BYOB, and Wine. Some vendors sell mixed drinks.
- Smoking:
- No
- Admission Price:
-
Lawn: $10 unless otherwise noted; pavilion: $25-$90.
Discounts are offered for seniors and children under five at CSO performances (lawn only). Not free.
- Music Style:
- World, Jazz, Oldies, Pop, Rhythm & Blues, Blues, Classical, Country, Folk, Gospel, Irish, and Soul
- Audience:
- Families. Children under 7 are not allowed in the pavilion (except Kraft Kids Concerts), Martin Theatre or Bennett Gordon Hall.
- Recreation Facilities:
- Park
Features
- Live Music:
- Yes
- Food:
- Mirabelle (sit down restaurant), Le Cafe, Carousel and Gatehouse (concessions), plus cart service in the park. Picnicking is encouraged on grounds.
- Features:
- Catering and On-site Merchandise. Through Levy Restaurants at 847-432-7550. Blankets, picnic gear, wine totes, picnic baskets. Catering, chair rental, table rental, hearing devices. No buffet For catered events only through Levy Restaurants at 847-432-7550
- Facilities:
- Private Party and Banquet Facilities and Rentals Available. No pets Except service dogs. The chef's table at Mirabelle Restaurant and private catered events on the lawn through Levy Restaurants at 847-432-7550
- Worth Noting:
- Recommended
- Payment Methods:
- American Express, Diners Club, Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes. Lawn seating for all pavilion concerts.
- Seating :
- 3,200 in pavilion, 450 in Bennett-Gordon Hall, 850 in Martin Theatre, about 15,000 on the lawn.
Write a review
Rate Ravinia Festival
"MUST -DO"
MDCHITOWN from Lincoln Park - April 18, 2008
Ravinia is a "must-do" for during our precious Chicago summers. You can bring your own food, wine, and picnic lay outs. After going a few times you...
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Calendar of Events
Ravinia Festival
-
Tiempo Libre
5/31/2008 - 7:30 PM -
Russian American Kids Circus
6/01/2008 - 2:00 PM -
James Taylor and his Band of Legends
6/06/2008 - 7:30 PM



