The Ravinia Festival 2026 returns to Highland Park, Illinois, as North America’s oldest outdoor music festival and one of its most vibrant summer cultural destinations. From June through September, the historic park transforms into an open-air stage where orchestral tradition, contemporary artistry, jazz, pop, and experimental collaborations meet under the summer sky. The season also marks the continued evolution of the newly redesigned Hunter Pavilion, elevating the listening experience for audiences and artists alike.

At the heart of Ravinia remains its long-standing artistic partnership with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, whose summer residency anchors the festival’s classical identity while expanding into bold cross-genre collaborations. The 2026 programme reflects Ravinia’s signature diversity: symphonic concerts, chamber music series, jazz projects, and major headline performances that bring world-renowned artists to a uniquely intimate outdoor setting.

The season opens with a spectacular Grand Opening Night on July 11, 2026, featuring conductor Marin Alsop and pianist Yunchan Lim, alongside a special guest appearance by global superstar Lizzo. This concert sets the tone for a festival defined by unexpected artistic encounters and boundary-crossing collaborations.

The following nights continue with high-profile performances across genres. On July 12, legendary performer Billy Idol appears with the Tom Hamilton Band, bringing rock energy to the Ravinia stage. Mid-July features acclaimed vocalist Harry Connick Jr. and the genre-blending ensemble Squirrel Nut Zippers, highlighting the festival’s embrace of American musical traditions in all their forms.

One of the most anticipated classical-adjacent highlights arrives on July 17–18, when iconic singer-songwriter Paul Simon performs a special engagement, reaffirming his enduring influence on contemporary music and live performance culture.

The season also includes innovative orchestral collaborations, such as St. Vincent’s performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on July 25, combining orchestral richness with modern alternative songwriting in a uniquely Ravinia-style fusion of genres.

Alongside the headline concerts, Ravinia’s Steans Institute continues its mission of cultivating the next generation of classical musicians. Chamber music sessions, masterclasses, and curated performances by emerging artists offer audiences a closer look at the future of the art form, presented with exceptional intimacy and artistic focus.

What defines Ravinia is not only its programming, but its atmosphere: audiences gather on the lawn, under trees and stars, sharing picnics and music in a setting that dissolves the distance between stage and listener. Every performance becomes part of a larger summer ritual — relaxed, communal, and deeply immersive.

The Ravinia Festival 2026 stands as a celebration of musical diversity and artistic connection, where classical excellence meets popular culture, and every evening offers a different soundscape of summer in Chicago.

About the Ravinia Festival

Located just north of Chicago, the Ravinia Festival is one of the oldest and most celebrated outdoor music festivals in the United States. Since its founding in 1904, Ravinia has become a unique destination where world-class performances, historic charm, and the beauty of nature come together to create unforgettable summer evenings.

Set within the peaceful surroundings of Ravinia Park, the festival offers an extraordinary variety of musical experiences, from classical masterpieces to jazz, contemporary music, and popular performances. Its diverse programming attracts leading artists, orchestras, conductors, and ensembles from around the world, making Ravinia one of the most dynamic cultural institutions in North America.

The festival is closely associated with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which has been the resident orchestra of Ravinia since 1936. Each summer, the orchestra presents a rich series of concerts featuring renowned guest conductors and soloists, continuing a tradition of orchestral excellence that has defined the festival for generations.

Ravinia’s most iconic venue, the Ravinia Pavilion, provides a spectacular setting for large-scale performances. The open-air pavilion, surrounded by trees and gardens, creates an atmosphere that is both elegant and relaxed, allowing audiences to enjoy exceptional music under the summer sky.

The festival experience extends beyond the stage: visitors can enjoy picnics on the lawn, explore the beautiful grounds, and immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere that has made Ravinia a beloved cultural tradition.

Historic, inspiring, and uniquely connected to nature, the Ravinia Festival offers a one-of-a-kind celebration of music where artistic excellence meets the timeless magic of summer evenings outdoors.