Heading to Ravinia Festival this summer? With so many great shows it’s good to be prepared for your Ravinia experience, particularly if you have never been there before.
First, know that you will be outside. This of course means be prepared for the weather. Highland Park is often a bit cooler than other suburbs or even the city, so having a jacket or blanket is definitely a good idea.
I also suggest bringing some sort of rain gear. Your ticket is non-refundable in the case of bad weather but it is good to be prepared, plus my Murphy’s Law mantra is if you are ready for rain it won’t come (just like if you forget your sunglasses it will likely be very sunny).
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If you have pavilion tickets you can pretty much just show up. If you are hungry or thirsty there is a plethora of choices including dining at one of their gourmet restaurants (several take reservations). However, keep in mind that you cannot bring food or drinks into the pavilion.
Also, know that you cannot enter the pavilion midsong; you must wait for it to end (similar to how you cannot get to your seat at a Blackhawks game until a play is over). This can be a real issue during a CSO performance.
When I have pavilion seats, I still bring along my picnic gear and set up on the lawn. I prefer to relax in the lawn for much of the evening and head into the pavilion for several songs to get a good view.
If you plan on sitting on the lawn here is my bring-along-list:
- blanket or tarp to set up my “area” (everyone does this) and allow the ability to kick off my shoes to relax
- fold up chairs, portable picnic table (though you can rent these on site if you don’t want to lug that stuff around)
- Candles (I do it for the mood, but you can bring citronella candles to help with bugs)
- Vase/Flower (again, for the mood)
- Wine glasses (plastic is better, but you can bring in glass), cork screw – and of course wine!
- Rolling cooler (much easier than carrying one) with ice and food/drinks
When you pack up your cooler you literally can bring in any sort of food or drink you like. It’s my favorite thing about seeing shows at Ravinia – not being at the mercy of a concession stand.
That being said, you don’t need to bring anything. The Ravinia Market is a great place to grab a bite to bring back to your lawn area, and there are a number of other places to find delicious food and yummy cocktails.
Particularly if you have children (or even if you don’t) the lawn is a lovely place to be at a Ravinia show. If you plan on sitting on the lawn the best thing to do is arrive before gates open and enter early to find a good spot.
What is a good spot? That’s the interesting part. On most of the lawn you actually cannot see the stage, though I was there for Robert Cray/John Hiatt and set up just behind the back of the pavilion adjacent to the center aisle and I actually had a good view. Select shows have big screens set up on the lawn, so if you arrive early you can find a good viewing spot.
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No matter what, you will hear the show; Ravinia has one the best sound systems of any outdoor concert venue.
Know that you are allowed to stand and watch the show behind the pavilion, so I recommend taking a stroll up there during the show at some point.
Speaking of taking a stroll…that’s something I do every time I see a show at Ravinia. The grounds are gorgeous. Once I set up my lawn area and pour my first glass of wine I like to walk around. I love seeing the art, flowers and also what other people bring (gives me ideas for my next Ravinia experience).
The gift shop is spectacular. And if you forget something like glasses or a corkscrew they’ve got you covered. They also sell nifty coolers and other items to help make your Ravinia lawn experience even better.
If you have never been to Ravinia, then a stroll around the grounds is a great way to discover all of the dining options (there’s a great ice cream booth my kids love) and note where the restrooms are located. Plus, if you do arrive early you have plenty of time before the show begins; who wants to sit stagnant for two hours?
How to get to Ravinia
If you live in the city or anywhere along the Union Pacific North Metra Line (Chicago to Kenosha) then taking the train is the wisest way to get to Ravinia. It literally drops you off right at the gate. When looking at the schedule it’s the Ravinia Park stop that drops you at the front gate; however the Braeside and Ravinia stops are also extremely close.
When you are ready to leave just check video screens at the West gate for train departure times. If you drive, you can park in the West lot, but its parking spots fill up rather quickly.
There is a parking fee of $25 for pop and jazz shows or $10 for classical concerts in the pavilion (free for Martin Theatre, Kraft Kids Concerts and dance concerts). Parking is cash only. The West Lot opens one hour prior to published park opening time.
Another option is to use their Park ‘N Ride lots. Parking is free and free shuttle buses run from the remote lots 30 minutes before the opening of the Park each evening, and continue to operate throughout the evening (buses do NOT operate for Kids Concerts, dance events in the pavilion or Martin Theatre concerts). The buses are handicap-accessible and will accommodate your picnic gear. Click here for all of the parking details including a map.
If you become a donor then you are able to enter the park before the public and park your car in special lots among other perks – plus, you will be supporting a marvelous organization. Find more information here.
Hope this list helps you prepare for your Ravinia experience.