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The Ravinia Experience
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!

The Pavilion 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.

The Martin Theatre 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. In the intimacy of the Martin Theatre, you get so close to the performers that by the end of the concert, you feel as though you know them.

Bennett*Gordon Hall Located at the southern-most section of the park, Bennett*Gordon Hall, in the John D. Harza building, is a 450-seat, jewel-like recital hall, home to the Steans Institute for Young Artists. Each summer, dozens of the brightest young musicians come to Ravinia to study with world-renowned faculty and coaches. Ravinia presents these brilliant rising stars in free performances and master classes throughout the summer. Click here for more information.

The Lawn Ravinia’s expansive lawn offers an informal and comfortable place to picnic while enjoying Pavilion and Martin Theatre concerts, broadcast to the lawn audience through our state-of-the-art sound system. Bring your own picnic or visit our variety of on-site restaurants and food and beverage kiosks. Stretch out on a blanket you bring, or rent a lawn chair from us. We make it easy!

It's a whole new Ravinia Experience Terrace Seating Now you can enjoy the concert from your dinner table on the terraces of Ravinia’s new Park View Restaurant, overlooking the festival’s famous lawn. Terrace seating is available during pop concerts. $100.00 covers your elegant, chef-prepared quartet dinner and secures your seat on the terrace during the concert. Call 847-432-7550 for reservations.