First Time At Ravinia?

Ravinia is primarily known as an outdoor venue with a gorgeous sprawling lawn. We encourage our guests to bring chairs, tables, blankets and as much food and beverages as you want, including alcohol for those 21+.

The pavilion stage is not within view of the lawn (well, most areas anyways). However, with your lawn ticket you may stand near the back or along the sides of the pavilion. Never fear, you can still hear! All concerts in the Pavilion and Martin Theatre are broadcast to the lawn via a state-of-the-art sound system.

For those of you who like the traditional concert experience, the pavilion is where it’s at. Seating begins a half-hour before the concert start time (or before the opening act). Please note that food is not permitted inside the Pavilion; however, drinks may be brought in when purchased in Ravinia’s souvenir cup. Many visitors choose to enjoy food and drink on the lawn before the concert.

Late arrivals can be a disturbance for fellow concertgoers. As a result, reserved-seat ticket holders will not be admitted to the Pavilion, Martin Theatre or Bennett Gordon Hall after the start of the performance until there is a suitable break in the program. Late seating is at the discretion of the management. This does not apply to the lawn.

Be aware that some performances may include haze, aromatics, strobe lights and/or other special effects.

Ravinia does not censor or control the content created by guest artists. If you have sensitivities to adult language or socio-political commentary, please be aware of the artists’ work before purchasing tickets to and/or attending their performances.

Firearms and explosives are prohibited, no exceptions. For your safety and the safety of all our guests, all items brought into the park (including, without limitation, coolers, picnic baskets, bags, backpacks and purses) are subject to search upon entry or reentry into the park and may also be inspected again upon entering the Pavilion. All patrons will be subject to a metal detection screening. Those who choose not to subject themselves or their personal belongings to the screening will not be permitted to enter the park or Pavilion. Be aware that added security measures may slow down an entry line, so please plan accordingly.

It’s important that you feel at home at Ravinia but you may not bring:

• Firearms or explosives (including those possessed by off-duty officers or concealed carry license holders)
• Professional photographic and video or audio recording equipment
• Grills
• Beer kegs
• Athletic equipment (e.g., balls and flying discs)
• Bicycles, scooters, or skates (bike racks can be found outside the west and south entrances)
• Pets (service animals are permitted)
• Tents or canopies
• Umbrellas over six feet in diameter
• Anything that needs to be staked into the ground
• Drones or other flying apparatus
• Firepits or large open flames

Call the box office (847-266-5100) with any questions.

ARRIVE EARLY. Ravinia is located in a highly residential area. We recommend arriving as early as possible for sold-out performances to allow extra time for traffic, crowds, parking and to secure your desired spot on the lawn.

Be considerate. On sold out nights sections of the lawn can become crowded. Please do not reserve more space than you actually need on the lawn, allowing room for your fellow concertgoers to enjoy the evening. Ravinia staff reserves the right to condense parties and reseat patrons. If you have trouble finding a spot, please find a security guard for assistance.

Forgot your tickets? Don’t worry, you can enter the park with your digital tickets or come to the box office for those with printed tickets.

Service Animals: Though pets are prohibited at Ravinia, we welcome service animals as defined by federal law. Comfort/emotional support animals will not be allowed to enter the park or Pavilion. Please note for the safety of all guests, a guest whose service animal poses a threat to the safety of other Ravinia guests or employees, or is not housebroken, may be asked to escort the animal off the premises.

In the fine print, additional ticket information:

• Your ticket is a revocable license. Admission is subject to terms, conditions and policies established by the Ravinia Festival Association.
• All programs and artists are subject to cancellation or change without notice.
• No refunds will be given unless a performance is cancelled in its entirety, with no replacement performance scheduled.
• Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the management.
• No children under 7 years of age will be admitted to reserved seats except designated family shows.
• No rain checks. Dated tickets may not be exchanged.
• Admission serves as consent for Ravinia to capture and use your photo, image and/or voice in Ravinia’s promotional materials.

Be aware that some performances may include haze, aromatics, strobe lights and/or other special effects.

Free Wi-Fi: For our customers in the park, we provide free wi-fi service under the network name "Ravinia". No password required.

Come prepared, as all concerts occur rain or shine. During the season we have an up-to-date weather forecast so you can plan ahead. Please note that all sales are final and no refunds will be made in the case of inclement weather.

Guests 21 and older may bring alcoholic beverages for adult consumption; you heard that right, BYOB! 

Ravinia offers a full bar, and alcoholic drinks may be purchased in a variety of restaurants and bars and at specialty carts throughout the park.

BYOB: is always permitted on the Lawn. In the Pavilion, drinks can be brought in using a designated cup that is available for purchase at drink carts and the gift shop.

Alcohol sales end: approximately one hour prior to the ending of the concert or following intermission.

Policy: Ravinia strictly adheres to all local and state laws regarding alcohol consumption. Guests must be expected to be "carded" for appropriate I.D. when purchasing liquor on the Ravinia grounds or during the entry screening process. Ravinia reserves the right to refuse service or admission to anyone. 

Ravinia permits a full range of drinks in the Pavilion when purchased and served in Ravinia’s souvenir cup. There is a one-time charge of $10 for the cup, and refills may be purchased at all restaurant locations and drink carts in the park. All proceeds from the souvenir cup go to Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play education programs.

Ravinia is proud to have been the nation’s first outdoor festival to create a smoke-free concert environment starting in 1995.

On January 1, 2008, the City of Highland Park, in support of the Smoke Free Illinois Act, expanded their local smoking prohibition to include outdoor parking lots, public parks, and the Green Bay Road Trail that runs in front of our main West Gate entrance.

Ravinia is pleased to offer patrons two designated smoking areas, one located at the West Gate entrance and one located in the North parking lot. Please note that these are the only two areas in which smoking will be permitted by law. Smoking is prohibited on all other festival grounds and in the Park and Ride loading areas.

E-Cigarettes

Ravinia’s policy on E-Cigarettes is to treat them in the same manner as regular cigarettes, which is to say that their use is restricted to the designated smoking areas located in the North Lot and outside the West Gate, respectively. 

There are plenty of dining options in the park, from sit-down restaurants, the grab-and-go Ravinia Market, and FanFare Carts as well.

Looking for the latest in creating your perfect picnic? Visit the Festival Shop for a variety of picnicking accessories and other cool finds.

Ravinia has a Festival Shop at two locations! Visit our walk-in shop in the Dining Pavilion. There you will find an extensive array of clothing, souvenirs, CDs, picnic and gift items to enhance your Ravinia experience. Or fill your more immediate needs at the shop located in the Martin Theatre. 

Questions? Please call 847-266-5060 or email festivalshop@ravinia.org.

The Festival Shop is managed by the Ravinia Women’s Board. All proceeds directly benefit our music education programs.