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Ravinia Festival
Rating Details »
Categories: Performing Arts, Local Flavor [Edit]
301 Ravinia Park RdHighland Park, IL 60035
(847) 266-5000
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
114 reviews for Ravinia Festival
Every major city needs a venue like this. A large beautiful park that hosts major concerts. Oh, yes one that also is a non-profit and a BYOB and BYOF!
I've been to Ravinia thrice to see: UB40, Gypsy Kings, and Blondie / Pat Benatar. All of them have been a blast. My friends and I Get booze, foods, blankets and other essentials for our picnic-esque concert. There are several large screens showing the concert since you can't see the band from the lawn seats. If you didn't bring food, booze or furniture...no problem. They have them available for you. If you want a nice outing for your employees or family, they also have catering services on the lawn.
Unless you are really big on seeing a particular band/artist, I suggest you get lawn seats.
I love Ravinia..Love it!
Ravinia is a great place to catch a concert, have dinner a drink and hang with friends and family. I have such a great experience every time I go. With that said, there are some thing you need to be aware of before you go.
1). Depending on the popularity of the show, get there early. We went to see John Legend this summer and got there around 5pm and the lawn was already packed. We were able to find a good spot of all 15 of us but it would have been a dog fight if would have arrived any later
2). Beware, there are plenty of drunks. If you dont like being around inebriated people that dont seem to get out much, this is not the place for you..I repeat not for you.
Bring blankets maybe even a small table, good food and drinks and you are guaranteed to have a great time. I keep coming back for more because I love it!
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Word to the wise: if you have all the fun you can have at Ravinia, the ride back might be the most traumatic experience ever. Being packed back on the train after a night of proper partying might leave you with nightmares.
I didn't want to go back after last summer's experiences, but I got to go for free a few more times this summer and I've always had a good time. I would suggest driving if you're going with a few people. Although I love train rides, trying to get back on the train with all those people sucks.
On the lawn: Don't forget citronella candles and/or bugspray. And bring extra wine because its expensive if you buy it there.
In the Pavilion: I actually enjoy it here a lot more. Not only do you actually get to see the show and not just get drunk on the lawn, but its a lovely venue with a great view of the stage all around. Being out in the fresh air only adds to the charm. If you can afford it, this is definitely the way to go in my opinion. Be sure to check out dance and theatre shows here, too. Its really a lovely place for it.
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Q: What did the Ravinia concert-going Yelper say in their review after they went to a concert there sober?
A: That's a trick question. No one's ever sober at Ravinia.
Somewhere in the time between when I last went up to Highland Park to see Ben Folds and Rufus Wainright in 2004 and when I ended an unintentional hiatus for Pat Benatar earlier this week, it seems a few things have happened to the place. And most of them are not good.
The first thing seems to be that the festival has passed Wrigley Field as Chicagoland's biggest party. This is a double-edged sword. While Ravinia is now a crazier, even more fun time than ever, it has become an iffy place to actually see a concert. Due to the fact that many people now seem to go to Ravinia just to party (instead of to, you know, actually see the band), all of the worst concert etiquette comes out. People talk through the entire show (used to just be the openers) causing a din on the grass that almost drowns out the music itself.
Which leads to another unwelcome change at Ravinia. The music used to be clearer. I believe the venue has taken down some of its speakers. I remember times where I sat so far back on the lawn, the group I was with didn't even know there was a pavilion, but you could still hear a pin drop on stage (exaggeration only slight). The last time I was there, one couldn't be blamed for thinking they weren't in the same venue as the band (exaggeration only slight). Any stage banter between songs was unrecognizable as English.
And for this reduction in sound quality on the lawn, what's the reward? A swift kick in the wallet (I probably shouldn't mention at this point that I keep my wallet in my front pocket)! Lawn seats have gone up to an astounding $20 for even the smallest of bands. And Ravinia now charges a steep service charge even when tickets are ordered on http://ravinia.com. Chicago Public Libraries have free lawn tickets to some shows, but these are mostly classical performances and sell out quickly as soon as they are available.
The things that haven't changed at Ravinia are the things that still make it a good place to go. Security, if there is any (never seen it with my own eyes), is lax. There's no real hassle if you want to stand right behind the pavilion (I don't even want to know the price of those tickets now) - or, you know, engage in other activities. Since beer and food can be brought from home, that usual concert price gouging can be avoided (they only sell pretzels at the beer stands, though there are a few fine dining options and a supermarket right on site). Ravinia's still one of the easiest venues to access in all of Chicago (especially sans car as the Metra stops right in front of it and even runs express trains). And the lineup each year is always pretty solid.
It's an amazing place to spend a summer night with a blanket, some friends, and a lot of beer. I just don't think I'll be going there for any concerts I actually want to enjoy for the music again in the near future. There are much better sounding venues to see the same bands come the winter.
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Judging by most of the other reviews, I feel like I may get beaten up for writing this, but here goes...
I don't understand the hype of Ravinia. I had never gone and somehow ended up going twice this summer, don't even ask how that happened... First time, India Arie and John Legend, second time was Taj Mahal and Bonnie Raitt. The only reason I'm giving this review 2 stars is because the actual performances were amazing, obviously these people are talented. Luckily for us, we had Pavilion tickets, because we would've had to pile through the gates like a cattle call for a decent spot on the grass otherwise.
To start, it's wayyy too crowded, it looks like a yuppie refugee camp with all the blankets, bottles of pinot grigio and wheels of brie. Next, there is NO decent way to get up to Highland Park from the city, you're damned if you drive because there definitely IS traffic to/from the park and the wait for those parking shuttles is terrible if you don't leave the concert early, and you're damned if you dare to pile onto the Metra with all the drunks. Which brings me to my next point, people at Ravinia don't seem to have any self-control as far as drinking, annnnd I'm 100% positive I saw some inappropriate sexual contact occurring on a blanket at John Legend. You people are supposedly adults!!!! Keep it together!!!
I've been to some great venues in Chicago, and Ravinia is definitely dead-last on a list of places I would like to return to. I do love the concept of BYO everything and a great show, but the execution is all wrong, the demand is great so they just charge $20 bucks a head and cram everyone and their picnic tables in here on a series of awkwardly positioned grassy knolls. I gave it 2 chances this summer and the negatives far outweigh the positives. Sorry, I won't be back Ravinia!
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I went to see Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang with CSO and was disappointed with the sound quality of the piano and the orchestra over the speakers... didn't enjoy the music very much at all. :(
If you're in the Chicago area, I don't think the trip to Highland Park is worth it..
In the summer, you can equally enjoy a concert at Grant Park.. and for free.
How do you describe Mr. John Legend?
Hmmmmm.....
Talented? Hands down.
Gorgeous? Of course.
Suave? Hells yes.
With a voice that'll make you swoon for days? Clearly.
Krys B. and I aren't the only ones who feel this way about him - as the sold-out Ravina lawn (two nights in a row!) can attest. By 6:30, it seemed as though the only empty spots were left in random, hidden corners of the park. I have NEVER seen it that crowded in my life. He's just THAT good, huh?
Luckily, we splurged and bought Pavilion seats, so we didn't have to bother with finding a place on the lawn. Instead, during the opening acts, we found an empty bench and enjoyed our sandwiches, cupcakes and wine. An ode to a lovely summer night, yessir!
People tend to diss the idea of buying more expensive Pavilion seats because you forgo the "picnic under the stars''. Believe me, people, I'll sacrifice that ambiance for a close-up look at John Legend. *swoon* He put on a fab show that definitely appealed to a wide array of people in the audience! Nice.
"And then...we slooowwwww danceeee....la la la la..." LOVE!
Also, since I work nearby, here's my tips on how to avoid horrific traffic:
+If you're coming from the city, do not exit on 41! That exit will be backed up for hours. Instead, take the Dundee West exit, turn right on Skokie until Lake Cook. That should bypass SOME of the traffic.
+You can also attempt to take Dundee East until you hit Green Bay and then head north to Lake Cook. Either way, 41 is a bigger mess.
+When you're leaving the parking lot to head back to the city, do not try to enter 94 on Lake Cook. You will cry. Turn left on Skokie until you hit Dundee. There's an entrance to 94 on Dundee.
+Free parking (with a shuttle to the park) exists! Skip payin' $20 for close parking, really. The shuttles are convenient and great - although you might have to wait awhile at the end of the concert. But, eh, after wine...who cares?
+Please do not drive like a crackhead when exiting the Edens. Us disgruntled suburban workers/city dwellers WILL get pissed if you event attempt to cut us off. WE want to get home, thanks.
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Just one for tip to add to last year's Ravinia review:
Drive! It's worth sitting in traffic! My friends and I took the metra to and from Steve Miller last night. It was fine on the way there, but the way back was horrendous.
It's no fun sitting in front of a 65 yr old woman who has just puked all over itself. It's no fun ducking from rowdy groups of people throwing bottles of alcohol. And it's certainly no fun being the most sober group on the train...and that's after consuming 6 bottles of wine!
Ravinia peeps...control your alcohol! This is not a frat party!
I'll be driving next year...
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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/12/2008
Regretfully I never made it out to Ravinia last summer, but got my fill the other night at the… Read more »
What a great place for a outdoor concert. I came here to see Lang Lang and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. i bought lawn tickets and we had a picnic on the grass while listening to the performance.
The sound system is very good even though we were far away from the stage the music was crisp and plenty loud. The grounds are beautiful kept very clean the the buildings are nice and there are flowers and decorative items everywhere.
They offer table and chair rentals for the show. I recommend bringing blankets and having a table is a plus. The staff is very friendly and the parking is available with park and ride. A shuttle will take you to the concert for free from nearby train stations.
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That's my 100 reviews at Yelp finally, yeah!
Last year I went there for Feist concert, I got so much fun!
This year I went there for Lang Lang and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, still great! Sound system was great even we sat far away from the stage. One thing you have to be alert is for any symphony orchestra, you are not allow to talk loud, it's really different with last time when I was in Feist concert. We got a lawn ticket with a group of friends, its really relaxing to have your choice of own wine and great food! Sitting under the nice weather is very relaxing! You will be surprised even you see a tons of people there but they still can keep the area super clean. Restroom was clean not stink at all , it's a very important part to me.
You can bring your table and chair or you can rent it over there for the show, I highly recommend to go there if you enjoy outdoor activities with good cheese and wine.
Parking is easy and they have shuttle bus take you to the concert, its nearby the train stations, ticket is cheap, I also got Lang Lang autograph too that night, yeah!
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This place rules! We went on a pretty dreary night, but the weather couldn't kill the amazingness of this place. How can you say no to BYO-food and wine, while taking in some great live music and hanging with friends?
We went to see Femi Kuti (son of famed Fela Kuti), Nigerian afrobeat luminary. The crowd was a really fun mix of people, and the grounds at Ravinia were really well maintained. Bonus points for being able to take the Metra to the FRONT ENTRANCE directly.
I didn't seriously consider purchasing any food or drink at Ravinia, but I get the sense that the offerings skew towards the gourmet and higher pricing that goes along with that. If foldy chairs are your thing, they're also available for rent during your hang there.
I can't wait to go back!
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I think everyone who lives in the Chicago area should make it a summer ritual to attend at least one concert at Ravinia. This place is like a little oasis, especially for those who live downtown.
There's nothing like the summertime in Chicago, heading up to Ravinia, laying down a blanket, having a smorgasbord to graze at, a little wine to sip, good friends to keep you company, and fantastic music as it goes from afternoon, to dusk, to evening.
I personally love going for classical concerts, but I've heard that anytime a popular musician performs it also a guaranteed good time. This is a fun and cheap activity that's a must.
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I'm in love. This place is so great. It reminds me of the music venues back in the Twin Cities and I love all the greenery.
I came for the Goran Bregovic concert and got much more than I expected. We came early and had dinner at Park View restaurant and then ordered some drinks. The restaurant was great, the drinks were overpriced. Our seats were the best.
Security was a bit much. No drinks other than water allowed in the seating area. No dancing in the aisles. If you know Goran Bregovic or have been to any Balkan concert than you know that's impossible. No pictures? What a joke!
So the venue is great. Seating area is great. The lawn is great. Food is great. Rules suck!
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This review is soley based on crappy shuttle service after the concert! 1.5 hours to get to my car after the show?? Unfortunately taking the metra wasn't an option for me. Wondering why they were loading the buses one at a time. When we finally reached the front, there were 3 empty buses behind the one I was getting on.
The review for the John Legend/India Arie concert itself is a 5. Wish it had been at millenium park instead...
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Feels like home... home sweet Kansas!
Last night I dragged my boyfriend to Ravinia to see Carrie Underwood in concert. Now as you can guess, most 28 year old guys would not be pumped on a Sunday night to drive 20 miles north to sit and listen to country music. I got him to agree to come because Carrie Underwood is one of the hottest blond girls out there, and I wouldn't even care if he stared and drooled at her all night!
As you may or may not be able to tell from my profile, I am a total country girl. This was right up my alley.
Pros:
FREE Parking -say what? In Chicago?! Yes, seriously, free parking and a shuttle to the concert ground.
Metra stop - if you're a real urbanite and have no car, no worries! There's a metra stop right outside the concert grounds.
BYO everything... wine, food, blankets, chairs etc. No getting molested by security when you enter this place. Bring a feast, or if you are me, homemade spinach dip and wine will do just fine!
Vendors - there are tons of places to buy food or drinks... bar, coffee shop, ice cream shop, necessary Carrie Underwood shirts ( I may have bought one for $30... but I didn't have to pay for beer or parking so it totally evens out!)
Great sound, regardless of where you are sitting. We were the back of the lawn and heard everything just great!
You can rent lawn chairs! For those of us who live in high rise condos and have no use for lawn chairs, don't buy them! You can rent two chairs and a table for $14... awesome!
Real bathrooms, not Johnny on the spot. Thank god!
Cons:
We never actually SAW Carrie Underwood... not even on a jumbo tron! If I had bought tickets to see Rascal Flatts and couldn't physically see them, I would have had heart failure. I was looking forward to seeing her outfits though, which I guess I will just have to google.
Lawn is super crowded! Show started at 7:30pm and we got there around 6:30... and could barely find a 2by2 foot square to squeeze in! Get there early if you want to get a comfy close setup.
All in all, her show was fun and the venue was really easy to get in and out. No traffic, no waiting, cheapest concert ever. Perfect to go with a group or with kids. It felt like a backyard BBQ with some awesome live music!
But, just for the record, this is as close to camping as I will ever get.
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Summer = Ravinia Fun! I so look forward to the lazy days of summer, it only means that much more Ravinia fun. I typically hit 3-4 concerts a year. Its a great way to relax, picnic, drinks lot of wine and listen to good music.
One of my favorite parts to Ravinia is watching the 'picnic professionals'. Once the gates open you see hundreds of people moving as fast as they can to claim a good lawn seat. In hand are great pieces of furniture, candlelight sets, lawn chairs and flower sets. Seriously, some of these picners are so elaborate that their picnic setup somewhat resembles an ensemble you'd see at pottery barn. Its freaking hilarious. Personally I love my blanket, wine bottle and plastic cups set up so much more.
Your better option is to invite your friend to your backyard, plug in a boombox and set the volume to barely audible. Each time someone wants to use the bathroom, send them a block down the street to a restaurant's public facility. Pack everything up and go home, or you could spend money on tickets, drive 45 minutes north and experience the same thing.
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So I went back to Ravinia for the first time this summer and saw the Bodeans. A few subtle things have crept in over the past few years. The ticket prices are now $22 or $27 for lawn seats - a little pricey for a picnic. There was noticeably more security guys hanging around. They were evident as soon as we got off the train and they wandered thru the picnic area like they were looking for someone. Maybe it was paranoia but I haven't noticed it in past visits. One nice improvement is the large video monitors hung in the pavilion. If you are on the grass immediately outside the pavilion you can look in and see the act. It may cut down on the crowd around the back row, which it seemed to at our show.
Overall the Ravinia experience is still good - especially if you take the train. It is not a concert event for the purist - but if you don't mind picnicking with the masses - it is worth the effort to pack some food and wine and relax once you get there.
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Omg I loved this place! I went last night for the first time, yes I have lived in Chicago for over 3 years now but for some reason I have not been here yet, it was amazing! And I will be sure to go back again next year...bummer that it's the end of the season already. Carrie Underwood was fabulous, she is so cute and so stylish! The concept of this place is fantastic, it's clean, it's safe, they have awesome food vendors, etc. We brought all our own stuff which I guess is the way to go, I felt goofy at first bringing all my beach chairs, blankets etc but as soon as I got on the Metra I fit right in. So convenient to get there from downtown.
Wow. I've never seen so many white people in one place in my life. Beyond that, it's awful pricey for a picnic with some music. I can do that for free in any city park.
The only thing that made it worthwhile, was when I went to go get a glimpse of Squeeze and saw the Borders Pervert dancing next to the Pavilion area.
He spends all day at Borders in sweatpants and a turtleneck asking women their opinion of his glasses and yet he can afford access to Ravinia?
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Went to Ravinia last night for the first time ever (yeah I know I'm"m super late) and I loved it! Went to see John Legend & India.Arie and I had a blast. We were on the lawn, not too far from the stage. It was super packed, like people stepping over people packed, but that didn't take away from the ambiance. We had a spread- wine, fruit, cheese, crackers, cookies, pop, water.....had our lawn chairs....good friends, good food, GREAT music, you can't beat that! I will be going back (at least I hope too if they have someone else there I want to see)....sorry I haven't been before this!
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love it, love it, love it. it doesn't get any better than being outside in a beautiful green area with picnic food and wine and listening to great music. i've been three times and have loved every experience. be sure to bring chairs, a blanket and all the food and wine you want.
the transportation aspect can be a little bit of a hassle. i've driven and taken the metra and for me, the metra was much easier. it literally takes you right to the doorstep of ravinia.
we're so lucky to have this in the chicago area! please summer don't end!!
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This is a great location to experience a world class symphony orchestra at a reasonable price.
The schedule comes out very early so you have your choice of concerts.
I really like packing your own meal, making a picnic, and listening to the music play at night while on the grass between the trees. A very nice setting.
As long as you plan ahead and get there so you can "claim" your space this is a great time.
Anything last minute or in the grandstands will give you some grief. But this depends on the concert you plan to attend since some are more popular than others.
Again, it all depends on the concert and the type of music being played.
Think of Drive-In theatre rather than a movie theater, if you like the former than you will like Ravinia.
The five stars are for Ravinia as an entire experience. Not as solely a music venue - if you like concerts where you can zip in, find your seat and zip out, this is definitely not for you.
But if you like concerts where you can go and come a little early to relax and enjoy things to sort of get in the mood before the music starts, then you'll love Ravinia.
I've gone maybe a dozen or more times over the past few years, and it's always a great experience. I take Metra up from downtown, which is as fast or faster than driving for any weeknight show, and still not bad at other times. I've been mainly to hear the CSO play and got to hear one of my friends play with them a couple years ago which of course was all the better.
You can buy tickets for the pavillian, which is covered in case of rain and you get an actual seat, or you can do what a lot of people do, and just buy lawn tickets, bring a blanket and settle down on the grassy knolls. You can pack your own picnic, or buy food from one of the number of vendors around the edges. They vary in price from carnival prices to getting into fine dining prices depending on which place you eat. I've always just brought my own.
Afterwards, you can take Metra back into the city, too (of course).
I've seen people there alone so that's totally doable, and there are a lot of things I'm perfectly fine doing by myself, HOWEVER - I think Ravinia is really a group thing. I strongly recommend going with a group or at least a special someone.
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GREAT spot to see concerts, open lawn and they have some pretty good shows come in and out, bring some friends and a couple bottles of wine and you've got a great night!
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"The coldest winter I ever spent...were my four years on the north shore" - Denise P.
McKinley Park - 65 degrees. (Even when I got home it was 62)
Ravinia - 42. I shit you not.
And so it goes. I should've known better, as there was like no summer in Evanston, but I figured, hey I live 4 miles from the lake, so it must be about the same temp there. Um, nope. My windbreaker was all I had, and thankfully I survived because my buddy brought an extra blanket. Hey at least the beer and wine kept cold!
So enough about bad weather, let's talk venue. Gorgeous lawn, with old oak trees over your heads, rolling small hills and elegant sculptures. A fieldhouse that looked very similar to the one at McKinley Park and an entrance that kinda reminded me of the one at Brookfield Zoo. Carts selling cocktails, beer, wine, and food, a very nice gift shop, and a beautiful restaurant. Here's my problem. from the lawn you see nothing. I mean nothing. Not even a big screen. You sit outside and listen to music. It seems so typical north shore bourgeois. If you don't have money for the pavilion, shame on you. Oh well, we had one hell of a picnic. We didn't have the elaborate candelabras and white tablecloths and fancy tables and chairs that some people had, but they also didn't have to travel an hour and a half on trains to get there I bet. (Nice thing about the train is that the Metra is there waiting for you at the end of the concert and is the epitome of booze cruise. The conductors don't check tickets because they assume you have a weekend pass...or you could be cheap like us and buy a one-way for $4 and save $1!)
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Here's the deal - music wasn't very loud and we weren't even that far back in the lawn. It's cold as hell, even in the summer, because of the lake breeze. You can't see. I might as well grab my ipod and speakers, walk across the street to McKinley Park, grab a nice spot under the trees and play the Gipsy Kings albums while eating pasta salad and drinking beer out of inconspicuous plastic cups. Cheaper, faster, and I won't freeze my ass off.
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Simple....John Legend....Awesome!
This is the kind of review that deserves mutiple stars so I can rate different parts of the evening. That's why I'm giving it 3 stars since it's in the middle. Here's a breakdown of my ratings -
5 stars for John Legend and India Arie - absolutely loved it. I enjoy being on the lawn. There's nothing better than sitting there with good friends, good food and good wine.
1 star (possible -1 star) for the shit ass transportation service from Ravinia to the parking lots. Seriously, GET IT TOGETHER Ravinia. We stood in a insanely long line for 1.5 hours (in the rain) only to load onto a bus and take 15-20 minutes to get to the parking lot. By the time we got home it was about 1:30 am - on a school night. We saw Backstreet Boys last year which we were told that was the biggest concert ever at Ravinia and we only waited about 20 minutes for the shuttle bus. Not sure what the issue was this year, but wish I would have paid the money to park inside the park. I don't think I'll ever risk that again because it ruined the whole experience and made me super crabby.
I'm a bit biased since my first concert was at Ravinia, for Harry Belafonte. Even as a kid, I remembered the strange feeling of hearing the music but not being able to see the actual singer onstage. I knew it was a concert, but it felt more like a picnic to me.
Alas, not much has changed since then! We went here towards the end of the season last year and the only entertainer left was Michael Feinstein. We had no idea who he was, but we were determined to enjoy the Ravinia experience. We set up a blanket and a fancy picnic and listened to the "king of cabaret". We giggled at the swooning women. Next time we'll check out the classical music :)
Overall, it's definitely a summer time favorite for Chicago/Chicagoland residents. Music, food, and great company. What more could you ask for?
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There is nothing better on a warm summer evening than to go enjoy a concert at Ravinia. I love packing up a picnic meal (the more gourmet the better... since you ALWAYS end up having food envy there.), some wine, a blanket and of course, some great friends! It is just a relaxing atmosphere there... that is, once you get settled. I will have to admit that it gets quite crowded and you have to get there early to get a nice spot on the lawn. (Close enough to the sidewalks to use the restrooms and preferably under trees in case it rains.) The Metra goes right there and takes off right after the shows end. Very convenient if it is not too crowded. It is one of my favorite parts of the summer... this, and the concerts at Millennium Park. Both are wonderful!!
Picnicing on the lawns of Ravinia during an evening concert is like experiencing a woodland dream world. There is a great canopy of trees that cover an extensive lawn full of people enjoying wine, food, and wonderful music. Anyone who thinks this is not worth the price completely missed the boat.
You can sometimes get same-day tickets for as little as $15 dollars. Bring your own food and drinks as well as whatever lounge set up you prefer and you end up saving a ton of money on what you would've paid on food and drinks at a typical concert venue. Many people have elaborate set-ups, complete with candelabras and mini dinner tables, but you can keep it as simple and as intimate as you like.
If you're in Chicago, definitely think about taking the Metra. This is what my friends and I have done every time and it just makes everything that much easier (especially since you'll end up throwing back several glasses of wine or beer once the relaxing and inviting atmosphere of Ravinia grabs hold of you.)
Now, this may all fly out the window when The Backstreet Boys come boy-banding their way on stage in a couple of weeks....
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Ahh, Ravinia. A summer staple. It's a total production to get up there... you have to take the Metra, lug your chairs, tables, coolers full of booze and Whole Foods goodies while you battle throngs of other concert goers and constantly worry about mosquito bites and cicada sightings. Uff da!
But then it happens; Total Ravinia bliss. You settle in, get a wine buzz going, dig in to your snacks and start chillaxing to the music and scenery. Everyone is laughing and enjoying themselves and you start to remember that yes, it was totally worth the trip!
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What a great way to spend a summer evening! I was here last night and saw Buddy Guy & Johnny Lang. I have seen them before a couple of years ago and both shows were a memorable experience. I liked that the show wasn't completely sold out. We had room to maneuver ourselves to the restrooms and stretch out on the lawn. I've been to sold out shows before and it's not fun. It just gets all claustrophobic and people's tempers are on a short fuse.
The Metra lets you off right at the park. That is a bonus! I have driven to Ravinia before and taking the train is by far the best thing to do. Lately the Metra hasn't been reliable as to running on a time schedule. Coming to the park, my train was 20 minutes late and going home it was almost a half hour late! That is very annoying but it's not Ravinia's fault.
Bring in some wine, candles and some nibbles when you come see a show. They have plenty of clean restrooms which is a bonus. Ravinia also has several cafes if you want to pick something up while you are there. Check it out if you're looking for something to do during the summer months. You will have a great time!
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The Ravinia concert experience is wonderfully unique. My friend and I arrived late for our concert and walked throughout the very large lawn area and couldn't find a place to sit down. I was a little surprised, but not disappointed. This gave us an excuse to walk around, people watch, stand along the edges of the reserved seating area to watch the band, and dance with the big group of people who gathered behind the seats.
It was a diverse group - romantic couples, big groups of friends, and families with children. Some people had little informal picnics and others had apparently planned catering for their group. The atmosphere was electric and we benefitted from perfect summer weather. I would recommend this to anyone, but especially as a fun and romantic date.
There was food available with plenty of tables. As one would expect at this type of venue, the food was overpriced, but at least you can bring your own to avoid buying it there (unlike most concert venues).
As we arrived late, we had to park pretty far away, and we took the shuttle buses that run to the various parking lots. They seem to have shuttle system pretty well organized. I don't live in Chicago, but I've spent a great deal of time in and around the city, and this is near the top of my list of things to do.
Hands down some of the best gosh darn summertime fun you'll find yourself in our fair city...er... well, the surrounding parts of it at least.
Ravinia hosts a plethora of fabulous acts throughout the summer months and usually for a mere $15.00 for the lawn admittance, which in my humble opinion is the only way you want to experience one of these magical nights. Pavilion seats are for pussies. I know you can't see the act from the lawn, but once you get there you'll realize you don't have to... the sound is awesome and the camaraderie among the grass neophytes is even better.
Bring your picnic basket chock full of wine, champagne, beer, cheese, and eats galore. Last year we actually assembled a full fromage and berry platter right alongside my homemade 4-tier funfetti cake. Oh, candles and a HUGE blanket are a must as well.
Be sure to take the Metra which stops at Ravinia, it's so easy, why would you drive? Pick a show, or two and meet me on my blanket... you bring the wine!
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How have I not written a review of Ravinia yet? Actually the better question is- how did I never even know this place existed until last summer? (thank you to whichever Yelper tipped us off about the 10 punch lawn pass for classical concerts-$80!). Actually, I guess I first heard of it when I was given a rolling cooler bag as a welcome gift as a summer associate at my first job, and someone said, this would be GREAT for Ravinia, and then I had to go look up what Ravinia was, because I thought a rolling cooler bag was the stupidest thing I'd ever seen - now I get it! . :)
I think if I could spend every night of the summer here, I would, and I'd never get bored. The first time my girlfriends and I went, it was for the Josh Ritter/HIllary Hahn concert last summer (violin+guitar=awesomeness). I have been trying to find a recording of their performance ever since. We spent the night girltalking between songs, getting drunk off wine and good company. Really, its so hard to just sit and be with friends sometimes- you're in a bar, at a restaurant, or whatever, and something always feels a little forced about the environment. For some reason, getting into this relaxed atmosphere and getting down with a picnic gets beyond that. I was actually extremely sad when the evening was over
The last time we were there a few weeks ago, it was for the CSO's Beethoven perfomance. Something about being out of the city, where you can see the stars (we saw a shooting star, and the next day my friend got the job she'd been waiting for- see I'm telling you its magical! :)), listen to amazing music, and just be at peace...I really don't know, I am sure I am sounding corny as hell, but I just feel like I've been transported out of my sometimes overbearing life for a few hours. It helps if you love and appreciate classical music though, if you don't, you're just not going to get what I'm saying.
While there are many fancy people with fancy set-ups, we've never had a problem with just parking on some big blankets and a basket. It would be fun to do the fancy picnic sometime.
Other tips- bring bug spray (or citronella candles), don't forget the corkscrew (although friendly girls like me will share both), and definitely bring a sweater (if nothing else you can use it as a pillow :)) Don't bring small children to the classical concerts unless you want dirty looks when they are noisy. Classical tickets are generally $10, and if you are a student, the tickets are free at the box office (and I don't think they ever sell out so if you find yourself with nothing to do on a beautiful evening, just jump on the Metra!). Driving was actually not as bad as I expected (but I'm sure that's different on the nights of really big shows- the Metra is incredibly easy though). Definitely take advantage and get there as early as you can- the time flies!
Ahh Ravinia, I wish I could make it out to see you more often!
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Ravinia is a great value. The concerts have a wide variety of artists to please a lot of different audiences at not the usual prices of an indoor venue. It helps if you go on a day when the group or at least one person can stake a great spot close to the stage but still on the lawn. I recommend going as soon as the doors open as there is a mad rush of people and during very popular shows, you are stuck in a corner somewhere. The metra is how you get there, UP North line. Convenient for me because it has a stop at my house. Being able to enjoy a preliminary cocktail warmup on the way to show makes the ride to Ravinia more fun and you hardly notice the time to get there. Being a foodie, I also enjoy see how creative people get with the picnic spread and some of them are spreads! Some great people watching while you are waiting for the show to start. This is fun, fun, fun on a summer night, taking in some culture, wine and hanging with friends.
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Xite & Doug treated our family to a show at the Ravinia. JUSTIN ROBERTS!!! WOOHOO and thank you , thank you!
Our son is a huge Justin Roberts Fan. He has loved the song Willy Was a Whale since he was 18 months old. He spent the last few days watching the video on you tube repeatedly and proudly boasting that he was going to his first "rock concert".
We had never been to a children's concert, so I have to admit that we were a little bit scared. Would there be fights? Would food be thrown? Would we be surrounded by screaming, crying fans...and worse...would we be surrounded by Dads in denim shorts and baseball pants and FUPA mom jeans? For the love of your child..nothing is ever too much to ask.
In all of years living in Illinois and being huge music fans, we had never been to Ravinia. My husband and I had always thought that it was for old folks who were into YoYo Ma etc and just figured that the Ravinia experience wasn't our cup of tea. We were pleasantly surprised to see how absolutely beautiful and enjoyable the venue really is.
Ravinia is a perfect place to bring your own picnic lunch, blankets and lawn chairs. They offer pavillon seating, but I think that it is much more enjoyable to sit in the lawn area. Xtie and I ended up purchasing our picninc lunch in their food court...and were stunned to find out that we ended up missing the majority of the whole show! Food is cooked to order and it took us over 45 minutes to return. It's mind numbing pricey for a family of 6...but they feature some great wines, beers, prepared foods from Whole Foods and made to order items from the Levy Restaurants. We dined on Wild mushroom and brie oven roasted pizza, cheddar bacon burgers, Parmesan fries, foot long hot dogs, dipping dots, fruit, salad, and veggie dip. The pizza and fries are totally amazing!!!
After the show, guests were invited to line up in front of The Martin Concert hall for a chance to meet Justin Roberts and his band and get their autographs. They did not sing his favorite song, so the little one was determined to ask why. Neither of us wanted to wait in line, but he wouldn't have it. We had to. And thus a Groupie was born. I have never ever seen him so patient to wait in a line. Darrel purchased a cd for him to sign and he has been playing it non stop since we have been home.
As a side note, be sure to allow plenty of travel time as there is alot of construction on 94. Parking is free, had it been in Chicago..I'm sure that they would have tacked on $20.
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Tried to go once (Feist, tonight), it was a complete fiasco, so I will likely not go again for a very very long time. Eff Ravinia
Edit: Just got a response to my email, offering a refund for any unused tickets. I thought that was good bit of customer service on their part.
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Four stars for the park itself, one star for the "experience". I'm sure the grounds are just beautiful when they are empty - or at least not crazy crowded with humanity - but alas I have never been lucky enough to have visited under such circumstances. Getting there can be a true test of patience - driving is a pain and if you are not lucky enough to be among the small handful of early arrivers who actually are able to get into Ravinia's main lot, you'll face more driving to a remote lot & then a shuttle bus ride. Metra is a smarter option, but the ride up to the park can be crazy crowded (if you are boarding north of downtown you may find yourself standing for the entire trip).
Once inside, if you are doing lawn seats you may find yourself sitting in the back 40 even if you have arrived two hours before concert start time. The sound over the speaker system is generally OK but unless you are very close, there's no way you are going to be able to see the stage and most folks on the lawn wander & chatter about as though they could care less about the music. The atmosphere would be tolerable for a free/cheap outdoor concert in the city where you wouldn't feel bad about walking out when you got tired or bored, but after all it takes to prepare a picnic dinner and travel up to Ravinia, it would be nice to feel that it was all worth the effort in the end.
And then when you decide that you've had enough, you may unable to flee until Metra comes to the rescue, though they usually have a train sitting out before concert's end, which can be a sanity-saver if you are willing to cut out before the music stops.
Maybe some day I'll have to come out for an obscure & unpopular show (do such shows exist at Ravinia??) to see if I have a better time. Or maybe spring for pricey pavilion seats.
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