Highland Park, IL - Ravinia Festival’s 2026 season promises to be a visual and musical feast, with more than 90 concerts and over 50 artists making their debut at North America’s longest-running outdoor music festival. As a concert photographer and reviewer, I’m thrilled by the diversity, artistry, and energy that will fill the newly redesigned Hunter Pavilion and surrounding venues from June through September.
A New Era for Ravinia
The centerpiece of this season is the grand reopening of the Hunter Pavilion, now equipped with a deeper stage, acoustic shell, state-of-the-art audio and lighting systems, and enhanced accessibility. For concert goers, this means better sightlines, richer lighting palettes, and more dynamic performances. The back-of-house upgrades — including new warm-up rooms and media production spaces — signal Ravinia’s commitment to world-class production.
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Star Power and Debuts
This year’s lineup reads like a dream concert list. Legends like Paul Simon, Kansas, Bonnie Raitt, and Brandi Carlile will grace the stage, while Ravinia first timers such as Ricky Martin, Rod Stewart, Alabama Shakes, and Billy Idol make their Ravinia debuts. Each performance offers a unique visual narrative—from the soulful expressions of Ray LaMontagne to the high-energy spectacle of Kool & The Gang.
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Classical Excellence
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 90th Ravinia residency with six programs led by Chief Conductor Marin Alsop. Highlights include Yunchan Lim performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major and celebrated flutist Lizzo’s appearance with the CSO. Klaus Mäkelä’s debut conducting Strauss and Stravinsky adds another layer of classical brilliance.
American Reflections
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Ravinia will spotlight American music across genres. From hip-hop and pop to country and classical, the season reflects the nation’s musical tapestry.
Final Thoughts
Ravinia 2026 is not just a concert season—it’s a canvas for storytelling through music. With its revitalized venues and genre-spanning lineup, this summer offers endless opportunities to witness the emotion, artistry, and communal joy that define live music.
Tickets go on sale April 23 at Ravinia.org, with early access for donors beginning March 17. For music lovers, Ravinia’s 2026 season is one you won’t want to miss.
Schedule Highlights
POP, HIP-HOP, RAP, LATIN, and REGGAE
- July 12 \ Billy Idol*
- July 15 \ Harry Connick Jr.
- July 28 \ Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band* with special guest The Docksiders*
- August 8 \ Chance the Rapper*
- August 11 \ Brian McKnight & Gladys Knight
- August 20 \ Ricky Martin*
- August 27 \ Kool & The Gang* with special guest Morris Day & The Time* and ConFunkShun*
- September 5 \ Rod Stewart* with special guest Richard Marx
- September 17 \ Ziggy Marley and Thievery Corporation*
- September 18 \ Tom Jones
ROCK, INDIE, COUNTRY, and FOLK
- July 17 & 18 \ Paul Simon
- July 26 \ Emmylou Harris & Graham Nash
- August 21 \ Alabama Shakes* with special guest Liam Kazar*
- August 22 \ Bonnie Raitt
- August 25 \ Deep Purple with special guest Kansas
- August 26 \ Brandi Carlile with special guest I’m With Her
- August 28 \ Alabama
- August 30 \ Miranda Lambert*
- September 6 \ Squeeze with special guest Adam Ant*
