The Pavilion at Ravinia
Upcoming shows and schedule
There are currently no confirmed tour dates on the immediate calendar for The Pavilion at Ravinia. Check back regularly as newly announced tour legs and ticket allocations are added following promoter releases.
Area and accommodation
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Upcoming events at The Pavilion at Ravinia
No upcoming events listed
There are currently no tickets listed for this venue. Check back soon for newly announced tour dates.
About The Pavilion at Ravinia: Layout, History & Architecture
The Pavilion at Ravinia, situated within the expansive Ravinia Park, is the primary performance space of the Ravinia Festival, which commenced in 1904. While the original structure dates back to the festival's early years, the current open-air pavilion has undergone multiple rebuilds and significant modernizations, evolving into its present functional form designed primarily for amplified musical performances. It is not an enclosed architectural statement but a practical shell, blending into its parkland setting with a mid-20th-century functional aesthetic.
The space is configured with approximately 3,400 fixed seats under the pavilion roof, arranged in a shallow arc facing the stage. Beyond the covered seating, the venue opens out to a vast, gently sloping lawn that can accommodate an additional 15,000 to 18,000 attendees, often with large video screens augmenting sightlines for those further back. Given its open-air design, the acoustic experience within the hall is inherently reliant on comprehensive sound reinforcement systems. While sound projection is robust, it lacks the contained, natural reverberation found in dedicated indoor concert halls, instead delivering a direct, amplified sound tailored to its diverse programming.
The Live Experience & Current Schedule
Entering Ravinia often involves navigating one of the multiple gates, with peak times seeing significant queues, particularly at the West and North entrances. Once inside, the experience bifurcates: those with Pavilion tickets proceed to their assigned seating, while lawn ticket holders spread out across the verdant expanse, many bringing elaborate picnics. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and community-oriented, shifting from the attentive quiet of classical patrons to the more boisterous enjoyment of contemporary concertgoers. Concession stands and food vendors are distributed throughout the park, offering a range of options rather than a single foyer bar experience. With 0 live performances scheduled, upcoming entry prices start from standard pricing. The next confirmed event on the calendar is upcoming live performances on soon.
How do I get to The Pavilion at Ravinia, Highland Park?
The Pavilion at Ravinia is at Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, 60035. Open in Google Maps
By train and tube
The Metra Union Pacific North (UP-N) line offers direct service to the "Ravinia Park" station, located immediately adjacent to the venue's West Gate. This dedicated station provides unparalleled convenience, with a walk of less than 2 minutes directly into the park grounds.
By bus
Several Pace bus routes serve the broader Highland Park area. Route 213 (Green Bay Road) has stops within a 15 to 20-minute walk of Ravinia's entrances. Direct, dedicated bus services to the park are typically limited to special event shuttles originating from remote parking lots rather than regular public lines.
By car and parking
Multiple parking options are available. The Ravinia South Lot and West Lot are located on-site, offering proximity but can fill quickly and incur significant fees. For major events, remote parking is often utilized at locations such as the Sears Centre (also known as NOW Arena) in Hoffman Estates, from which shuttle buses provide transport to the venue. Advance booking for on-site parking is strongly recommended to secure a space and avoid congestion.
Entry and security
Entry to The Pavilion is managed through several gates, primarily the West Gate (adjacent to the Metra station), North Gate, and South Gate. Bag search policies are strictly enforced; attendees should consult Ravinia's website for prohibited items and bag size restrictions. Arriving 60 to 90 minutes before showtime is advisable, especially for lawn ticket holders aiming to secure prime picnic spots, or for Pavilion ticket holders to navigate security and locate seats without rush.