It smells and feels like spring, folks, which means that we're gearing up for concert season!
Among the biggest events every year is Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, which will return this summer with a pretty outstanding programming lineup featuring over 100 concerts and more than 40 artist debuts. Music lovers can look forward to a season filled with a mix of legendary performers and fresh talent across multiple genres.
The star-studded lineup includes performances by Cynthia Erivo, Lenny Kravitz, Janelle Monáe, Maren Morris, Lang Lang, Beck and Earth, Wind & Fire. Fans will also be delighted by the return of familiar favorites such as Heart, John Legend, James Taylor, The Black Crowes, Al Green, The Roots, Diana Krall and Chicago. And making their Ravinia debuts this season are Kygo, Juanes, Nas, Sutton Foster, Ray LaMontagne, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and The Mohan Sisters, adding even more excitement to an already impressive schedule.
Another highlight of Ravinia 2025 is the 89th Chicago Symphony Orchestra residency, which spans six weeks and features an extraordinary range of performances.
But there's more: The festival's mission-driven programming will continue offering initiatives such as the Breaking Barriers festival, which highlights women in classical music. This year’s theme, Women Leaders in Food and Music, will feature a unique collaboration between Food Network star Molly Yeh and Marin Alsop, blending orchestral and chamber music with culinary experiences crafted by celebrity chefs. Sounds like an odd but fabulous combination to us.
Beyond orchestral performances, the festival offers an eclectic mix of concerts, including film scores, jazz, reggae and Latin music. Guests can enjoy Ravinia’s signature outdoor experience, with picnics on the lawn and performances under the stars. Tickets to the various events will go on sale on April 24 right here.
The lineup reveal comes on the heels of Ravinia announcing a multiyear, $75 million renovation of the park. All venues and amenities will see upgrades, and the main Pavilion will receive a new stage, seating and lighting. The first phase of construction is already underway and will be completed before the 2025 season kicks off, while phase two is expected to be finished in July 2026.
There's only one question left: Is it summer yet?