The Ravinia Festival, North America's oldest music festival and summer home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, announced its full 2026 season lineup Thursday, March 12, featuring more than 90 concerts across diverse genres from early June through late September.

The announcement, long anticipated by Chicago-area music fans, includes headlining performances by Paul Simon, Gladys Knight, Miranda Lambert, Ricky Martin and a host of other stars, blending pop, rock, jazz, classical, country and emerging acts. The season marks the first full summer of programming in the newly opened Hunter Pavilion, an indoor-outdoor venue designed to enhance weather-resilient concerts.

Ravinia Festival
Ravinia Festival

Ravinia President and CEO Jeffrey P. Kahane called the lineup "a celebration of live music's enduring power to connect communities." In a statement released with the schedule, he highlighted the festival's nonprofit mission, which supports education programs, emerging artists and year-round outreach alongside world-class performances in the 36-acre park setting.

The season kicks off indoors at the historic Martin Theatre and Bennett Gordon Hall the first week of June, with outdoor shows in the Pavilion beginning July 11. Concerts run through late September, offering a mix of pavilion seating, lawn tickets and special events.

Key Highlights from the 2026 Schedule

Paul Simon headlines two nights, July 17 and 18, performing material from his acclaimed "Seven Psalms" project alongside classics from his storied career. The shows promise an intimate reflection on his six-decade legacy.

Gladys Knight brings her legendary soul and R&B catalog to the Pavilion on a date yet to be specified in initial releases, drawing crowds eager for her emotive delivery of hits like "Midnight Train to Georgia."

Country superstar Miranda Lambert is slated for a high-energy set, while Ricky Martin delivers Latin pop flair. Other notable acts include Joe Bonamassa (Aug. 12), known for his blues-rock mastery; Bonnie Raitt (Aug. 22), whose slide guitar and storytelling remain timeless; Ray LaMontagne (Aug. 29), offering folk-soul introspection; and Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas (Sept. 22), a bluegrass powerhouse.

The lineup also features jam-band favorites moe. and Umphrey's McGee in a collaborative show, Billy Idol (July 12), Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band with special guest The Docksiders (July 28), and Magic City Hippies (Aug. 4). Jazz and classical programming includes Terence Blanchard & Ravi Coltrane (June 3), Stella Cole (June 4), and "Wildflowers: Kurt Elling Sings Joni Mitchell" (June 6-7).

Organizers touted more than 50 new artists to the Ravinia stage and representation across 15 genres, reflecting the festival's commitment to variety. The season builds on Ravinia's tradition of hosting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for multiple weeks, though specific CSO dates were not detailed in the initial release.

Ticketing and Access Details

Donor presales begin as early as Tuesday, March 17, with access levels varying by contribution tier. Public on-sale opens Thursday, April 23, via ravinia.org. Fans are urged to purchase only through official channels to avoid scalper risks.

The new Hunter Pavilion, which debuted partially in prior seasons, allows for covered seating and improved acoustics, addressing past weather-related cancellations. Lawn tickets remain a budget-friendly option, with picnics encouraged in the park's scenic grounds.

Ravinia teased portions of the lineup in February, posting images of Bonnie Raitt, Paul Simon, Ray LaMontagne, Alison Krauss and others with the caption "Full announcement coming March 12." The reveal met expectations, with local media outlets like ABC7 Chicago, NBC Chicago and WGN-TV highlighting the diversity and star power.

The festival, founded in 1904, has long served as a cultural anchor in the Chicago suburbs. Its picturesque setting — oak-lined lawns, historic structures and proximity to Lake Michigan — draws audiences for both music and ambiance. Annual attendance exceeds 600,000 in peak seasons, with the nonprofit using proceeds to fund free youth concerts, Reach Teach Play education initiatives and support for young musicians.

This year's programming arrives amid a robust live-music recovery post-pandemic, with fans hungry for outdoor experiences. Ravinia's blend of established legends and fresh talent positions it as a premier summer destination.

As tickets approach sale dates, anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable season. From Simon's introspective evenings to Lambert's rowdy anthems, the 2026 schedule offers something for nearly every musical taste in one of America's most storied festival settings.