Ravinia Festival 2026: Over 90 Concerts Featuring Paul Simon, Gladys Knight, More
The Ravinia Music Festival has unveiled its complete schedule for the 2026 season, featuring an impressive lineup of musicians and performances. With over 90 concerts planned, this festival promises a variety of music appealing to a wide audience.
Headlining Artists at Ravinia Festival 2026
- Paul Simon
- Gladys Knight
- Bonnie Raitt
- Brandi Carlile
- Jacob Collier
- Hugh Jackman
- Rod Stewart
- Kool & The Gang
- Chance the Rapper
- Ricky Martin
- Alabama Shakes
- Ray LaMontagne
Special Celebrations
The 2026 season marks a significant milestone with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra celebrating its 90th anniversary at Ravinia. President and CEO Jeffrey P. Haydon highlighted the new Hunter Pavilion, which will host debut performances by renowned artists and conductors, enhancing the festival experience through its state-of-the-art acoustics and production capabilities.
Tickets and Concert Highlights
Tickets for the festival will be available for purchase starting April 23 at Ravinia.org. The schedule includes diverse genres such as jazz, blues, pop, hip-hop, rock, and classical music. In addition, exciting family programming is also part of the lineup.
Noteworthy Events
- June 3: Terence Blanchard & Ravi Coltrane
- July 12: Billy Idol
- July 11 – August 16: Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s summer residency featuring various guest conductors.
- August 1: Special concert by Emanuel Ax, celebrating his 50th anniversary with the CSO.
- August 16: A grand finale celebrating Tchaikovsky’s works.
Family-Friendly Programming
The festival also aims to engage families with programs like:
- August 1: Laurie Berkner
- August 8: Okee Dokee Brothers
- August 29: JAM Orchestra performs “Dr. Seuss Goes to the Opera.”
With a rich lineup and a celebratory atmosphere, the 2026 Ravinia Festival promises an unforgettable summer of music.
