Ricky Martin to debut at Ravinia Festival this season. (Photo by Eva Rinaldi Photography (www.evarinaldi.com ) for Wikimedia Commons: License- Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic )
Chicago’s iconic summer music tradition returns with a packed lineup. The Ravinia Festival has announced its full 2026 concert schedule, featuring more than 90 performances and over 50 artist debuts across a season that runs from early June through September at the Highland Park venue.
This year’s season is particularly significant as it marks the first full summer of concerts at Ravinia’s newly renovated Hunter Pavilion, part of a major upgrade to the historic music venue. Organizers say the expanded lineup blends legendary performers, contemporary pop and rock acts, classical music and special collaborations.
Among the most anticipated shows are two nights with folk-rock legend Paul Simon on July 17 and 18. Other major headliners include soul icon Gladys Knight, country superstar Miranda Lambert, and Latin pop sensation Ricky Martin, who will make his Ravinia debut.
The 2026 season also features an eclectic mix of artists spanning multiple genres. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa, and folk favorite Ray LaMontagne are all slated to perform. Fans of classic rock and soul can catch sets by Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart and Kool & The Gang.
Chicago talent is also prominently represented. Hip-hop star Chance the Rapper will return to the stage for a hometown performance, while jazz, classical and cross-genre artists round out the season’s diverse programming.
Read more on Chicago Star
Uber eyes parking expansion by purchasing Chicago parking app SpotHero
Brookfield Zoo unveils 2026 Roaring Nights, including Nelly & Melissa Etheridge
Battle of the AI: Trump bans Anthropic as OpenAI wins Pentagon deal
Oil prices surge after Middle East attacks hit the Strait of Hormuz
The season begins with a limited indoor concert series in early June before the outdoor performances take over the park’s pavilion and lawn spaces in July. Long known for its relaxed picnic-friendly atmosphere, Ravinia continues its tradition of offering everything from Chicago Symphony Orchestra performances and jazz showcases to major pop tours and family programming.
Tickets for the 2026 season go on sale to the public April 23, with donor presales beginning March 17.
With a lineup spanning legends, contemporary chart-toppers and emerging artists, the 2026 season promises another memorable summer under the stars at one of the country’s oldest and most beloved outdoor music festivals.
Sources:
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.