The Ravinia Festival has officially unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 concert lineup, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest seasons in the venue’s history. The famous Highland Park music park will host more than 90 concerts from June through September, featuring legendary artists, major debut performances, and the return of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s historic summer residency.
This year’s season carries extra excitement because it coincides with the grand reopening of the newly renovated Hunter Pavilion. The redesign is part of Ravinia’s multi-year $75 million renovation project aimed at improving the audience experience with better acoustics, upgraded seating, and enhanced production capabilities.
Star-Studded Headliners Lead the 2026 Season
The Ravinia 2026 lineup features a diverse mix of global superstars, acclaimed musicians, and fan favorites across multiple genres. Some of the biggest names scheduled to perform include Paul Simon, Chance the Rapper, Rod Stewart, Ricky Martin, Gladys Knight, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Miranda Lambert, Alabama Shakes, Ray LaMontagne, Kool & The Gang, and Tom Jones.
Several artists will also make their Ravinia debuts this season, including pop star Lizzo, British singer Labrinth, Latin superstar Ricky Martin, and actor-singer Hugh Jackman. These debut appearances are expected to draw strong interest from fans eager to see new performers take the stage at one of the country’s most iconic outdoor music venues.
Paul Simon is scheduled for two performances on July 17 and 18, while Chance the Rapper will perform on August 8. Rod Stewart will appear on September 5 with special guest Richard Marx. Ricky Martin will take the stage on August 20, and Kool & The Gang will perform August 27.
Opening Night and Early Highlights
The 2026 Ravinia season officially opens on June 3 with jazz legends Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane performing at the Martin Theatre. From there, the festival schedule quickly expands into multiple genres including pop, rock, jazz, blues, classical, and family programming.
Other major concerts during the summer include Billy Idol on July 12, Harry Connick Jr. on July 15, and Emmylou Harris & Graham Nash on July 26. Rock legends Deep Purple will also perform on August 25 alongside special guest Kansas.
Fans of contemporary artists will also have opportunities to see Alabama Shakes, Brandi Carlile, Miranda Lambert, and Gregory Alan Isakov perform with orchestral backing during select performances.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 90 Years at Ravinia
A major highlight of the 2026 season is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 90th anniversary residency at Ravinia. The orchestra’s six-week summer run will take place from July 11 through August 16 and feature a wide range of classical and crossover performances.
The opening CSO concert on July 11 will feature world-renowned pianist Yunchan Lim performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major with conductor Marin Alsop. Pop star Lizzo will also join the orchestra that evening to perform flute, creating a rare crossover moment between pop and classical music.
Throughout the residency, audiences will hear iconic works by composers including Beethoven, Mahler, Dvořák, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky. The residency will conclude with Ravinia’s traditional all-Tchaikovsky finale on August 16, featuring the famous 1812 Overture complete with cannon blasts.
Special Performances and Unique Collaborations
The Ravinia schedule also includes several special collaborations and themed performances. Grammy-winning artist St. Vincent will perform alongside the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, offering orchestral versions of songs from across her catalog.
Another notable highlight will be a tribute concert to legendary producer and composer Quincy Jones on August 13, celebrating the Chicago-born icon’s decades of musical achievements.
Actor Hugh Jackman will also appear with the Chicago Philharmonic on August 9, bringing a unique mix of Broadway-style performance and orchestral music to the Ravinia stage.
Family Events and Cultural Programming
Beyond major headliners, Ravinia continues to expand its family programming and educational concerts. Events designed for younger audiences include Laurie Berkner on August 1, the Okee Dokee Brothers on August 15, and Divi Roxx Kids on August 22.
Families can also enjoy special presentations like the Grease Sing-Along on August 23 and an interactive orchestral performance of Dr. Seuss stories titled Dr. Seuss Goes to the Opera on August 29.
Jazz fans will also find strong representation with performances by Stella Cole, Kurt Elling with Fred Hersch, and Joe Bonamassa, while world music and Latin programming includes Ziggy Marley and Los Tigres del Norte.
Tickets and Full Schedule Information
Tickets for the 2026 Ravinia Festival season will go on sale April 23, though donors may request early access beginning March 17. With several high-profile artists appearing throughout the summer, many of the headline concerts are expected to sell quickly.
Music fans interested in exploring the complete concert calendar can view the full schedule on the official Ravinia website at Ravinia.org. Additional coverage of the announcement is also available through ABC7 Chicago.
What the 2026 Season Means for Music Fans
The 2026 Ravinia Festival season represents a major moment for the historic venue. With the reopening of the renovated Hunter Pavilion, the celebration of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 90-year residency, and a lineup featuring more than 90 concerts across multiple genres, the festival is positioning itself for one of its most memorable summers yet.
Whether fans are attending to see legendary performers like Paul Simon and Rod Stewart, watch debut artists take the stage, or experience orchestral masterpieces performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ravinia’s 2026 lineup offers something for nearly every type of music lover.
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