Ravinia Festival in Highland Park Reveals its 2025 Schedule
By: Stephanie Wylie 04/25/2025
Ravinia has been a cultural cornerstone since 1905. This enduring Highland Park festival holds the distinction of being the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States, consistently showcasing premier musicians across a diverse spectrum of genres.
The 2024 season featured the powerful vocals of Ms. Lauryn Hill and the timeless hits of Chicago and Santana, to the captivating sounds of Counting Crows, Charlie Puth, John Legend and the legendary Jethro Tull, last year's festival offered an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all genres.
Your Ravinia Festival ticket unlocks more than just incredible music; it also grants you complimentary MetraRail access to the venue. As summer unfolds, Ravinia proudly welcomes back the esteemed Chicago Symphony Orchestra, led by the celebrated conductor Marin Alsop, solidifying its role as their cherished seasonal home. Prepare to be captivated – the remarkable lineup for Ravinia Festival's highly anticipated 2025 season awaits your discovery below!
Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Ann and Nancy Wilson return to Ravinia in 2025 for “An Evening with Heart,” marking more than 50 years since the release of their breakthrough album "Dreamboat Annie." Last seen at the festival in 2014, the iconic duo will lead fans through a powerhouse set of hits including “Barracuda,” “Magic Man,” “Alone” and “Crazy on You.” With over 35 million records sold worldwide, Heart’s genre-defying blend of hard rock and folk balladry has earned them a place among VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock and a lasting legacy as pioneers for women in music. The current lineup features the Wilson sisters alongside Ryan Wariner, Ryan Waters, Paul Moak, Tony Lucido and Sean T. Lane, delivering the band’s signature sound with renewed fire. Celebrated for their fierce vocals, virtuosic musicianship and genre-defining songwriting, Heart’s influence spans generations. As Ann Wilson puts it, “The best is yet to come.”
Two generations of musical revolutionaries collide at Ravinia this summer in a landmark event headlined by the legendary Grace Jones and the electrifying Janelle Monáe. These genre-defying icons bring fearless artistry and unmatched presence to the stage. From Jones’ boundary-pushing fusion of disco, reggae and art pop to Monáe’s bold blend of funk, futurism and protest, this is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of individuality and impact. The party starts early at the Carousel Stage with QUEEN!, the beloved Chicago LGBTQ+ house music institution, bringing beats, brilliance, and ballroom energy with Derrick Carter, Michael Serafini, Lucy Stoole and Nico. A night of sound, style and statement—not to be missed.
The Black Crowes return to Ravinia with their trademark brand of unapologetic, blues-soaked rock and roll. Formed in Atlanta in 1984, the powerhouse sibling duo rose to fame with a gritty, genre-defying sound that blends Southern rock, psychedelic pop and raw rhythm and blues. Now reunited and reinvigorated, the band brings decades of hits, deep cuts, and high-voltage energy to the Pavilion stage. Best known for their breakout 1990 album "Shake Your Money Maker," The Black Crowes have carved out a legacy as one of rock’s most enduring acts, with nine studio albums, four live records and an electrifying live show that has captivated audiences worldwide. Since reuniting in 2019, the band has played more than 150 shows across 20 countries, proving that their sound hits just as hard today as it did three decades ago. From rock royalty to rising stars, this is a night that promises pure, unfiltered musical fire.
James Taylor returns to Ravinia this summer for one of the season’s most anticipated performances, following back-to-back sold-out shows in 2024. A six-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Taylor will perform alongside his All-Star Band, delivering beloved classics like “Fire and Rain” and “Sweet Baby James.” Opening the evening is rising folk-pop trio Tiny Habits, whose lush harmonies and heartfelt songwriting have earned praise from NPR, The New Yorker and a growing list of collaborators. Fresh off the release of their debut album All For Something and new single “For Sale Sign” with Lizzy McAlpine, the Boston-based group makes their Pavilion debut. Together, the artists promise a night of nostalgia, intimacy and musical mastery under the stars.
Al Green brings his timeless soul to Ravinia this summer, promising a night of smooth grooves and unforgettable vocals under the stars. With his signature blend of gospel-rooted emotion, sensual falsetto and the lush orchestration of the Hi Records sound, Green helped define soul music in the 1970s. Backed by producer Willie Mitchell, he delivered classics like “Let’s Stay Together,” “Tired of Being Alone” and “Love and Happiness,” cementing his legacy as one of the genre’s most influential voices. Rolling Stone ranks Green among the greatest singers of all time, while music critic Robert Christgau hails him as “the finest vocalist rock & roll has ever known.” Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, Green remains a transcendent figure whose music continues to inspire generations. Joining him for a powerful night of soul and R&B are The O’Jays, currently on their farewell tour. Original members Eddie Levert Sr. and Walter Williams Sr. lead the legendary group through a hit-filled set featuring “Love Train,” “Backstabbers,” and “For the Love of Money.” As trailblazers of The Sound of Philadelphia, The O’Jays broke barriers in the ’70s and ’80s, becoming the first Black vocal group to headline arenas across the country. Together, Al Green and The O’Jays offer a rare chance to witness soul music royalty—two icons sharing the stage for a celebration of love, unity, and the enduring power of song.
Hip-hop meets high art in a historic night at Ravinia as rap legend Nas makes his debut with a full symphonic reimagining of "Illmatic," backed by the Chicago Philharmonic. Hailed by Billboard as the #1 Greatest Rap Album of All Time, Nas’ seminal debut album transforms into a sweeping orchestral experience, amplifying his razor-sharp lyricism and cinematic storytelling. With a career spanning three decades, platinum records, a Grammy win and a legacy as both artist and mogul, Nas now brings his most iconic work to the stage like never before. One night. One album. One unforgettable fusion of hip-hop and symphony.
Legendary rock band Chicago brings their signature blend of jazz, rock and pop to the Pavilion stage. Formed in 1967 and named for their hometown, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees are one of the best-selling and longest-running groups in music history. With more than 100 million records sold and a staggering 36 albums to their name—including 17 platinum and nine multiplatinum records—Chicago’s influence is as enduring as their chart-topping hits. Their decades-spanning catalog includes beloved anthems such as “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” and “You’re the Inspiration,” songs that have helped define the American music landscape. Opening the evening is Stevie McVie, a tribute band honoring the legacy of Fleetwood Mac through the voices of Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie. Known for their dynamic stage presence and reverent yet fresh approach, Stevie McVie offers more than a tribute—they create an immersive experience, drawing connections between Fleetwood Mac and contemporaries like Don Henley and Tom Petty.
Norwegian DJ and producer Kygo will bring his signature blend of tropical house and EDM to the Ravinia Festival on July 6. The Pavilion show begins at 7:30 p.m. Known for global hits like “Firestone” and high-profile festival appearances, Kygo has become one of electronic music’s top acts. He will be joined by fellow Norwegian artist Victoria Nadine, a rising pop singer recognized for her soulful vocals and breakout single “Be Okay.” The performance marks the Ravinia debut for both artists.
Beck brings his genre-defying sound to new heights in his Ravinia debut, performing for the first time with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Edwin Outwater. The eight-time Grammy winner, known for hits like “Loser” and “Where It’s At,” blends rock, folk, hip-hop and electronic music with orchestral arrangements in a career-spanning set that includes new material and special collaborations with his father, composer David Campbell. The evening also features performances by longtime Beck bandmates Jason Falkner, Roger Manning and Joey Waronker. Opening the night is Molly Lewis, a whistling virtuoso whose atmospheric performances draw from jazz, exotica and classic film scores, marking her Ravinia debut.
Superstar pianist Lang Lang returns to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra this summer for The Disney Book, an enchanting evening that bridges classical music and beloved animation. Conducted by Edwin Outwater, the concert highlights the timeless Disney melodies that first inspired Lang Lang’s musical journey, reimagined with orchestral brilliance and virtuosic flair. The program features special guest soloists, including erhu player Yimiao Chen and guitarist Plínio Fernandes, both making their CSO debuts, as well as vocalists Celeste Morales and Edmond Rodriguez—alumni of Ravinia’s Steans Institute. Together, they bring a fresh perspective and global sound to cherished Disney classics in a night that celebrates imagination, nostalgia and world-class musicianship.
Earth, Wind & Fire returns to Ravinia for the first time since 2018, bringing decades of iconic hits and unmatched energy to the festival stage. Blending jazz, R&B and pop with a spiritual and multicultural flair, the legendary band—founded by the late Maurice White—rose to fame in the 1970s and has remained a dynamic force in music ever since. Backed by a powerhouse ensemble, the current lineup features original members Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson performing timeless tracks like “September,” “Let’s Groove” and “Boogie Wonderland.” Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Earth, Wind & Fire continues to move audiences with rich harmonies, electrifying rhythms and a message of love and unity.
Cynthia Erivo, the triple-threat talent with Grammy, Emmy and Tony Awards to her name, returns to Ravinia for a powerhouse performance that promises to be one of the season’s highlights. Fresh off her critically acclaimed role as Elphaba in "Wicked: Part One," the British-born star brings her stunning vocals, commanding stage presence and emotional depth to the Pavilion stage. Known for her breakout performance in "The Color Purple" and her Emmy-nominated portrayal of Aretha Franklin, Erivo’s musical range and artistic brilliance continue to dazzle audiences worldwide. With a set that blends soul, theater and powerful storytelling, this is a rare chance to experience one of the most dynamic performers of our time in an unforgettable live concert.
Lenny Kravitz, the four-time Grammy winner and genre-defying rock icon, returns to Ravinia this summer for a night of timeless hits and new music. Known for blending soul, rock and funk with effortless style, Kravitz has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and continues to captivate audiences with his electrifying performances. In 2024, he was honored with the Music Icon Award at the People’s Choice Awards and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fans can expect a dynamic setlist featuring classics like “It Ain’t Over ’Til It’s Over” and “Fly Away,” along with tracks from his latest album, "Blue Electric Light." With decades of influence in both music and fashion, Kravitz’s Ravinia performance promises to be a standout moment of the season.
Maren Morris brings her powerhouse voice and fearless artistry to Ravinia for the first time this summer, marking a milestone moment in the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s career. With a Grammy, multiple ACM and CMA Awards and billions of streams to her name, Morris has carved out a singular space in music, seamlessly crossing between country, pop and rock. Known for hits like “My Church,” “The Bones” and her Zedd collaboration “The Middle,” she’s also a founding member of the country supergroup The Highwomen. Morris enters a bold new chapter with her latest Intermission EP, featuring the MUNA-produced “push me over” and Julia Michaels collaboration “cut!”. Fans can expect an electrifying performance full of honesty, energy and genre-defying sound from one of music’s most compelling voices.
Twelve-time Grammy Award winner John Legend returns to Ravinia this summer for a special evening marking the 20th anniversary of his debut album, "Get Lifted." The multi-platinum artist will perform songs from the breakthrough 2004 release that introduced his smooth vocals, soulful sound and heartfelt lyricism to the world. Legend commemorates the milestone with a newly released anniversary edition of "Get Lifted," featuring 11 bonus tracks, including rare B-sides and eight remixes. At Ravinia, he brings those beloved songs back to the stage, blending nostalgia with new energy in a performance that celebrates the album’s lasting impact. From career-defining hits to reimagined classics, the evening promises a powerful mix of soul, storytelling and celebration under the stars.
Close out the 2025 Ravinia Festival season with a vibrant celebration of music, culture and community at the ninth annual Fiesta Ravinia! This all-day event honors Mexican heritage with family-friendly performances, hands-on activities and mouthwatering street food from local food trucks—all included with your ticket. Headliners La Original Banda El Limón, pioneers of modern banda, bring their legendary sound to the main stage, while the Como La Flor Band captures the heart and soul of Selena’s greatest hits on the Carousel Stage. With a special performance by Lake County’s Reach Teach Play Sistema Ravinia student orchestra, Fiesta Ravinia is a joyful, can’t-miss finale filled with music, tradition and pride.
May Shows at Ravinia Festival
- Jahari Stampley Trio (5/2) INFO»
- WindSync (5/3) INFO»
- Black Oak Ensemble (5/4) INFO»
June Shows at Ravinia Festival
- An Evening with Heart (6/6) INFO»
- Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe, featuring Queen! (6/7) INFO»
- The Mohan Sisters starring Neeti, Shakti, and Mukti Mohan (6/8) INFO»
- Premieres of winning works from the seventh Steans Institute Bridges Competition at Bennett Gordon Hall (6/10) INFO»
- Pianist Angela Hewitt (6/11) INFO»
- The Allman Betts Band and The Record Company (6/12) INFO»
- Counting Crows with special guest The Gaslight Anthem (6/13) INFO»
- Elena Moon Park & Friends (6/14) INFO»
- Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ with Abraham Alexander (6/14) INFO»
- Kurt Elling featuring Peter Erskine (6/15) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Jazz Program (6/17) INFO»
- The Black Crowes (6/18) INFO»
- James Taylor and His All-Star Band with special guest Tiny Habits (6/19) INFO»
- David Foster and Chris Botti featuring Katharine McPhee (6/20) INFO»
- Tony Siqi Yun (6/21) INFO»
- Dispatch and John Butler with special guest Donavon Frankenreiter (6/21) INFO»
- Isidore Quartet (6/22) INFO»
- Diana Krall with a special guest performance by Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play Jazz Mentors & Scholars (6/22) INFO»
- The Juilliard Quartet with the Isidore Quartet (6/25) INFO»
- Lindsey Stirling with Chicago Philharmonic (6/26) INFO»
- The Roots (6/27) INFO»
- Opera for the Young (6/28) INFO»
- Al Green (6/28) INFO»
- "Weird Al" Yankovic with special guest Puddles Pity Party (6/29) INFO»
July Shows at Ravinia Festival
- Brass from the Past (7/1) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Piano & Strings Program Master Class with pianist Jeffrey Kahane (7/2) INFO»
- Nas with Chicago Philharmonic (7/2) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Piano & Strings Program (7/3) INFO»
- Chicago with special guest Stevie McVie (7/5) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Piano & Strings Program (7/6) INFO»
- Kygo with special guest Victoria Nadine (7/6) INFO»
- Dan Tyminski Band (7/8) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Piano & Strings Program open rehearsal (7/9) INFO»
- Chucho Valdés, Paquito D’Rivera & Arturo Sandoval: Irakere 50 featuring Emilio Frías (7/9) INFO»
- The Reset: An Immersive Sound Experience with Davin Youngs (7/10) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Piano & Strings Program (7/11) INFO»
- 89th CSO Opening Night: Carlos Simon’s Amen, Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring (7/11) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Piano & Strings Program (7/12) INFO»
- Gershwin’s Concerto in F, Montgomery’s Strum, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 Jean-Yves Thibaudet with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (7/12) INFO»
- Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (7/13) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Piano & Strings Program (7/15) INFO»
- Juanes (7/15) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Piano & Strings Program Master Class with cellist Jens Peter Maintz (7/16) INFO»
- Ronnie Baker Brooks (7/17) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Piano & Strings Program curated by and featuring faculty violinist David Grimal (7/18) INFO»
- Mahler’s Second Symphony with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Chorus (7/18) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Piano & Strings Program (7/19) INFO»
- Laura Doherty & the Heartbeats (7/19) INFO»
- Classic Albums Live performs The Eagles’ Hotel California (7/19) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Piano & Strings Program: premiere of work commissioned from Joel Thompson (7/20) INFO»
- Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony Himari and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (7/20) INFO»
- Nitty Gritty Dirt Band: All the Good Times—The Farewell Tour with special guest Brit Taylor (7/22) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Piano & Strings Program curated by and featuring faculty violist Ettore Causa (7/23) INFO»
- Beck with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (7/23) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Piano & Strings Program (7/24) INFO»
- Breaking Barriers Festival Vadim Karpinos, Ed Harrison and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (7/25) INFO»
- Breaking Barriers Festival: Musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and guests perform chamber works (7/26) INFO»
- Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms with special guest Spin Doctors (7/26) INFO»
- Mendelssohn’s "Italian" Symphony Stephen Williamson and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (7/27) INFO»
- Spafford (7/29) INFO»
- Ana María Martínez with pianist Kevin Murphy (7/30) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Singers Program Master Class with soprano Ana María Martínez (7/31) INFO»
- Lang Lang performs The Disney Book with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (7/31) INFO»
August Shows at Ravinia Festival
- Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (8/1) INFO»
- Train with special guest Edwin McCain (8/2) INFO»
- Tchaikovsky Spectacular featuring the 1812 Overture with cannons Zlatomir Fung with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (8/3) INFO»
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: Phantom Island Tour with conductor and music director Sarah Hicks and Chicago Philharmonic (8/6) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Singers Program (8/7) INFO»
- Earth, Wind & Fire (8/7) INFO»
- Dan Tepfer: Natural Machines (8/8) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Singers Program curated by former Ravinia Music Director James Conlon and dramaturg Cori Ellison (8/9) INFO»
- Laurie Berkner (8/9) INFO»
- Debussy La mer, Wagner Tannhäuser Overture, Bruch’s First Violin Concerto Ray Chen with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (8/9) INFO»
- A Night of Mozart Garrick Ohlsson and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (8/10) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Singers Program Master Class with James Conlon (8/12) INFO»
- Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe (8/12) INFO»
- Apollo’s Fire: Fencing Match - dueling double concertos (8/12) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Singers Program (8/14) INFO»
- VOCES8 (8/14) INFO»
- Cynthia Erivo with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (8/15) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Singers Program curated and hosted by lieder scholar and pianist Graham Johnson (8/16) INFO»
- Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats (8/16) INFO»
- Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 Nobuyuki Tsujii, piano with Chicago Symphony Orchestra (8/16) INFO»
- Saint-Saëns’s Cello Concerto No. 1 Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello with Chicago Symphony Orchestra (8/17) INFO»
- Lincoln Trio (8/19) INFO»
- Henhouse Prowlers with special guest Almond & Olive (8/20) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Singers Program (8/21) INFO»
- Lenny Kravitz (8/21) INFO»
- Maren Morris (8/22) INFO»
- Fellows of the Steans Institute Singers Program curated and hosted by arranger and pianist Lee Musiker (8/23) INFO»
- John Legend celebrates the 20th anniversary of Get Lifted (8/23-24) INFO»
- Haymarket Opera performs Handel’s Alcina (8/24) INFO»
- Plínio Fernandes (8/26) INFO»
- UB40 with Buena Vista Orchestra (8/27) INFO»
- Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music Sing-Along (8/28) INFO»
- Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience with Chicago Philharmonic (8/29) INFO»
- Magic Piano & The Chopin Shorts (8/30) INFO»
- Ray LaMontagne (8/30) INFO»
- The ninth annual Fiesta Ravinia La Original Banda El Limón, Como La Flor: The Ultimate Selena Experience Tribute, additional headliner to be announced in late April (8/31) INFO»
For more updates about Ravinia Festival, continue here. To see other live music across the land of lakes, click here.
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