Ravinia Festival – Highland Park, Illinois, USA

History & Description:
The Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in North America, established in 1904 as an amusement park to attract riders to the Chicago & Milwaukee Electric Railroad. In 1936, it became the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), a tradition that continues today. Held annually from June through September, the festival offers a diverse program featuring classical music, opera, jazz, pop, rock, folk, and more.​

Features / Program:
The festival takes place on a 36-acre park with several performance venues:​

• Pavilion — the main stage with 3,350 seats for major concerts.
• Martin Theatre — a historic 850-seat hall for chamber music and theatrical performances.
• Bennett Gordon Hall — a 450-seat venue used for masterclasses and educational programs.​

Attendees often enjoy concerts while picnicking on the lawn, a hallmark of the Ravinia experience.​

Significance:
Ravinia Festival plays a significant role in the cultural landscape of the United States, bringing together various musical genres and providing a platform for both renowned artists and emerging talents. The festival is also actively involved in educational initiatives, such as the Reach Teach Play program, which reaches approximately 75,000 students annually.​