Ravinia Festival551

North America's oldest music festival (circa 1904), the world-renowned Ravinia, sprawls across 36 acres of beautiful, green lawns, restaurants, and three stages. Martin Theatre and Bennett Gordon Hall are indoor venues, and the Pavilion, which seats 3,400 but also includes roomier, grass-ier "lawn seating," is part of the great outdoors.

Classical music is Ravinia's strong suit, but Ravinia showcases a wide variety of other types of music as well. Classical, pop, rock, folk, and world music are all represented over the course of the festival.

Reserve seats in the Pavilion, which are slightly more expensive than lawn tickets, but allow for a better view of performers and a more comfortable seat. Or stake out a plot of the lawn, settle in, and enjoy the world-class entertainment.

If it's chillier or buggier than expected, or if wine bottle openers, napkins, matches, or the like were left behind, stop by the gift shop - where there's bound to be a line of others who forgot similar items. Those who picnic first - and then plan to move to the comfort of a reserved seat - can stash belongings in one of the convenient storage areas at the perimeter of the venue.

When performances are expected to pull especially large crowds, leave earlier than usual or take the Metra to avoid delays. For anticipated crowd information check www.ravinia.org or call the box office at 847.266-5100.

In general, the park opens three hours prior to the concert time for that evening's main event. For Kraft Kids Concerts, the park opens one hour prior to the concert.

Please note that children under the age of seven are not allowed in reserved seats (except for Kraft Kids Concerts and the Family Concert). Also not allowed are tiki torches, tents, beverage holders, pets, beer kegs, bicycles, scooters, in-line skates, balls, frisbees, cameras, and audio recorders.