Ravinia Guide | How To Turn Lawn Tickets Into A VIP Experience
If you’re not in the know — Ravinia is one of Chicagoland’s favorite summertime venues for enjoying an afternoon or evening on lawn, listening to music, and socializing with friends. The ticket to having a good time at this open-air concert venue, in our opinion, places as much importance on the picnic-fare on the lawn, as choosing the date or prioritizing which headliners are playing the concert! Meaning, we’re not necessarily here for the music, but for the entire experience that the lawn offers.
Don’t worry- we’ve rounded up the very best recommendations for you to ensure your Lawn Tickets feel as VIP as possible- from accessories to recipes. Read on to become the envy of every event-goer with our curated guide to what you need for Ravinia (or any open air music concert this summer!).
Insulated Picnic Basket • Comes with cups, plates, bowls, utensils, bottle opener and cutting board • Sunnylife • $250
What’s a picnic without a basket?
Unless you’re good at juggling, not much! The Ravinia pros know that you do have to carry-in all your food and drinks, and all your comfort-enhancing accoutrements (chairs, tables, blankets). Which is why we recommend starting with a sturdy basket like these:
Sojourn Picnic Basket • Lid doubles as a serving tray. Optional melamine plates, bowls and cups for 4 • CB2 • $129- $249
Dressed En Plein Air Wicker Picnic Basket • Comes with plates, bowls, cups, and utensils for 4 • Alessi • $649
Picnic Time Fold-Up Portable Adventure Wagon • Converts to a cooler and a table • Food52 • $296
If you really want to ensure your concert experience is schlep-free…
We recommend investing in a fold-up cart.
It’s not as picturesque as a classic wicker basket, but it helps you tow your picnic provisions to your preferred spot on the grass. And this one even converts to a cooler and table!
Recycled Wool Waterproof Picnic Blanket in Neutral Herringbone Check• Tartan Blanket Co. • $125
Blankets and chairs are like your base-layer for picnics.
Blankets help secure your space and delineate your area on the lawn, so no one accidentally tramples your drinks or walks on your artful cheese board. Chairs are for your comfort. Depending on your age, you may be perfectly fine sitting on the ground on a blanket. The rest of us know that if we’re perching somewhere for hours, we want chairs! With backs, please. Peruse our picks here:
Carry strap, zip pocket on the back, and sturdy wood - plus it’s cute enough for the ‘gram? We’re here for this chair!
Vintage-Inspired Beach Chairs • Business & Pleasure • $199
Roll Up Printed Picnic Blankets • The Somewhere Co. • $110
Backpack straps makes easy work of carrying your chair, plus your essentials (aka snacks!).
The Monaco Backpack Beach Chair • Picnic Time • $150.95
Beach Blanket, with center hole for umbrella • Lulu & Georgia • $99
Two-Person Fold Up Bench • Naturehike • $219
Ravinia is nothing, if not a little extra, so why not bring your own bench!
So if you and your pals like to share a seat or loathe the idea of wrangling many chairs, a bench is a perfect solution. You may even get some oohs and ahhs from your neighbors on the lawn!
Perfect for cozying up next to your love, or snuggling with your kiddos.
Seriously Good Broccoli Slaw • Recipe by Inspired Taste
Is it a party without snacks?
You’ve picked your basket, but what to fill it up with?? You can always pick up quick pre-cut items to go for no-fail snacks- like crudités of fresh veggies and fresh fruits, but if you really want to wow, we’ve rounded up an assortment of picnic perfect recipes to indulge your inner gourmet.
We are firmly in the camp “dips can be meals” — and if you feel similarly, this French Onion Dip is sure to please. Equally good with chips or veggies!
French Onion Dip • Recipe by Love & Lemons
Beet Hummus • Recipe by Waves In The Kitchen
If your crowd prefers a meat-y main, we love ribs for their hand-held nature. These tamarind glazed ones are sure to please! Just pack napkins/wet wipes for those sticky fingers.
Baby Back Ribs with Tamarind Glaze • Bon Appetit
Country Panzanella With Watermelon Dressing • NY Times Cooking
Maximalist Potato Salad • Recipe by 101 Cookbooks
Finger sandwiches are always a hit at picnics! Instead of the classic cucumber and cream cheese, why not try an equally refreshing veggie sando? Radishes pack a bit of heat, and cooling butter and salt makes for a perfect easy dish!
Radish Sandwiches With Butter and Salt • NY Times Cooking
Portable Outdoor Teak Wood Table, with 4 wineglass holders and center hole for umbrella • Business & Pleasure • $199
The food is ready, now where to eat?
If you are truly Ravinia ready– you are essentially having a mini party on the lawn! Here are our top picks for taking it from picnic to professional:
We love these melamine bowls that go from storage to serving in a snap!
Melamine Gingham Lidded Bowls and BBQ Trays • Tarhong • $50-80
While we typically err on the side of ‘classic’ for our tablewear, if there’s one place to make splash– it’s with durable outdoor place settings. Go for a bold color or pattern (or both!).
“Shapes” Bamboo Salad Plates, Set of 4 • Poketo • $40
Inspired to go to Ravinia this year?
Click through to download our printable and social media assets to share!
Ravinia does have some rules for what’s allowed in (or not), so if it’s your first time, or if you just need a refresher on what all you can bring– see the whole list here: