The Ravinia Festival season is underway with concerts and performances nearly every night of the week through mid-September. One of the oldest outdoor music festivals in America and the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ravinia's season includes classical music, jazz, rock and pop bands, world music, and dance. Performances can be enjoyed from pavilion seating or from the lawn, where the music is broadcast and picnicking is encouraged! Metra helps make getting to Highland Park easier with "Ravinia Special" train schedules and fares.

And the best part is that college students are eligible for free lawn passes to Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts and Martin Theatre events. Just present your current DePaul student ID at the box office on the evening of the performance to receive one free lawn pass. Your student ID will also score you a reserved seat on the night of these performances for only $10, pending availability.

So start packing your picnic basket, and check out Ravinia's season calendar to plan your trip! And for more free concerts this summer, also check out Millennium Park's music schedule, which includes mariachi to opera to reggae.

photo provided courtesy of Ravinia Festival