If there is one truly special way to experience music during summer in Illinois, it is undoubtedly at the Ravinia Festival. Nestled within a 36-acre park in Highland Park, just north of Chicago, Ravinia is more than just a festival—it's a cultural celebration with the soul of a picnic, a beloved open-air gathering that blends nature, art, and community for over a century.

Founded in 1904, Ravinia is the oldest music festival in North America and, to this day, one of the most musically diverse. Its stage has hosted artists from every genre—from the classical elegance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which calls Ravinia its summer home, to contemporary icons like John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, and in our case, the legendary James Taylor.

We arrived at sunset, as golden light filtered through the trees. What struck us first was the calm and grace with which people approached the gates. Families, couples, and groups of friends came with wagons, blankets, folding tables, and baskets full of delicacies. This is a key part of the Ravinia experience: it's not just about listening to music—it's about sharing, celebrating, and embracing the entire day.

Across the vast lawns, guests set up their own little corners with almost magical precision. Some laid out elegant tablecloths, others opted for camping chairs. But everyone embraced the art of the picnic: gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie boards, fresh fruit, dips, homemade brownies, bottles of wine, and even chilled champagne. We saw portable lanterns, candleholders, strings of lights, and real glassware. Some even went with themed table decorations. Everything is welcome—as long as the grounds are respected and left as pristine as found, which the audience does remarkably well.

As darkness fell, laughter sparkled, glasses clinked, and the first notes of the concert filled the air. James Taylor took the stage with his signature warmth, instantly captivating the crowd. With his soft voice and acoustic guitar, he delivered a night of nostalgia and pure beauty. Songs like "You've Got a Friend," "Sweet Baby James," "Fire and Rain," and "How Sweet It Is" felt even more intimate beneath the trees—like they were whispered by an old friend under the stars.

The connection between the artist and audience was absolute. Some sang along softly, others simply lay on the grass and let the music wash over them. It felt like being in a summer film—where the ordinary turns into something extraordinary.

At the end of the show, the crowd dispersed as calmly as it arrived. Each group packed up their space, smiled, and quietly bid farewell. Ravinia is not just a festival—it’s a tradition deeply woven into the cultural life of Illinois. It’s a multisensory experience where music is felt with the body, mind, and heart.

For those seeking something authentic, warm, different, and profoundly memorable during an Illinois summer, a night at Ravinia is an unmissable experience.