Enchanting Outdoor Concert

Chicago, as many a Midwesterner will tell you, is a city that truly appreciates great weather. Come summer, the events around town are chockablock, and a kid really needs a nifty scheduling device to keep track of what to do and when. This weekend alone has the Blues Fest and a few art fairs in the mix of things to do in Chicago.

One of the events I most look forward to in Chicago summers is known as the Ravinia Festival, an ongoing outdoor concert series set in a ritzy, lovely suburb north of the city called Highland Park. I'm pretty excited, as the official outdoor dates begin this weekend. There is something simply magical and enchanting about outdoor musical performances that I think everyone should have a chance to enjoy. As the weather warms, encourage the artsy part of yourself and your friends and attend an outdoor concert or two.

• Keep your eyes peeled for outdoor concerts in your venue. Most cities have some activity that will fit the bill. My hometown of South Bend, Indiana, which is no grand metropolis, has a similar series known as the Firefly Festival. Check local event listings, the Sunday paper's Living/Lifestyle/Arts & Entertainment sections, and internet local guides like Citysearch and Digital City for specifics in your area. A hefty search engine like Google might help you uncover a useful local site for info. You can usually sign up for local event newsletters online to keep you abreast of what is going on around your town.
• Round up your concert buddies. Depending on who's playing, it might be a date-y concert where you'd prefer to attend with only your love buddy. Or it might be something fun like Peter, Paul, and Mary, where you would want to invite all your pals and family. Check the event calendar so you can plan far enough in advance that you all get tickets. Many Ravinia shows sell out way before the concert even rolls near, and this may be the case for the concerts you want to attend. Get your piece of the pie by being a planful researcher.
• Pack your gear. This will vary as the concerts you go to vary. Do your research and see what kind of place the concert venue is. Check out your options on the food, restroom, and shelter front. In the case of Ravinia, this is my usual checklist:
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