Get Involved
Ragdale is a place where creative people come together across many artistic disciplines. Connect with Ragdale artists and the community through our public programs and events.
Join our mailing list now to stay informed about Ragdale programs, events, and other happenings.
Become a volunteer.
For more information about any program or event, please call 847.234.1063 or email: info@ragdale.org
Event Calendar
Ragdale Ring Preview Reception
Wednesday, May 22, 6pm
Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a behind-the-scenes
preview of the new Ragdale Ring, a contemporary
performance venue on the Ragdale lawn. Meet the
international competition’s winning design team
and its jurors.
Ragdale Ring Gala
Saturday, June 15, 7pm
Celebrate the unveiling of the new Ragdale Ring, the
winning project of an international design competition
to create a dynamic, open air performance venue.
Enjoy fine food and performances by top musicians,
spoken word poets, and inventive dance companies.
Ragdale Ring Spotlight Series
Thursdays at 7pm
June 20, July 11, August 15 and September 12
A monthly summer performance series of music,
dance and theater in the open air Ragdale Ring.
Co-presented by Ragdale and Chicago-based
partners.
Alumni Reunion
Thursday, July 11, 6pm
An informal reception in the Ragdale gardens
followed by free attendance at the Ragdale Ring
Spotlight performance.
Summer Intensive Writing Workshop
Monday, July 29 – Friday, August 2, 8:30am
A free creative writing program for high school
students, selected through a competitive process.
Underwritten by the Heizer Foundation.
Shut Up and Write: Silence and Creativity for Writers
Friday, August 2 – Sunday, August 4
A 2 1/2 day workshop/retreat with journalist and bestselling
author, Anne LeClaire.
Benefactors’ Garden Party
Thursday, August 15, 5:30pm
A cocktail reception and presentation in the Ragdale
gardens followed by the Ragdale Ring Spotlight
performance. By invitation only.
Novel Affair
Friday, September 27, 7pm
Saturday, September 28, 6:30pm
A two-evening benefit for Ragdale that includes
a lively celebration featuring acclaimed artists on
Friday. Intimate dinners with guest artists in private
homes on Saturday.
Lake Forest Reads: Ragdale
October
A month-long program presented by the Lake Forest
Public Library during which the community reads one
book by a selected author affiliated with Ragdale.
Related programs and discussions take place at
various locations.
Ragdale Art Walk and Open Studios
Sunday, October 20, 2pmAn arts afternoon for the family featuring cider
pressed on site, open studios, an interactive
workshop, and a special exhibition on campus.
Ragdale Fall Salon
Sunday, November 17, 1pm
A progressive brunch, featuring exhibitions and
discussions with Ragdale artists and writers inspired
by the Shaw prairie.
Peace and Pause
Thursday, December 5, 4pm
A delightful holiday gathering featuring the Lake
Forest High School Madrigal Singers and high tea in
a private, seasonally decorated home.
Alumni Holiday Party
Sunday, December 15, 4pm
The annual holiday party with Ragdale alumni, their
families and friends, holiday music and tree trimming
in the Ragdale House.
