Join admirers and patrons of Ragdale as they gather and celebrate
Ragdale’s 50th Anniversary
Ragdale is marking this milestone anniversary with a sensational lineup of events,
activities and opportunities highlighting the artistic and historic mission.
The anniversary year currently includes the following events and activities:
50TH JUBILEE
Saturday, May 16, 5:30 – 10:00 pm ~ 50th Jubilee at Ragdale
An entertainment- filled cocktail party followed by seated dinners with a special featured artist at each table set throughout the Ragdale campus and ending with an afterglow show.
RAGDALE RING
June through October 2026 ~ Ragdale Ring Performances
The architecture & design team winner of the competition will construct the Anniversary Ring in late May/early June followed by up to five early evening Ragdale Ring performances monthly June through October. The first performance on the Ring features House of DOV for two nights Sat Jun 20 & Sun June 21.
HISTORY CENTER OF LAKE FOREST-LAKE BLUFF EXHIBIT
Opening Friday, September 18 into April 2027 ~ Ragdale and the Legacy of the Shaw family
A special exhibit in partnership with and at the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff. Includes an Opening Night Event and additional programming throughout the run of the exhibition.
Details to Come
ARCHITECTURAL PRESERVATION SYMPOSIUM
Saturday, October 17 ~ Sunday October 18
An architecture preservation symposium held at Ragdale, The History Center and other venues in partnership with the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation and moderated by WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer.
Details to Come
AI, ARTS & HUMANITIES EVENT
Date TBD
Presentation on the impacts and effects of AI on the arts and humanities in conjunction with Lake Forest College held at the college or the Chicago History Museum.
Details to Come
DANCE PERFORMANCE
Late fall 2026 or early winter 2027
Dance performance by a Ragdale Alum Dancer or Dance Company including a pre-performance reception
at a venue in Chicago.
Details to Come
RAGDALE ALUMNI REUNION
February 2027
A Ragdale Artist Alumni Reunion Party at a venue in Chicago.
Details to Come
VISUAL ART EXHIBITION
Possibly Early 2027
A Ragdale Alum+ visual art exhibition with opening reception at the newly renovated exhibition space at and
in partnership with Brushwood Center.
Details to Come
Mark your calendar and plan to join us at any one of these outstanding events!
For more information, contact Mary Beth Sova at marybeth@ragdale.org or 847.234.1063 x24
or Anna Blazkova at anna@ragdale.org or 847.234.1063 x29 with any questions.
Please consider sponsoring this very special milestone.