2026 Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series
About this Event
Ragdale is honored to host the first book event for the much-anticipated Black Designers in Chicago: Culture and Community in the Twentieth Century. Editor Chris Dingwall will moderate a conversation between Robert Earl Paige, the 2026 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award winner (Design Visionary), and Norman Teague, educator, artist and curator, principal of his design studio, and part of an exhibition design team for the Obama Presidential Center. A book signing will precede their artist’s talk, and books will be available for purchase from our onsite partner, Lake Forest Book Store.
A musical extravaganza with Clarice Assad, a Grammy Award–nominated composer, pianist, vocalist, and educator, anchors the second act. Called “[v]ibrant, gear shifting…a charismatic singer” by the New York Times and a “talent quite beyond compare” by All Music Guide, Clarice will create a unique and singular performance with Chicago Fringe Opera, guest artists of Teatro Vista Productions, and audience members using their voices as an instrument.
Campus opens at 3:30pm, and the grounds are available for picnicking and self-guided garden tours.
Program:
Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 3:30-7:30PM
3:30 PM Campus opens. Enjoy a picnic and take self-guided tour of the Ragdale grounds and gardens
4:30-5 PM book signing in Ragdale House (copies of Black Designers in Chicago will be available for purchase)
5:30 PM Artist Talk: Robert Earl Paige and Norman Teague with Chris Dingwall
6:15 PM Musical Performances
· Satya Chávez, guest artist of Teatro Vista
· Chicago Fringe Opera
· Clarice Assad
7:30 PM program concludes
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Ragdale?
Ragdale is an artist residency program located in Lake Forest, Illinois, that provides time and space for writers, dancers, architects, musicians, composers, and visual artists to work, uninterrupted. Individuals apply through a competitive review process, and over 200 residencies are awarded annually, making Ragdale one of the largest residency programs in the United States.
To stay connected to our programs and learn more about our work, visit www.ragdale.org and sign up for our newsletters online.
What is the venue like?
The Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series will be outdoors and located behind Ragdale House, designed in 1897 by renowned Chicago architect Howard Van Doren Shaw. The area of the Ragdale Ring is mowed lawn and includes some uneven terrain.
Additional activities may take place at other locations on campus, and Ragdale staff and volunteers can help direct you when you arrive. Pathways between buildings include paved, crushed limestone, and stone. Ramps are installed at building points of entry and exit. Building restrooms are available.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the Ragdale campus, including all buildings and outdoor spaces.
To request accessibility services please email [email protected] a minimum of 72 hours before the event.
What are transit and parking options?
Parking is not available at Ragdale. Ragdale provides a complimentary shuttle service between downtown Lake Forest (Forest Avenue Lot at 690 Forest Avenue, Lake Forest, Illinois) and Ragdale’s campus (1230 N Green Bay Road, Lake Forest, Illinois).
The free shuttle will operate between downtown Lake Forest and Ragdale during these times:
- Saturday September 12, from 3:30-8:30pm
Metra riders should use the Union Pacific North service (UP-N) between Chicago and Kenosha and ride to the Lake Forest stop (691 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest). Visit Metra.com for current schedule.
Metra riders are welcome to use the free shuttle that will be near the train station.
Walking to Ragdale (1230 N Green Bay Road, Lake Forest, Illinois) from the Metra station takes about 25 minutes.
Can I bring my own food or alcohol to Ragdale Ring events?
We encourage guests to arrive early with a picnic of their own creation, as well as a blanket and or folding chairs. Alcohol for those 21+ is allowed. There are no options for purchasing food onsite.
Do I need to bring my own chairs?
For those planning to picnic, we encourage you to bring chairs and/or blankets, which can also be used for your seating at performances, as space allows.
Ragdale will also have folding chairs set-up in the performance area for event attendees. The event is general admission, and chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are there restrooms?
Yes.
Is the event family friendly?
Yes.
Where is it happening?
USD 0.00 to USD 25.00
