August 22, 2026 Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series
About this Event
Ragdale’s August Ragdale Ring begins with an open mic hosted by poet and performer Marty McConnell, author of several books and co-founder and co-editor of “underbelly,” an online magazine focused on the art and magic of poetry revision.
A featured dialogue between Jamila Woods, musician, poet, and multidisciplinary artist from the South Side of Chicago, and Adrian Matejka, editor-in-chief of Poetry magazine and author of seven books who grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, follows the open mic.
The night closes with a musical performance by Chicago-born writer and musician Tasha, now based in New York and hot off the release of her fourth album You Are Spring!
Campus opens at 4pm; open mic sign up begins at 5pm; performances are 6-8pm.
Program:
Saturday, August 22nd, 2026, from 6-8PM
An evening exploring connections between poetry, place and musicality
4:00 PM Campus opens. Enjoy a picnic and self guided tour the Ragdale grounds and gardens
5:00 PM Open mic sign up begins
6:00-6:25 PM Poetry open mic with Marty McConnell
6:25-7:00 PM Poetry and Place, a conversation with Jamila Woods and Adrian Matejka
7:00-8:00 PM Tasha musical performance
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 August 22, from 4pm-9pm
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
