ON EXHIBIT: THE RING RETURNS

Ragdale’s beloved outdoor stage is reborn, with a bold new installation and a summer of live performances.

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, Ragdale is bringing back its historic outdoor performance space—the Ragdale Ring. Architect Howard Van Doren Shaw built this open-air theater on his summer retreat in 1912 to host plays written by his wife, Frances Wells Shaw.

Debuting at Ragdale Ring this summer is Front of House, the winning design of Ragdale’s 2026 Ring Design-Build Competition. Created by Virginia-based studio Gluten, the installation takes inspiration from the original Ragdale estate and serves as both performance stage and audience seating—a fresh reimagining of an iconic gathering place. It will be on view from mid-June through early November.

The Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series kicks off June 20 and 21 with the world premiere of Circle of Apathy, a dance work by House of DOV, led by Ragdale alumnus Drew Lewis. Both nights feature a full outdoor performance on the Front of House installation.

Sunday, June 21, is Ragdale Family Day, with additional activities and a performance by theater duo Well-Balanced Dads. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and picnic along the prairie. Blankets, folding chairs, and food are welcome. Additional seating will be provided.

The Ragdale Ring has long offered live performance in an intimate outdoor setting, continuing a tradition of welcoming artists and community that dates more than a century.

This summer, that legacy gets a dynamic new chapter.