Where do I park and check in?

Park in the Visitor Center lot at 14520 River Road, Gate 1 and proceed to the Visitor Center to check in between 1:30–3:30 PM.

Are tickets refundable?

Tickets are nonrefundable; advance purchase is recommended and walk-ins are subject to day-of pricing.

Is the house walk-through guided?

Walk-through visits of the Edith Farnsworth House are included between 2:00–3:00 PM but are not a full guided tour.

Can I bring a tent or stake items?

No—tents and staked items are not permitted on the lawn to protect the grounds.

Pets are not allowed at this event.

Is food available on site?

Yes, delicious eats and drinks are available from a local vendor, though many guests choose to bring a picnic.

Latin Jazz and Mariachi on the Lawn at Edith Farnsworth House

On summer evenings the Edith Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois opens its lawn to a rare blend of live music and modern architecture. Located on a 58-acre landscape along River Road, Latin Jazz and Mariachi on the Lawn pairs Chicago saxophonist Roy McGrath and his jazz quintet with Mariachi Las Luces De Aurora for a layered afternoon-to-evening program centered on Mexican Modernism as part of the Farnsworth Forward initiative.

Plan to check in at the Visitor Center between 1:30 and 3:30 PM (parking at 14520 River Road, Gate 1). The house is open for walk-through visits from 2:00–3:00 PM, and the concert begins at 4:00 PM. Attendees should expect a half-mile walk on a mulched path to reach the lawn; bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic gear and be prepared to carry them. No tents or staked items are permitted and pets are not allowed. Walk-in tickets may be available but increase to $40 for adults on the day of the event.

What distinguishes this gathering is the way sound and structure interact. The Farnsworth House’s clean planes and glass facades read differently in shifting light; hearing tenor saxophone lines and mariachi horns against that backdrop changes how you perceive both the music and the building. The wide lawn and adjacent meadow provide open sightlines and room to spread out, turning an architectural visit into a deliberately social, outdoor concert.

Practicalities matter: food and drinks are available from a local vendor, but a packed picnic lets you control timing and seating. The program highlights community voices and contemporary interpretation of the site while the property's National Trust for Historic Preservation listing underscores ongoing stewardship. Tickets are nonrefundable; advance purchase is recommended for peak events.

This is an accessible, low-barrier cultural outing—ideal for architecture enthusiasts, music fans, and travelers who want a relaxed, outdoor evening with curated programming. Dress for changing temperatures, bring sun protection and water, and monitor venue communications for weather updates. With a short walk from the Visitor Center and framed views of the house, Latin Jazz and Mariachi on the Lawn offers a focused way to spend an afternoon in Plano that feels both intimate and deliberately outdoors.