Wine aficionados can head to Jonquil Park this weekend for the ninth annual Lincoln Park Wine fest.
President of the Wrightwood Area Parks Advisory Council and Events Chairman of the Wrightwood Neighbors Association Courtland Hickey, a Lincoln Park native, said the event is essentially a fundraiser for the park.
"It's been a long time since we've been able to renovate the park," he said. "So, events like this are a key fundraiser for the community and the Parks Advisory Council to raise money to get the the city and the Park District to get together and plan out and put in a huge renovation."
He said funds raised will go towards new field, freshened grass, playground improvements and more.
This year's fest features more wines than ever from across the globe, including regions like Napa Valley, France and Spain. There will also be a live DJ and food from Pies of London, Taqueria Teotihuacan and Kurtos R us. Participants will also be able to browse wine related craft and merchant vendors.
"I've been to a lot of festivals, street festivals, beer festivals and wine festivals here in Chicago, but in other cities too, and we've really tried to take the best parts from all those festivals and really incorporate them into the Lincoln Park Wine Festival," he said.
The festival is separated into two-hour sessions between Friday and Sunday. There is also a VIP option, which offers ticket holders wine from several prestigious wineries, including Alta, Zialena, Bella Glos, Safron Fields and more.
"The VIP section is something that is so special that words can't really convey how much effort and how much time we, as volunteers, have really put into making sure that the VIP section is really the top level of an event like this," he said.
And for general admission ticket holders, Hickey said there will still be plenty of options and delicious wines.
"I just want everybody to come out and have a good time and enjoy a relaxing day of the park with their their friends and family," he said. "But also maybe catch a show or go out to dinner afterwards at any of our wonderful local bars and restaurants. We have some really great stuff here in Lincoln Park."
You can purchase tickets here.