Cost: $10-$30 (depending on ticket type); under 21 admitted free when accompanied by paid adult

Organizer: inPLAY Events

What to expect: Wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment.

Why to go: Bone up on wines from around the world (Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile and Argentina will all be represented in addition to various regions of the U.S.) and you can impress your friends at the next dinner party.

Additional info: The event takes place at Daley Bicentennial Plaza. There are three ticket prices: the Designated Driver ticket ($10) includes two non-alcoholic drinks, Festival Program, Food & Wine Seminars, cooking demonstrations, music, and the opportunity to purchase wine. The regular ticket ($25 in advance, $30 at the door) includes all that, but with ten wine tastings and a souvenir wine glass. There is also a group ticket price of $22.50 per person for groups of 15 or more, and this must be arranged in advance. Participating restaurants include Butter and Nick's Fishmarket. Kim Massie and the Michael Heaton Band are among the musical acts, and there will be ongoing cooking demonstrations from area chefs at the Chef Pavilion daily.

Centerstage Reviewer: Ben Rubenstein