Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at the door; $10 for a designated driver ticket

Organizer: inPLAY Events

What to expect: Wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment at Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Millennium Park.

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. Also: Binny's will be offering 10 percent off any wine ordered at the festival.

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. Not into wine? Head to the Blue Moon beer garden for samples of your favorite brews.

Live entertainment schedule:

Friday, September 11
6 p.m.: Cooking/wine demo by Master Sommelier Serafin Alvarado
6:35 p.m.: Cotes du Rhone wine seminar
7:10 p.m.: The Hearty Boys cooking demonstration
8 p.m.: The Michael Heaton Band performs

Saturday, September 12
4 p.m.: Cooking/wine demo by Chefs Scott Walton and Thomas Rice of Markethouse
4:35 p.m.: Cooking/wine demo by Master Sommelier Serafin Alvarado
5:50 p.m.: The Erin Bode Band performs
7:30 p.m.: Cotes du Rhone wine seminar
8:15 p.m.: The Kim Massie Band performs

Centerstage Reviewer: Ben Rubenstein