Fall in Chicago comes with a few non-negotiables: a pumpkin patch trip, an apple cider donut from Beacon’s, and, a glass (or two or three) of red in the middle of Lincoln Park. The Lincoln Park Wine Fest is back for its 10th anniversary, taking over Jonquil Park from Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11.
Ten years into the annual wine fest, nothing’s really changed, because honestly, why would it? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. You pick a two-hour session and sip your way through whites, reds, and specialty pours, with local food vendors added to the mix. Proceeds benefit the Wrightwood Neighbors Association, which helps care for the very park you’re drinking in. So technically, it’s drinking for charity.
Lincoln Park Wine Fest 2026 session times
This isn’t a wander-in-whenever street fest, though. Entry runs on ticketed two-hour tasting sessions:
- Friday, October 9: 5–7 p.m.; 8–10 p.m.
- Saturday, October 10: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.; 2–4 p.m.; 5–7 p.m.; 8–10 p.m.
- Sunday, October 11: 2–4 p.m.; 5–7 p.m.
Show up at the start of your session, because when your two hours are up, so is your time in the park. Then head to a nearby Lincoln Park bar to keep the night going. Might as well. You’re already in the area.
How much are Lincoln Park Wine Fest tickets?
General admission starts at $44 and gets you 12 standard tastings, a commemorative wine glass, and festival access. GA is limited to 600 people per session, so the popular Saturday slots will likely go first.
VIP starts at $74.10 and adds five more specialty wine tastings, a private seating area, an exclusive VIP entrance, and, arguably the real selling point, private restrooms. Anyone who’s waited in a porta-potty line at Lollapalooza knows.
Worth noting: tickets are day- and session-specific, non-refundable, and non-transferable, and the event happens rain or shine. You must be 21+ with a valid ID. Get more information here.
