Headlining a generous amount of activities taking place around Oak Park this weekend is one of my favorite local events – The Uncork Illinois Wine Festival. Normally, one would think that wine made in the state of Illinois seems a bit unconventional, and that person would be correct. But The Uncork Illinois Wine Festival is a perfect metaphor for what we do here at AOP – keeping it local – and that’s what we love about it.
Sure, you can enjoy a bottle of wine from a region that is famous for it. California, Italy, France, Argentina. Or, you can join hundreds of neighbors and summer festival enthusiasts in Downtown Oak Park who are all gathered to enjoy wine that is made right here in the state of Illinois. Accompanying the many local wineries at the fest will be food vendors along with live music and activities. For details on this event and other notable happenings taking place this weekend, keep scrolling.
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8th Annual Uncork Illinois Wine Festival
The Uncork Illinois Wine Festival returns for its eighth year on Saturday, June 15, from 1-9 p.m. in Downtown Oak Park on Marion St. between Lake and North. Tickets are $25 and must be bought with cash; no debit or credit cards will be accepted as a form of payment.
Roughly 15 local wineries will provide patrons with the opportunity to sample over 150 different wines along with locally produced artisan foods. There will also be three live music acts consisting of Hans Luchs Quartet from 1-3:30 p.m., Maracujaz Quartet from 3:30-5:30 p.m., and the Audley Reid Quartet from 6:30-9 p.m.
A $25 ticket purchase includes a souvenir glass and seven tasting tickets. Additional tasting tickets cost $1 each so long as you have a souvenir glass in-hand.
Lastly, don’t forget to follow AOP on Instagram: @AroundOakPark and tag us in all your photos from the event!
Oak Park-River Forest Gangster Tour
“There Goes the Neighbor Hood,” a popular gangster tour led by mob historian and author of “The Chicago Outfit” John Binder, returns on Sunday, June 16 with tours leaving at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from The 19th Century Club, 178 Forest Ave.
The tour highlights 15 homes in Oak Park and River Forest that were previously owned by crime bosses such as Anthony “Tough Tony” Capezio, Sam Giancana, Jack “Machine Gun” McGurn, Tony Accardo, and Paul Ricca.
Tickets are $35, which can be purchased at The 19th Century Club.
Walk With A Doc- Oak Park
This free event is a great way to get active by walking at your own pace and learn about current health topics from medical professionals. The walk begins on Saturday at 9 a.m. Meet at Lindberg Park, 1151 North Marion Street, and bring your best walking shoes.
Still IL All Night Long At District Kitchen & Tap
Enjoy live music with no cover charge at District Kitchen & Tap on Saturday, June 15, from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Still IL is a band comprised of members who have lovingly brought you renditions of music by The Clash, The Jam, The Beatles, The Police, REM, The Cure, The Cars, Buzzcocks, Echo & The Bunnymen, Deftones and more. Still IL bring a fresh outlook to those classic seminal gems from the Eighties.
District Kitchen & Tap is located at 220 Harrison Street.
Oak Park Farmers’ Market
The Oak Park Farmers’ Market is now in its 44th annual year. Items for sale include locally grown produce, flowers, bedding plants, honey, cheese, frozen meat, bread, and doughnuts. Cash is the preferred method of payment but credit and debit are available depending on the vendor. The Farmers Market is located in the Pilgrim Congregational Church parking lot, 460 Lake Street.
Scoville Park’s Summer Concert Series
This weekend, the Scoville Park Summer Concert Series will feature Hurrican Reggae Band beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 16.
The 4-piece reggae outfit has a Caribbean vibe that is perfect for warm summer nights. This is a family-friendly event and completely free! Make sure to bring lawn chairs or blankets with you as those are not provided.
Scoville Park is located at 800 Lake Street.
