Lincoln Park Wine Fest, Chicago

When you think of a Chicago summer, you think of a few unmistakable sounds: the crack of a home run ball, the sunny splash of Lake Michigan, and the pop of a wine bottle's cork. At least, that's the goal of the Lincoln Park Wine Festival, which launches its third annual run during the May. Over two days, sommeliers and winemakers from around the world will uncork bottles from in the open air of Jonquil Park, introducing fest goers to vintages from California, Italy, Chile, and even New Zealand. Upon arriving, guests receive a souvenir tasting glass, which they can use to sip 1.5-ounce samples of up to a dozen different wines. As they sip, they can also take in the festive sounds of live music, peruse wares from local artisans for sale, and snack on locally-crafted food by a variety of food vendors. Tickets are limited to ensure shorter wait times. Lincoln Park Wine Festival benefits Wrightwood Neighbors Association and funds go directly back into the community.