Wine and Art Festival is this weekend Annual festival is held at Rend Lake

The Illinois Wine and Art Festival, a favorite for art, wine, and music enthusiasts, will take place Sept. 23 and 24 at Rend Lake.

The festival is held on the ground adjacent to the Southern Illinois Art and Artisan Center located at exit 77 off I-57 near the Golf Ball Water Tower.

The weekend typically draws thousands of people to sample wines from many local and regional vineyards and to shop the artisan vendors displaying and demonstrating their fine crafts. The festival has a variety of live music performed on stage each day, and there will be local food vendors to satisfy every craving.

Festival attendees are encouraged to bring their own pop-up shade tents and lawn chairs. Hours will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. For more information, go online to facebook.com/illinoiswineandartfestival.