Still haven’t locked down those weekend plans? Here are some suggestions sure to fill the bill:
HOT, HOT BASH
It’s an all-star lineup at this year’s B96 Summer Bash, Sunday at the Allstate Arena. Among the lineup: Ariana Grande, Calvin Harris, Meghan Trainor, Iggy Azalea, Charlie Puth, Mike Posner and Daya. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. June 26 at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim, Rosemont. Tickets, $30-$115.
‘GOOD’ GIRL
Electro-pop princess Selena Gomez headlines the United Center, 1901 W. Madison, at 7:30 p.m. July 25. Opening for Gomez: the ’60s and ’70s retro-pop trio Bahari (“Wild Ones,” “Dancing on the Sun”).
PLENTY OF PRIDE
Chicago’s LGBT community hosts one of the biggest celebrations of the seasons with its annual Pride Parade stepping off at noon June 26 from Montrose and Broadway (more than 1 million people attend the event, which boasts a four-mile parade route).
SUPPORTING LITERACY
Head out to Pint Tom Memorial Park, 300 W. 19th St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 25 for the annual Dragon Boat Race for Literacy on the Chicago River. The event, featuring music, dance, trolley rides and merchandise vendors as well, helps raise awareness for literacy programs. Visit chicagochinatown.org
TAPPING INTO FUN
Chicago Tap Theatre celebrates the music of Queen with “We Will Tap You! A Tap Dance Celebration to the Music of Queen,” at 7:30 p.m. June 25 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. Conceived by artistic director Mark Yonally and music director Kurt Schweitz, with choreography by Yonally and guest choreographers Rich Ashworth, Kirsten Uttich and Jeremy Plummer (and hosted by Mattrick Swayze) the large-scale extravaganza features a celebration of rock and tap with special guests include the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Lakeside Pride Freedom Marching Band and Chicago Spirit Brigade and the first aerial tap dance in collaboration with C5. Tickets are available at www.chicagotaptheatre.com
‘SIDE’ TRACK
Iconic improviser/”Veep” co-star/and Nikolas Tesla buff David Pasquesi will join “The American Side” star Greg Stuhr (who co-starred with Pasquesi in “The Qualms” at Steppenwolf Theatre a few years back) for a talkback following the 1 p.m. June 26 screening of the film at Wilmette Theater, 1122 Central. The film has been held over a second week (through June 30) for its Chicago premiere engagement. Tickets, $7.50-$9.50, are on sale at www.wilmettetheatre.com and the box office. Read my three-star review of “The American Side” here.
Be sure to check out these area festivals, too:
Logan Square Arts Festival, June 24-26, Illinois Centennial Monument on Logan Square; visit logansquareartsfestival.com
Long Grove Summer Fest (and Strawberry Fest), June 24-26, Long Grove; Route 53 and Old Route 83, Long Grove; visit longgrove.com
Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party, June 25, UIC Pavilion Parking Lot, 1145 S. Morgan; visit worldslargestblockparty.com
Chicago Food Truck Fest (featuring 50 food trucks), June 25-26, McCormick Place South, 2200 S. Indiana. Food truck festival; www.chgofoodtruckfest.com