Upcoming events around Chicago you should know about

By Clare Edlund

Seventh annual “Chefs on the Grill” at Millennium Park Plaza
Thursday, June 18 from 5:30-9 p.m.
11 North Michigan Ave.
www.ParkGrillChicago.com
Watch local chefs from Taco Joint, Park Grill, Frontier, The Gage and many more compete by creating their own grilled dish and paired cocktail. You, the voter, will get to sample each dish and determine the winner. Ticket price includes unlimited food tastings, cocktail sampling, craft brews, live music and one raffle ticket for prizes such as restaurant gift cards, hotel stays, spa packages, museum passes, event tickets and more. Raffle proceeds benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ProStart Program for high school students interested in culinary arts. Tickets are $100 in advance, $120 at the door.

80th season of the Grant Park Music Festival
June 11-Aug. 16
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park
www.Gpmf.org
Classical concerts will be performed on select evenings in Grant Park, featuring pianists, symphonies, the Grant Park Chorus and more. A free event unless you’re looking for reserved group seating.

Pride Fest weekend at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
June 21-22 from 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
3700 N. Halsted
www.KitKatChicago.com
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club is hosting a circus-themed party in conjunction with Pride Fest weekend. There will be a plethora of performances to look forward to, such as fire twirling, juggling, acrobats and a male fashion underwear show, as well as Pride martinis such as the cherry bomb and kitty glamour.

Summer Solstice party at Lottie’s Pub and the Pony
Saturday, June 21 from 5-7 p.m.
Lotties Pub: 1925 W. Cortland
www.LottiesPub.com
The Pony: 1638 W. Belmont
www.ThePonyChicago.com
Head to Lottie’s on the first day of summer for a sunny party on the patio and plenty of specials. Grab a $20 Mexican bucket comprised of Corona Light, Pacifico and Tecate or $5 Stoli and lemonades in mason jars and Stoli brand sampling.

The Pony offers similar specials during the Summer Solstice: $9 pizzas, $5 Stoli lemonades, $4 Stoli hot shots, $20 Mexican beer buckets with Corona, Corona Light, Pacifico and Negro Modela.

Birds of a Feather beer tapping and music event at Links Taproom
June 24 at 7 p.m.
1559 N. Milwaukee Ave
www.LinksTapRoom.com
Come and listen to the debut of Phish’s new record, Fuego on vinyl. This event is named after the song from Phish’s 1998 album, Story of Ghost and a pun for the feathers of a goose from Chicago’s famous Goose Island beer, which will also be served in many varieties.

Fantatics Authentic Sports Spectacular
June 27-29
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N. River Road in Rosemont
www.FanaticsAuthenticShows.com
Sports fans of all ages are invited to the premiere collector’s event in Chicagoland this summer. The Fanatics Authentic Sports Spectacular features autograph sessions, photo opportunities and meet-and-greets with more than 50 sports superstars. Fans can also enjoy opportunities to see and purchase rare and collectible memorabilia from more than 200 vendors.

National Ceviche Day at Nacional 27
June 28 from 5:30 p.m.-midnight
325 W. Huron
www.N27Chicago.com
In celebration of National Ceviche Day, Nacional 27 promises a special menu and complimentary ceviche from 5-7 p.m. Specials on the menu will include rainbow octopus, chipotle salmon, lobster citrus and ahi tuna with watermelon — all for under $11.

“Fridays at Five” at Nacional 27
Fridays from 5-7 p.m.
325 W. Huron
www.N27Chicago.com
Kick your weekend off with half-off margaritas and tapas and a live DJ spinning salsa and Latin dance beats. Try the BBQ lamb tacos. You won’t be disappointed.

React Presents’ official Lollapalooza after-parties
July 31-Aug. 2
Concord Music Hall
2047 N. Milwaukee Ave
www.ClubTix.com
If you missed out on Lollapalooza tickets or just want to be part of the after-concert madness, tickets are on sale now for shows at the new Concord Music Hall. Performing artists will include Skrillex, Disclosure, Duke Dumont, Flume, Glitch Mob, Gramatik, Martin Garrix, Rudimental and many more.