CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Kick off the official start of summer this weekend by attending one of the great events the Chicagoland area has to offer.
With Friday marking the first day of summer, there are a ton of events in Chicago, especially concerts! But if concerts and music festivals are not your thing, then there are plenty of other events this weekend to take part in.
The Rolling Stones kick off their 2019 'No Filter' North American tour in Chicago on Friday. Rock out to your favorite songs like "Satisfaction" and "Gimme Shelter" as they take the stage at Soldier Field. The band also has a performance on Tuesday, June 25.
Where: Soldier Field
When: Sunday, 5:30 a.m.
Chicago's hottest country music festival will be back at the Huntington Bank Pavillion this weekend! US*99 will be making history as Friday's line-up includes all females with Miranda Lambert headlining the night! Other headliners include Keith Urban and Luke Bryan!
Where: Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S Linn White Dr.
When: Friday-Sunday, 2-11 p.m.
The B96 Pepsi Summer Bash returns! This year's Summer Bash will present 'THE WORLD'S BIGGEST NEW ARTISTS' all on one stage! 5 Seconds of Summer, Why Don't We, Bazzi, CNCO, Ava Max, Ally Brooke, Bryce Vine, Loud Luxury, and The Drax Project will all take the stage!
Where: Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, IL
When: Saturday, 5:30 p.m.
Get ready for the Pride Parade by attending the 19th annual Chicago Pride Fest, a legendary two-day street festival celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture and community. This year marks a milestone as we honor the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and the birth of the Pride movement. The festival features live music by popular artists, 4 stages, food and drink, 100+ arts/craft and merchant vendors, DJ's and dancing, drag shows, pet parade, Out At Wrigley National Anthem Singing Contest, sponsor booths and more.
Where: Boystown on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace St.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11 a .m.-10 p.m.
The 35th Annual Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party is Chicago's ultimate summer party, featuring great music and entertainment for all ages, food and drink vendors. The event kicks off after work with a Happy Hour on Friday, with free admission from 5-6 p.m. Live bands, great food and a dance party fill the evening. On Saturday, the party starts with family activities including bounce houses, balloon artists, games and snow cones. Live bands begin at 2 p.m., with plenty of music, food and drinks.
Where: Old Saint Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams St.
When: Friday, 5-10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2-10:30 p.m.
This two-day outdoor event features local brews, special tappings, KOVAL Distillery cocktails, some of Chicago's favorite restaurants and food trucks, a killer lineup of live music, and handmade goods from local artists and vendors.
Where: Ravenswood and Berteau
When: Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m.
Tony Bennett returns to Ravinia on Friday for his "I Left My Heart" Tour.
Where: Ravinia, 418 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park, IL
When: Friday, gates 5 p.m.; concert 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the official start to summer by watching the Aon Summer Fireworks Show At Navy Pier. The show typically lasts about 15 minutes, so don't be late.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave
When: Saturday, 10:15 p.m.
The highlight of summer in the Chicago suburbs is Strawberry Fest – three consecutive days of sweet summertime fun! Attendees of this annual festival experience everything from strawberry-infused creations like prime rib sandwiches slathered in strawberry salsa to classic strawberry pie-eating contests. And when it comes to entertainment, Strawberry Fest leaves nothing to the imagination either, with a classic carnival, multiple stages of live music, and the Kids Zone featuring enduring family activities at no charge.
Where: Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove, IL
When: Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Geneva's Midsommar Festival - Swedish Days is celebrating 70 swede years! Since 1949 this Granddaddy of Illinois festivals has provided fun for the whole family. Enjoy fabulous food, carnival rides, live music, entertainment, plus Sweden Väst, our tent that's everything Swedish.
Where: 8 S. Third Street, Geneva, IL
When: Friday-Sunday
Saturday is the official start of summer and nothing says summer in Chicago more than a baseball game. Come out to the Friendly Confines this weekend to watch the Cubbies take on the Mets.
Where: Wrigley Field
When: Friday-Sunday, 1:20 p.m.
Cost: Varies
