The 2016 list of events and line-ups for Chicago's Back Lot Bash includes two weekends of events June 16-26. Back Lot Bash features an outdoor women's music festival in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, a comedy night, a nightclub party, a brunch/wine tasting event and a Pride Family Fest. Info and tickets available at BackLotBashChicago.com .
Thursday, June 16—Comedy Kickoff ( 6 p.m. ): Thursday's Comedy Kickoff takes place a week before Pride Weekend this year and showcases standup by British native and 'one of the best comics in the world,' Gina Yashere as well as comedian Gwen La Roka. Event is hosted by local favorites Kelsie Huff, of the The Kates. Doors open 6 p.m., Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, Chicago, $18 advance online tickets/$28 advance VIP.
Saturday, June 18—Girls Night Out ( 9 p.m. ): Back Lot Bash is bringing in the adored and powerhouse lesbian couple Whitney Mixter & Sada Bettencourt who return to Chicago to host this high-energy girls night out with great music and great dancing. The party goes deep into the night at SEVEN Lounge, 3206 N Halsted, $7 advance online tickets. $12 at door.
Sunday, June 19—Sunday Brunch & Wine Tasting ( 12 p.m.-3 p.m. ): Back Lot Bash partners with Chicago Curve and The L Stop, to present this casual Sunday afternoon brunch and wine tasting for women looking to socialize and enjoy a nice time. Entry includes a bountiful array of amazing food and great wines to taste Himmel's, 2251 W. Lawrence Ave., $35 advance online/$45 door.
Friday June 24—Sunset Concert ( 5 p.m. ): Back Lot Bash's signature sunset concert features Grammy-nominated signer/songwriter Lisa Loeb ; New York based, alt-country female rockers Antigone Rising; and headlines Grammy-nominated and four time DIY Music Award-winning singer/songwriter with a powerful and soulfully rockin' voice, Cathy Richardson and her band. Opening act Congress of Starlings will perform a tribute to the Indigo Girls. Friday tickets are $15 advance online/$20 door. At 5238 N. Clark, 21yrs+ w/valid ID.
Saturday, June 25—4th Annual 'Pride Family Fest' ( 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ): A day of fun for LGBTQ families and friends. Kids activities include face painting, balloon artists, arts/crafts, family photos, and more! Performances by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and children's musician Lisa Loeb; local favorite Jaclyn Rada & Friends as well as a special show by local celebrity and international trick champion Noodles the Wonder Dog. The Andersonville Puppet Bike and Gilbert the Clown will be there as well to entertain. Ice cream served by Ben & Jerry's, too. Free entry for all w/donations welcome at the door. At 5238 N. Clark St.
Saturday, June 25—All Day Bash ( 4 p.m. ): Back Lot Bash's rockin' flagship event headlining Chicago's all-female Catfight; international DJ Mary Mac; and performances by The Rapper Chicks and The Ready Freddies. Hosted by Kennedy Grace with beats by DJ J Cur. Cost is $20 door, 5238 N. Clark, 21 yrs+ w/valid ID.
Sunday, June 26—Post Parade Bash ( 4 p.m. ): Post-parade in Andersonville for an outdoor party. Featuring Orange is the New Black star and DJ Taryn Manning; a live performance and DJ set by international duo Nina Sky; beats by DJ GoodBoy and All The Way Kay. Cost is at the $20 door, 5238 N. Clark, 21 yrs+ w/valid ID.
Back Lot Bash is produced by Spot Events, LLC and celebrates Chicago's LGBTQ community. Since 2004, Back Lot Bash has grown from a single-day event to a seven-event festival over two weekends. See BackLotBashChicago.com .
