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I’ve lived in Chicago for over four years total, but there’s still so much I need to do, especially in the summertime.

The city is completely different once mid-April hits; I’m still not sure people in my program who just moved here fully understand the awesomeness of good weather in the city. But anyway, there’s something amazing to do just about every day, from movies in the parks to street festivals to glorious BASEBALL games at the Cell or Wrigley Field. Here’s what I hope to do while the weather is warm, split up into a 10-part list:

TO DO …

1. Chicago PRIDE parade/festival
2. Baseball game(s) at U.S. Cellular (Go Go White Sox)
3. Baseball game at Wrigley (um, I like Old Style)
4. Music festivals! Lolla and Pitchfork = top of my needs
5. Taste of Chicago
6. Street festivals = Andersonville Midsommarfest, Rock Around the Block, Venetian Night
7. Fourth of July
8. Burgers in Moody’s Pub and beer garden
9. Movies in the Park
10. Chicago Blues Festival

So, jumping right into it …

#1: Chicago Pride Fest and Parade

Pictured is my friend Kerry "Oliver" Lynch enjoying the atmosphere -- thongs and Bud Light -- at the 2008 Chicago Pride Fest parade. Stay Classy! Photo by the lovely Nicole Furlan

Topping my list (pun intended) of things I want to do is this flamboyant celebration of diversity, the human spirit, love and … ah, who am I kidding? All that stuff is nice, but from what I understand it’s just a chance to drink Bud, wear shirts that say “Boys Lie” and kiss your friends. I’m not sure why you WOULDN’T want to go to such an event. The specs:
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 27 (the parade is one day later at NOON)
Where: Halsted Street and Waveland Avenue (Boystown)
Cost: Free (yesss)
Game plan: Check out crafts, live music and food at the festival, then get crazy at the parade on Sunday.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

Also helpful is this Metromix Festival Guide if you want to plan your own summer excursions.
P.S.: Preliminary Pitchfork Lineup, if you’re interested.

Oh, and edit: Diversity, human rights and love are all totally and absolutely more important than Bud Light and half-naked shenanigans. Pride’s a beautiful thing.