Here are this week’s Hot Tickets in the Chicago area. Check back every Wednesday at noon, CST for stellar events that fit the interests of locals and tourists alike.

Thursday, June 21 I BACK LOT BASH 2012  Back Lot Bash is the hottest, most rockin’ and most attended outdoor women’s festival taking place every Pride Weekend in Chicago. Each day showcases a different mix of music and entertainment for the entire community. New this year is the limited ticket Thursday night Comedy Kickoff featuring the sensational Fortune Feimster and Bridget McManus. The Friday sunset concert will headline nationally-acclaimed, singer/songwriting star and community advocate Chely Wright! Saturday and Sunday will rock out as always with high energy performances by an array of local, standout bands and artists. Check the Schedule page for all details and locations. Mark your calendar, gather your friends and plan the trip as BACK LOT BASH is one, amazing weekend you’ll never forget!

Thursday, June 21 I CigarBQue  An intimate evening of fine cigars, food prepared by some of the country’s best chefs, beer, wine and cocktails by master mixologists. The participating chefs are: Rick Gresh of David Burke’s Primehouse, Giuseppe Tentori of GT Fish & Oyster and Boka Cleetus Friedman of City Provisions. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation.

Friday, June 22 I Cut Your Losses, a Night of Gaines  For the third time ever Ken Gaines and Josh Gaines come together for a night of music and poetry and musical poetry. Josh Gaines is a recent poet transfer to Chicago. His poetry has been published in numerous online and print journals and he has read his work in venues across the country. He reads regularly at Weeds and The West Side School for the Desperate and has become a welcome addition throughout the Chicago poetry scene. Ken Gaines is the 2005 Texas Music Awards Singer Songwriter of the Year and the producer of the Thursday night Songwriters in the Round Series at Anderson Fair in Houston. He’s a veteran performer with incredible breadth and polish and is one of Texas’ finest and most well-rounded songwriters. He’s also known as the “voice” of the annual Texas Music Awards with his regular role as the announcer for the event. Recently he was featured in the film “For the Sake of the Song” a full length documentary about Anderson Fair and its historic importance to Texas Music.

Saturday, June 23 I Mexican Wrestling Macbeth  Shakespeare! Lucha! Mystery! Blood! Aztec Mummies!

Saturday, June 23 I Sweet Summer Solstice Potluck  Celebrate the Solstice with Slow Food Chicago at Rancho Verde, the LEED-certified headquarters of Christy Webber Landscapes. There will be tours of the Chicago Honey Co-op hives recently installed on its green roof and proceeds from the Potluck will benefit the Chicago Honey Co-op and Slow Food Chicago. Bring your chairs or a blanket, and a potluck dish for sharing – salad, side dish, or dessert.

Know of any other events happening in the Chicago area this week? Post them in the comments section.