Chicago cheers on a host of entertaining events

Thousands gathered along Halsted Street for the 41st Annual Pride Parade on July 27 in Lakeview.

Highlights include notable appearances by country music star Chely Wright as the parade's grand marshal and former Chicago Cub Ernie Banks. Hockey player Brent Sopel presented the Stanley Cup on behalf of Blackhawks Championship.

For the sixth consecutive year, music fans ascended to Grant Park to partake in the annual three-day music festival.

Even though the festival took place on one of the hottest weekends of the summer, fans still had a blast making it the most attended Lollapalooza with 225,000 people. Friday's headliners offered a spectacle with Lady Gaga and The Strokes performing for the first time in the U.S. in four years.

Saturday on the other hand showcased two completely opposite acts; stadium headliners Green Day and indie band Phoenix. Sunday rounded out with Arcade Fire and Soundgarden who have started their reunion tour.

Simulated explosions, Styrofoam rubble, cars on fire, and the sound of rapid gunfire became a Loop norm when "Transformers 3" began production on Chicago streets in July.

"Filming involving gun fires and explosions ahead; do not be alarmed," read a sign on Clark and Monroe this summer.

Michael Bay's action film starring Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Patrick Dempsey, Tyrese Gibson, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has been drawing crowds all around the city. Locations included LaSalle Street, Michigan Avenue, Wacker Drive, Wabash Ave, and Van Buren Street.