Pride month is always a party in Chicago. A time to let loose. And that was especially necessary last month as the temperatures hit the 90s — for multiple days in a row! Let me tell you, I was schvitzing and hitting the lake hard. But, of course, I still had time to make an appearance at some fabulous events.

Appropriately, the month kicked off with Engel & Völkers’ two-day Pride Summit, beginning with a cocktail reception at the brokerage’s Chicago shop on June 2. What’s better than sipping Champagne and celebrating the community? The next day was all business with a number of LGBTQ+ panels — followed, again, by another lovely party. That closing reception, a dinner catered by Mia Francesca, took place at 456 W. Barry Ave., a massive greystone in East Lakeview that, if you’re interested, is listed for $3.1 million.

The theme of inclusivity continued June 13 at CAR’s annual 360° Summit. Dozens of real estate professionals came out to Greektown to present on DEI in the industry. The discussions were important, and the daylong event was lively, including breakfast, lunch — and little snacks and treats all afternoon. Not going to lie, I was stuffing my face (and taking notes).

There are also some development developments! On June 13, 1000M — a new, 73-story residential tower in the Loop — celebrated its grand opening. The final project by the late architect Helmut Jahn, let me tell you, the building is impressive. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony where 4th Ward Ald. Lamont Robinson made an appearance, the party really got started: hors d’oeuvres, summer cocktails, wine, beer and live music, all enjoyed poolside at the fancy new property.

A few days later, on June 17, Related Midwest broke ground at the former Spire site, officially kicking off a new structure: 400 Lake Shore, a two-tower, residential structure that will stand 72 stories tall. The skyline is changing, my friends.

And as June continued, so did the pride festivities with Joel Schaub’s fourth-annual Pride Bingo Bash. Held on June 21 at the Guaranteed Rate rooftop in Ravenswood, this year’s colorful theme was ERAS! Taking a cue from Taylor Swift, it was a fabulous affair with live performances, light bites, pride-themed drinks and crazy prizes. Bingo!

Now, June may have come to a close … but the summer soirees are just beginning! Time to gear up for all the July birthdays: Terry Anderson and Frank Montro share their birthday with America, and when the fireworks clear it’s time for Tracy Flanagan to celebrate July 5, followed by Sherri Southall on July 7 and Heather Gustafson on July 8. Then, a short break before a long string of birthdays: Kenneth Dooley and Julie Busby turn up July 11, Janet Belieff on July 12, Jim LaHa on July 13, Debora McKay on July 14, Matt Farrell and Grace Sergio on July 15 and Andrew Perkins on July 16. Erik Stegemann picks things back up July 18, followed by Joe McBreen and Bruce Beddard on July 19. In the 20s of July we have Gail Spreen July 21, Connie Antoniou and John Federici July 22, Mike Cuevas July 23 and Marj Carpenter July 25 before b-day triplets Fran Broude, Ryan Holden and Paul Dincin, all on July 26. Gordon Munden closes out the month on July 31. Happy birthday to all!