ARC Music Festival Chicago
ARC Music Festival Chicago

Stage by Stage Breakdowns at ARC Music Festival 2023

Last updated:

Get ready for an electrifying weekend filled with pulsating beats, infectious melodies, and unforgettable performances as ARC Music Festival returns for its 2023 edition.

With an impressive lineup and four distinct stages – The Grid, elrow, Expansions, and The Arc Car – this year’s festival promises an unparalleled musical journey. Let’s dive into the stage-by-stage breakdowns and highlight some must-see acts.

The Grid: Where the Main Stage Magic Unfolds

The heart of the ARC Music Festival, The Grid, is set to host some of the most monumental acts of the year. Kicking off on Friday, the stage will come alive with a series of performances that will have you dancing from dusk till dawn.

  • Friday Highlights: The festivities begin at 3 PM with the dynamic Cristoph b2b Franky Wah, setting the perfect vibe for the weekend. As the sun inches towards the horizon, the stage will be taken over by the mesmerizing sounds of Tinlicker at 4 PM, followed by the techno legend Adam Beyer at 5 PM. Beyer’s hour-and-a-half set will pave the way for Boris Brejcha to unleash his sonic magic. After a brief intermission, the iconic Eric Prydz returns with his HOLO show from 9 to 10 PM, promising a visual and auditory spectacle like no other.
  • Saturday Groove: On Saturday, kick off your day with Eli Brown at 4 PM, followed by the infectious beats of Patrick Topping at 5 PM. As the evening sets in, the legendary Fatboy Slim will take the stage at 6:30 PM, leading up to the captivating closing performance by Jon Shummit at 8 PM.
  • Sunday Grand Finale: The final day at The Grid promises an unforgettable lineup. Techno queen Miss Monique will grace the stage at 3 PM, followed by the enigmatic Kevin de Vries at 4 PM. The much-anticipated AME b2b Dixon set will commence at 5 PM, paving the way for the global sensation Peggy Gou at 6:30 PM. As the night sky envelopes the festival grounds, the legendary Tale Of Us will close ARC Music Festival 2023 with a two-hour set starting at 8 PM.

If you’re interested in the artists you can’t miss, head over to our guide.

elrow: A Wonderland of Housy Vibes

If you’re seeking a journey into the realm of happy and housy music, elrow stage is where you need to be. The stage promises a series of mind-bending DJ sets that will keep you grooving all night long.

  • Friday Fiesta: Friday’s lineup includes the dynamic Sam Divine at 4 PM, followed by James Hype’s energetic performance. The stage will witness a phenomenal b2b closing set with Cassy and Toni Vega.
  • Saturday Revelry: On Saturday, make sure to catch the sensational Lee Foss and Gene Farris as they bring their unique blend of beats in a b2b set starting at 7 PM. The energy continues with the captivating Ilario Alicante b2b Denniz Cruz.
  • Sunday Farewell: As the festival nears its end, elrow stage will be set ablaze by Vintage Culture, delivering a closing set that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Expansions: Where Musical Boundaries Expand

The Expansions stage is a haven for those who crave a diverse range of sounds. This stage welcomes the likes of Black Coffee, The Blessed Madonna, Hot Since 82, and more.

Unmissable B2Bs: Don’t miss the thrilling B2B sets that ARC has in store for you. Carlita B2B Chloe Caillet, Fisher B2B Loco Dice B2B Nic Fanciulli, Hiroko Yamamura B2B DJ Minx, Mall Grab B2B Kettama, and Moodymann B2B Carl Craig are sure to deliver collaborative performances that push the boundaries of music.

The Arc Car: Showcasing Local Talent

For those who want to explore emerging talents and the local scene, The Arc Car is the place to be. Keep an eye out for performances by Inglesias, Dalton Taylor, DAX J, David Castellany, and more. Saturday’s 9 PM slot promises a mysterious guest takeover that is not to be missed.

Save the Dates: 2023 ARC

ARC Music Festival 2023 will take place from Friday, September 1st to Sunday, September 3rd at Union Park in Chicago, IL. With a lineup that spans across genres and stages that promise unique experiences, this year’s festival is poised to be an unforgettable celebration of music and community. After-parties are also planned under the name of ARC After Dark.

So mark your calendars, gather your festival squad, and get ready to immerse yourself in the sonic wonderland that is ARC Music Festival 2023. Let the music guide you through an extraordinary weekend where digital and natural coalesce in perfect harmony, and memories are made that will last a lifetime.