As summer winds down and the Labor Day Weekend approaches, Chicago’s electronic music enthusiasts are gearing up for a festival experience like no other. The ARC Music Festival is set to return to Union Park from September 1st to 3rd, promising an electrifying lineup that includes house and techno luminaries such as Peggy Gou, Black Coffee, Eric Prydz, James Hype, Tale of Us, and Vintage Culture, among others. While the daytime festivities are expected to be a sensation in their own right, it’s the afterparties that will truly set the night on fire.
A series of late-night parties accompanying the main event has just been revealed, and they promise to keep the energy pulsating long after the sun has set. These afterparties will span multiple venues across the city, offering a variety of sounds and settings to cater to every electronic music lover’s taste. From pre-parties on Thursday night to the grand finale on Sunday, the ARC After Dark experience is shaping up to be a journey through the heart of Chicago’s electronic music scene.
ARC After Dark: the Afterparty of ARC Music Festival
Thursday Night Pre-Parties:
- Smoke & Mirrors: The party kicks off with Chicago luminaries DJ Heather, DJ Lady D, Biobooster aka Hiroko Yamamura, and Dani Deahl setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend.
- Spybar: Walker & Royce are set to deliver a memorable takeover at Spybar with their “Rules Don’t Apply” concept, promising a night of sonic exploration.
- Prysm: Ben Klock takes control of the decks at Prysm, showcasing his masterful techno chops to a Thursday-night crowd.
Friday Night Highlights:
- Radius After Dark: Eric Prydz and Adam Beyer join forces for a captivating show, offering a tantalizing blend of their signature styles.
- Cermak Hall: German DJ and label head Boris Brejcha will command the dancefloor, showcasing his unique sound in a massive 10,000 square-foot venue.
- Concord Music Hall: Document Journal presents Nina Kraviz, DJ Slugo, and Hieroglyphic Being for a night of techno and ghetto house, promising an immersive auditory experience.
- Smart Bar/Metro: A two-floor soirée features VTSS and a special Boys Noize b2b Mall Grab and Kettama set, ensuring an unforgettable night of music and movement.
Saturday Night Selections:
- Chicago vs Detroit Showcase: Test Pressing presents a clash of musical titans, featuring The Blessed Madonna, Moodymann, Carl Craig, Mike Dunn, and DJ Pierre, celebrating the rich musical heritage of these two iconic cities.
- Radius: Hometown hero John Summit makes his triumphant return to the decks, promising a night of infectious beats and grooves.
- Spybar: Dennis Cruz and Ilario Alicante light up the night with their dynamic sets, delivering a dose of pulsating rhythms.
- Cermak Hall: Patrick Topping, Loco Dice, DJ Heather, and Ōsé come together for a night of genre-spanning performances, catering to a diverse crowd.
- Concord Musical Hall: Hot Since 82, Derrick Carter, Ben Rau, and Nicky B take over, showcasing their prowess behind the decks.
Sunday Night Finale:
- Afterlife Special: Afterlife’s Tale of Us and label affiliate Kevin De Vries team up for a special night, guiding the crowd on an ethereal sonic journey.
- Smoke & Mirrors: Brazilian DJ Mochakk provides an intimate show, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and connection.
- PRYSM: South African artists Black Coffee and THEMBA bring their unique sounds to the stage, ensuring the festival ends on a high note.
- Concord: Vintage Culture b2b Carlita promises an explosive set, followed by Âme and Chloé Caillet, making sure the night is filled with energy and excitement.
- Anita Dee II Yacht Party Takeover: Farris Wheel’s Anita Dee II Yacht party takeover offers a unique and exclusive experience, with Gene Farris, Eskuche, and Basara Boyz at the helm.
- PRYSM: Rising Spanish selector Wade wraps up PRYSM’s final day with a memorable afterparty.
The ARC After Dark experience is a celebration of Chicago’s rich electronic music culture, bringing together legendary artists, rising stars, and devoted fans for an unforgettable weekend of music, dancing, and camaraderie. Whether you’re a techno enthusiast, a house music lover, or simply looking for a night of exhilarating entertainment, the ARC afterparties have something for everyone.
So, mark your calendars, secure your tickets, and get ready to dive into the vibrant and pulsating world of ARC After Dark. With a lineup that reads like a who’s who of electronic music and venues that promise immersive experiences, this Labor Day Weekend promises to be one for the books. Get ready to dance until dawn and create memories that will last a lifetime.
