ArcChicago's Arc Festival celebrates house music's rich heritage.

Arc Music Festival is a premier celebration of house and techno, held annually over Labor Day weekend in Chicago's Union Park. The festival brings together global and local artists in the birthplace of house music, providing a high-energy experience rooted in electronic music's rich heritage. Known for its meticulously curated lineup, immersive stage production, and deep connection to Chicago’s musical history, Arc has quickly become a standout in the international festival scene.

Music and Artists

• Main Genres:
  • House
  • Techno
  • Tech House
  • Deep House
• Notable Past Performers:
  • Carl Cox B2B Green Velvet
  • Disclosure
  • Honey Dijon
  • Charlotte de Witte
  • Armand Van Helden
  • Kaskade
  • The Martinez Brothers

Arc is renowned for its impressive stage setups, with four main stages that offer distinct atmospheres. The Grid Stage is known for its industrial vibes, while the Expansions Stage dives deep into house's spiritual roots. Elrow, a favorite from Spain, brings vibrant, theatrical performances, and the more raw, energetic Area 909 pays tribute to classic house and techno. Back-to-back sets are a key feature of Arc, offering unique collaborations between artists like Hot Since 82 B2B Chris Stussy and Derrick Carter B2B Mark Farina.

Location

Arc takes place in Union Park, located in the heart of Chicago. The park, a versatile green space, is surrounded by a dynamic urban environment that reflects the city's deep cultural history. During the festival, the park transforms into a pulsating hub of electronic music, with expansive stages and art installations creating an otherworldly experience.

Art Installations

Arc is not just about music—it also integrates stunning visual and interactive art installations. The Elrow stage stands out with its elaborate, interactive sets, combining surreal visual elements with the music to create an immersive experience. Each year features new themes, making the art as dynamic as the music itself.

Festival Experience

Multiple Stages

Arc boasts four main stages, each offering a different vibe. From the industrial feel of Grid to the trippy, interactive visuals of Elrow, and the deep house journeys on Expansions, there’s something for every fan of electronic music.

Food and Drinks

The festival features a wide range of food vendors, with an emphasis on local Chicago favorites and international street food. Beverage options include craft cocktails, local beers, and non-alcoholic refreshments to keep the crowd energized throughout the day.

Fashion and Culture

Festival-goers express themselves through vibrant, eclectic fashion, often blending streetwear with festival-ready styles like bold prints, neon colors, and house-inspired outfits.

Workshops and Activities

Aside from the music, attendees can engage in activities like:

• DJ and production workshops
• Yoga and wellness sessions
• Art and music technology demonstrations

Camping

Arc is an urban festival, so there are no camping options available. However, many hotels and accommodations in the surrounding areas cater to festival-goers.

Accommodation

The festival partners with several nearby hotels, offering packages for those attending the festival. There are options to suit a variety of budgets, and many festival-goers stay in Chicago’s vibrant downtown, which is just a short distance from Union Park.

Tickets and Attendance

Arc attracts a diverse, global crowd, with thousands attending each year. Ticket options range from general admission to VIP packages, which include perks like premium viewing areas and access to the exclusive ARC After Dark parties. These after-parties, hosted at various venues around Chicago, extend the festival experience into the early hours of the morning.

History

Arc Music Festival launched in 2021, spearheaded by Auris Presents, a top Chicago event production company. The festival was designed as an homage to Chicago's rich house music legacy, while also connecting it to the broader global techno scene. Despite its relatively young age, Arc has already become a must-attend event, known for its innovative lineup and immersive experience.

Sustainability Efforts

Arc Music Festival has made strides in sustainability, focusing on reducing its environmental footprint through initiatives like waste reduction, recycling programs, and efforts to minimize single-use plastics. Additionally, the festival promotes the use of public transportation and ride-sharing to reduce carbon emissions from attendee travel SIX AM, Arc Music Festival, Decoded Magazine.