What to look forward to at ARC Festival Chicago

Chicago’s ARC Music Festival will return to Union Park over Labour Day Weekend, September 2nd to 4th. Planning ahead for the event we wanted to share with you five fun facts and new things for this year, let’s get into it.

This is the birthplace of house music

Chicago is where the origins of house music take root. Back in 1977 (a big year for music all around) The Warehouse nightclub, under the musical direction of no one other than DJ Frankie Knuckles opened its doors. This was a place where marginalized communities gathered, danced, and celebrated music. And while the history of the club, the music genre (in the post-disco era), and what came after can become many hard-cover books that in a nutshell, this is the raw origin of house music (warehouse > house). So naturally for the 2022 edition of the festival ARC is channeling the spirit of classic Chicago house. 

ARC is expanding to three days of music

For the first time, ARC Festival will run for full three days showcasing performances from world-class DJs and producers from around the world. The organizers were on a mission to turn the event into a premiere stop on the global festival lineup by bringing some of the biggest stars to the stage. Union Park will be host to legendary performers like Carl Cox, Adam Beyer, Richie Hawtin, Charlotte De Witte, Claptone, Lane 8, Ben Böhmer, and even Fatboy Slim himself. 

Spanish party pioneers elrow will return as stage host

Elrow are well known for their immersive, often carnival-style experiences that create an alternate reality for attendees (just see this recent event in NYC). The event has been running since 2010 in locations like Monegros, Fraga, Ibiza, Madrid, London, Dubai, and Amsterdam so ARC appearance completed makes sense. This stage, themes as the “Rowmuda Triangle,” will showcase psychedelic production and outrageous surprises with costumed performances and outrageous stage design.

ARC beyond music

The experience at the festival will mirror the culture and artistry of Chicago (will it be the old school, the origin of house years Chicago? You will have to wait and see). Curated production elements and art installations will guide attendees between the four different stage environments. Chicago is also heavy on the Michelin stars so naturally the festival will showcase local cuisine. 

There will be after-parties

The event extends beyond the festival grounds and Labour Day weekend. Attendees will have access to a series of summer events, private pre-sales, exclusively priced tickets, and the chance to guest-list at over 40 upcoming Auris Presents events at partner venues RADIUS, PRYSM, and Concord Music Hall with others to be announced.

More information and tickets at ARCmusicfestival.com.

cover photo credit: Kursza for ARC Music Festival