If you’re into house and techno, there’s only one place to be this Labor Day weekend—ARC Music Festival in Chicago. From August 29-31, Union Park will transform into a paradise for dance music lovers, celebrating five years of top-tier curation, legendary performances, and unbeatable vibes in the city where house music was born.
The Lineup: Legends, Icons & Fresh Talent
ARC 2025 is going all out with a lineup that blends heavy-hitting legends, rising stars, and one-of-a-kind B2B sets. One of the biggest draws? Eric Prydz is bringing all three of his aliases—Eric Prydz, Pryda, and Cirez D—back to the festival for the second time ever. Other headliners include genre-blending mastermind Jamie xx, Chicago’s hometown hero John Summit, techno powerhouse Amelie Lens, underground innovator Richie Hawtin, and high-energy crowd favorite FISHER.
One thing ARC does better than most? Epic B2B sets. This year, expect some wild pairings, including:
Cajmere B2B Carl Craig – Chicago meets Detroit in a house & techno masterclass.
Green Velvet B2B Skepta (Más Tiempo) – A house-meets-grime fusion that could steal the show.
Honey Dijon B2B Derrick Carter – A Chicago house dream team.
Felix da Housecat B2B Mike Dunn – Two legends going deep into the city’s roots.
Skream B2B Hamdi (UKG Set) – Bringing UK garage flavors to the Midwest.
More Than Just a Festival
ARC isn’t just about the music—it’s an experience. The festival’s four stages each bring their own vibe:
The Grid – Big names, massive energy.
Elrow – Psychedelic, immersive, and just plain wild.
Expansions – Deep, underground, and experimental.
Area 909 – Raw, high-energy house and techno, true to its roots.
And when the festival ends, the party doesn’t. ARC After Dark takes over Chicago’s nightlife with five nights of exclusive afterparties, surprise sets, and rare B2B performances. In 2024, the series spanned 13 venues, 30 parties, and 80 artists—so expect nothing less this year.
Tickets & Info
General ticket sales drop Friday, March 14 at 12 PM CT. For all the details, check out arcmusicfestival.com.
With a lineup this stacked and the energy of Chicago behind it, ARC 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable house and techno festivals in North America. If you love the music, you need to be there.