When the last beat drops at Union Park, ARC Music Festival doesn’t wind down – it shifts gears. The city becomes the afterparty. From massive warehouses to intimate basements, rooftop yacht decks to hidden late-night spots, ARC After Dark is where Chicago’s true personality comes alive. It’s a five-night marathon of big-name headliners, Chicago house royalty, and fresh names shaping the global scene right now. If you want the real ARC experience, afters are where the true magic happens.
THURSDAY 8/28
Big Play – Radius: Pryda (Eric Prydz), Cristoph, Frank Bono
Kick things off with an epic progressive house journey from one of dance music’s most respected architects. Pryda’s builds are unmatched. Expect goosebumps.
Wild Card – Masada: Kettama + OD + Valeria Fride
Fast-paced, no-frills house in an intimate room that’s bound to go late and get rowdy.
FRIDAY 8/29
Big Play – Radius: Amelie Lens + Nicole Moudaber
A double dose of techno power. Relentless, hypnotic, and perfect if you want to lose yourself to the beat.
Wild Card – Metro + Smartbar: Interplanetary Criminal • Malugi b2b HAAi • DJ Tennis • Kryptogram
The genre-bending party where UK garage, techno, and Chicago’s underground meet head-on.
SATURDAY 8/30
Big Play – Cermak Hall: Richie Hawtin + Hiroko Yamamura + Héctor Oaks + DJ Lady D
Techno precision, global talent, and Chicago grit all in one room. This one will be relentless.
Wild Card – Metro + Smartbar: Eris Drew b2b Octo Octa • Floorplan • DJ Sneak • Chloe Caillet
Uplifting, euphoric, and packed with feel-good rave energy that will have you smiling until sunrise.
SUNDAY 8/31
Big Play – Radius: John Summit + Max Styler + AYYBO
The hometown hero takes over. Expect a full-on Chicago celebration with big drops and bigger crowd energy.
Wild Card – Serum: KI/KI + Villager
Trance-infused techno with a lightning-fast pace. It’s high-energy, high-intensity, and buzzing on the global circuit right now.
MONDAY 9/1
Big Play – Masada Finale: Derrick Does Disco + Felix da Housecat & friends
The grand finale dripping in funk, filter, and Chicago soul. This is how you close out a weekend.
Wild Card – Anita Dee II “Farris Wheel” Yacht Party: Gene Farris + Arielle Free + Jezu
House grooves on the water with the skyline as your backdrop. Golden hour never sounded so good.
ARC After Dark isn’t just about the afterparty—it’s the pulse that keeps the weekend alive. It’s the very spirit of where House and Techno were invented. It’s where strangers turn into friends, where legends and locals move to the same beat, and where Chicago’s house and techno spirit shows its rawest edge. Afters will etch themselves into your ARC story as much as the festival itself. Dawn might be breaking, but in Chicago, the night never really ends.
Author: Christopher Mariano
Premier EDM 