Chicago’s newest and only festival, ARC Festival which is dedicated to house music and techno, has announced the ARC After Dark afterparty lineups. It is heading into its third year, gaining more popularity from festival-goers plus the consecutive legendary DJs who have performed. It's about time that the birthplace of House Music has its music festival celebrating its roots and culture. The 2023 edition will be taking place Labor Day Weekend September 1-3.

Chicago’s flagship techno and house music festival, ARC has announced its initial lineup. The infamous festival has rapidly grown since its first debut, ARC heads into its third year firmly rooted as a fan-favorite in the global festival circuit, continuing to bring in internationally renowned talent to the birthplace of house music. Over its short span, ARC has already grounded and established a legacy as a music event uniting scenes and connects communities. Inviting iconic label parties to collaborate, creating an international scale. ARC continues to expand as a leading name in the global scene by shining a spotlight on the rich cultural heritage of Chicago house music and bridging the genre’s local and global pioneers with the next generation of world-class artists. The 2023 edition will be taking place September 1-3 at Union Park.

In the dance music community, Labor Day is the weekend when multiple festivals take place. It solidifies the closing weekend of the festival season, bringing together multiple genre communities and creating new memories. There are many reasons why ARC Festival should be on your festival calendar but we highlighted five important reasons that make the house music and techno festival so unique. 

Underground Artists

This year’s lineup showcases a wide variety of house music and techno, inviting global international DJs and producers. ARC Festival highlights and provides an opportunity for upcoming underground artists. The 2023 ARC ballot features talented underground artists in the likes of UK upbeat house music DJ and producer Fleur Shore, with her wild and elaborate production. Australian-based DJ and producer, Mall Grab will take over the decks with his vibrant attitude and style of sound. The Australian operates at a fast pace and a dangerously high frequency that has been impossible to ignore. Turkish DJ and producer, Carlita will bring her inventive talent and psychedelic sound to the ARC festival. Her sound materialized from Insanbal, incorporating her Turkish roots and instrumental percussions to create her own unique and distinctive take on house and techno. Along with the heavyweight techno and house music icons taking over the stages at ARC, the festival will not be complete without the upcoming talent.

Elrow Returns as Stage Host

Spanish party outfit Elrow will return to ARC. The iconic loco fiesta will bring its signature love and dance and colorful vibes for elrow’s takeover. Known for its renowned psychedelic production and outrageous surprises, performers and hijinx have made it one of the most celebrated brands in the world. Elrow is touching down bespoke events annually in Barcelona, Ibiza, New York, London, Dubai, Miami, Las Vegas, Sydney, and many more essential markets. This year at ARC Festival, elrow will represent its only festival stage takeover in the USA.

Eric Prydz presents HOLO

Eric Prydz returns this year with his iconic HOLO show. The magnificent event takes dancers on a journey through sight and sounds with his jaw-dropping 3D visuals. The eye-popping, mindblowing visuals are unique all their own, becoming a viral sensation through social media. It's a treat and a dream to be a part of the experience,  at a HOLO show, you are entering the mind of Eric Prydz. HOLO has toured many festivals such as Tomorrowland, and Creamfields, but never at an American festival, making its debut US festival appearance. Techno legend Adam Beyer also makes his return following last year’s monumental back-to-back with Prydz’ Cirez D alias. Perhaps the two might perform a surprise set, who knows?

Chicago Icons

Chicago has shaped the dance music industry for decades, some of the most famous house and techno talent emerged from the city. Without Chicago house, there would be no dance music. From the early days of dance music, Chicago was one of the first cities to experience the global phenomenon. The lineup would not be complete without its house music architects such as Derrick Carter. His sets are rooted in-house, but he freely travels outside club tastes, seamlessly incorporating old-school disco, soul, jazz, and whatever catches his fancy. The bonafide house legend, Gene Farris has been molding the scene since the beginning. He's been pushing musical boundaries for close to three decades, from spinning at underground warehouse parties in the early 90s to working with the current crop of world-leading labels and artists. International DJ, singer, songwriter, and landmark figure of dance music, Colette. She first gained attention when she started singing over her DJ mixes and became a resident at Chicago’s SmartBar. She teamed up with the legendary house and techno artists for some of her biggest singles and releases. Including DJ Heather who is also on this year’s ARC lineup. DJ Heather is another Chicago household native who has been lighting up the dance floors with her unique rhythms and catchy beats. Trailblazer, DJ Lady D has been playing internationally as well as in Chicago’s major nightclubs for the better part of two decades. She has garnered a loyal following and reputation as a headliner. Fall in line alongside acid-house artist Hiroko Yamamura. Once she hits the decks, the isolation melts away as she lights up dance floors with an homage to the House, Acid, and techno sounds that shaped the Chicago Rave Sound. Alongside are some Detroit pioneers like Carl Craig, Moodymann, and DJ Minx.

Festival Experience

Over the past three-year expansion, the ARC festival has come a long way from a two-day festival to a full weekend event. Inviting global and local talented artists and impressive lineups each year that alone will draw huge crowds across the country. Every festival strives to be the best and offer the greatest experience to every attendee and artist. ARC fans will also be treated to intimate afterparties across Auris Presents and ARC partner venues RADIUS, Cermak Hall, PRYSM, Concord Music Hall, and more. ARC AFTER DARK will soon release upcoming before and after parties to keep the momentum going throughout the entire weekend. Snag your party passes. Every festival has an information page, but ARC is the only festival that has a hotline. People can call the active number for a special message from the artists of ARC, special promotions, and secret information about the festival. Call 312-897-2030 and leave ARC a special message. The city of Chicago will be transformed by the inspirational cultural movement of house music. Attendees will be surrounded by impeccable art and decor, handmade statues, and creative sculptures plus innovative side activities and vendors. The Auris Presents team will lead these efforts, bringing decades of unique event experience and curation across their independent endeavors.

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After an outstanding first-year succession, ARC Festival returns for Labor Day Weekend 2022. The three-day festival united scenes and connected communities worldwide; it's a unique festival with a creative history in Chicago. The all techno and house music festival was able to bring massive party brands, host iconic artists, and produce an immersive experience.