ARC Music Festival stands as a testament to the dynamic fusion of electronic sounds and urban energy. As the sun-drenched cityscape transforms into a pulsating hub of rhythm and melody, festival-goers are invited to embark on a sonic journey unlike any other. Against the backdrop of Chicago’s iconic skyline, this groundbreaking festival promises to transcend boundaries and ignite the senses, uniting music aficionados and artists from across the globe.
Prepare to immerse yourself in a weekend of unparalleled sonic exploration and artistic expression. ARC Music Festival is set to host an impressive lineup of world-renowned DJs and electronic music producers, spanning genres that range from house and techno to trance and beyond.
With stages that echo the city’s architectural magnificence, attendees can expect not only captivating performances but also an atmosphere charged with the shared euphoria of the crowd. As the sun sets over the sprawling Lake Michigan, the festival grounds will transform into a luminous playground, alive with mesmerizing visuals, thumping basslines, and the palpable thrill of anticipation. Whether you’re a dedicated electronic music aficionado or a curious newcomer, ARC Music Festival is poised to deliver an unforgettable Labor Day weekend, celebrating the unifying power of music within the heart of the Windy City.
Top Artists To Look Out For At ARC Music Festival
Day One
2:00-4:00 PM – AKKI
We will dive straight into the day by heading to The Arc Car to see German-born AKKI‘s techno set. AKKI hails from Frankfurt and broke into the techno scene in 2021 where he has slowly been rising to the top of the European techno scene. Listen to his new single “Sakura” before you get there… just in case.
4:00- 5:30 PM – Mall Grab B2B KETTAMA
When your head is pounding from the heavy bass of AKKI’s set, we’ll make our way over to the Expansions stage to listen to the minimalist rhythms of Jordan Alexander, AKA Mall Grab. One thing you guarantee is that seeing Mall Grab will be a unique experience — no set is the same. Not only do we get to listen to the ever-amazing Mall Grab, but the Irish-born DJ KETTAMA. Evan Campbell, otherwise known as KETTAMA knows how to start a party. His upfront, sledgehammer house music has made fans dance the night away all over the world.
5:30-6:30 PM Break!
Dont forget to be drinking your water! Let’s take a little break from the music and grab some water from one of the refill stations while we take a minute to reset. Grabbing a little bite to eat from one of the many vendors at ARC is never a bad idea!
7:00- 8:30 PM – Boys Noize
After we are rested, relaxed, and rehydrated we’ll head back to the Expansions stage for the iconic Boys Noize. He first established his creds with a slurry of singles for the likes of Block Party and Depeche Mode and became one of the biggest names of the electro-house scene of the 2000s and the 2010s. With his combination of rave, hip-hop, and industrial influences, you can always guarantee a spectacular show.
8:30- 10:00 PM- Nina Kraviz
After dancing the night away at Boys Noize, we’ll continue the raving with the Siberian DJ Nina Kraviz. Kraviz combines her badass stage presence, charisma, and idiosyncratic electronic music to create an unforgettable experience for those new to electronic music and seasoned ravers. Nina Kraviz’s set is the perfect way to round out an energetic first day of ARC.
If you’re not quite exhausted from dancing the day away, you can always check out ARC After Dark; a series of events occurring all across the city with your favorite DJs from the festival. As for me, I’ll probably be heading to bed to prep for the very eventful second day.
ARC Music Festival Day Two
3:00 to 4:30 PM- Moodymann B2B Carl Craig
Starting the day off incredibly strong with two of the most legendary house music artists, Moodymann and Carl Craig. Both hailing from Detroit, Michigan, both of these artists have changed the way we listen to house, techno, and other electronic music. You can’t miss out on seeing the leaders of the second wave of Detroit techno in the 1980s and 1990s. Not only are they important to the legacy of house and techno, but they also put on a mean show. I know I’ll be dancing my ass off to the rhythms of Moodymann and Carl Craig at the Expansions stage.
4:30- 6:00 PM – The Blessed Madonna
If you need to rehydrate, now’s the time to do it! No one should miss even a second of The Blessed Madonna‘s set, and if you do, you better be running over quick to see her. Marea Stamper, AKA The Blessed Madonna began their career in the early 1990s selling her mixtapes at illegal rave and now they is headlining festivals all across the globe, collabing with artists such as Dua Lipa and Fred Again… The Blessed Madonna captures the attention of crowds with her techno beats and unmissable enigmatic stage presence.
6:30- 8:00 PM – Fatboy Slim
After feeling the beats of The Blessed Madonna we’ll wander our way over to The Grid to see the one, the only, Fatboy Slim. If you don’t see Fatboy Slim at ARC this year, what are you even doing! Quentin Cook, known as Fatboy Slim, and many other monikers, was the pioneer of Britain’s Big Beat genre; similar to acid house/techno. Fatboy Slim is an artist that can entertain the most avid of techno lovers, to those who have never listened in their lives. Fatboy Slim’s set at ARC is one that will be both entertaining and groundbreaking.
8:00- 10:00 PM – John Summit
After getting our minds blown by Fatboy Slim, we’ll stick around The Grid stage to see Chicago native, John Summit. Summit flawlessly fuses classic house vibes with cutting-edge beats, creating an irresistible auditory masterpiece. His dynamic stage presence and chart-topping releases reflect his deep connection to the genre.
From intimate venues to grand festivals, Summit’s sets are a journey through pulsating rhythms and euphoric melodies, making each performance an electrifying dancefloor sensation. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the revitalized essence of house music—seeing John Summit live is an invitation to unite, dance, and create unforgettable memories.
ARC Music Festival Day Three
2:00-3:00 PM – HOTPRETTY
Indulge in an unmissable live experience with HOTPRETTY (comprising Abigail Grohmann and Zooey Glass), the vibrant DJ and production duo based in Chicago. Their fervor for mind-bending, euphoric strains of house and acid techno sets them apart. Sharing stages with luminaries like Peggy Gou, Mall Grab, Partiboi69, and more, their magnetic performances promise an exhilarating journey.
After headlining the locals stage at Arc Music festival in 2022, HOTPRETTY is set to debut on the Grid Stage this year. Witness their sonic wizardry live and immerse yourself in the pulsating beats – a testament to their passion and prowess.
4:00- 5:30 PM- Kyle Walker
After tearing it up at HOTPRETTY, followed by a snack break, we’ll hit up the Elrow stage for some house and techno beats by Los Angeles native Kyle Walker. As a talented DJ and music creator, he brings the energy of electronic music to life. With his mixes of house and techno, he’ll get you moving and grooving. Kyle has a special way of making music that everyone loves, and his performances are famous for being full of fun surprises.
5:30- 7:00 PM – Dax J
All of my hard techno lovers are not going to want to miss the ever talented British DJ Dax J. After pregaming our ears with the lighter techno beats of Kyle Walker we’ll fully immerse ourselves in the thumping bass of Dax J at The Arc Car. There are few artists carving out a legacy for themselves like Dax J is right now. The British DJ and producer from London has gone from pirate radio to magazine covers; from the backroom parties to headlining raves at every major techno institution the world over, all whilst staying true to the underground with an individual style all of his own. Dax J is one of the most anticipated artists coming to ARC this year and is one you do not want to miss if you’re a hard techno lover like I am.
6:30 – 8:00 PM – Peggy Gou
Sorry Dax! We might be leaving your set just a little bit early to see every second of the iconic Peggy Gou’s set. Having graced renowned stages worldwide, Peggy Gou’s performances are a seamless fusion of groove and energy, drawing diverse audiences to the dancefloor. With an infectious passion for music, she has carved her path as a trailblazing artist, pushing boundaries and redefining the electronic music landscape. Don’t miss the chance to witness her captivating presence and genre-defying music. Join the crowd and be part of an unforgettable moment as Peggy Gou takes you on a sonic adventure that’s uniquely hers.
8:30-10:00 PM – Hiroko Yamamura
After Peggy Gou’s outstanding performance at The Grid stage, there are just so many options to chose from. How can one pick between Tale of Us, Vintage Culture, Black Coffee and Hiroko Yamamura? I’m going with my own personal favorite this year: Hiroko Yamamura. Hailing from Japan, Hiroko Yamamura is a rising star in the electronic music scene. Her sets are a sonic exploration, blending cutting-edge techno with emotive melodies that resonate deeply. Her performances have gained traction in renowned venues, showcasing her ability to craft immersive soundscapes that captivate audiences.
Hiroko Yamamura’s presence promises an entrancing voyage through sound, one that ignites your senses and moves your soul. Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic as she weaves her musical spell, adding a touch of Japan’s electronic innovation to the festival’s vibrant tapestry.
Listen to Respect My Region’s official ARC Music Festival playlist on our Spotify profile here!
