ARC Music Festival Expands
Chicago's ARC Music Festival (Sept 4–7) is going four days for the first time, headlined by Anyma and Underworld [https://thatericalper.com/2026/03/12/house-icon-anyma-and-electronic-legends-underworld-lead-arc-music-festival-2026]. The lineup signals a new era for Chicago’s EDM and alternative scene [https://timeout.com/chicago/news/arc-music-festival-lineup-is-out-and-its-an-edm-fever-dream-031126]. Who else is playing?
ARC Music Festival is expanding to four days for the first time, running September 4-7 over Labor Day Weekend in Chicago's Union Park. Auris Presents, a leading Chicago promoter, organizes the event which has become a key meeting point for house and techno artists since its launch in 2021. The 2026 lineup features Michael Bibi, Honey Dijon, and Sara Landry presenting ETERNALISM, plus Mochakk, Mau P, Chase and Status, and Vintage Culture B2B Damian Lazarus. Other artists include Brutalismus 3000, Chris Stussy, Joy Orbison B2B Ben UFO, and Chicago house figure Derrick Carter. Carl Craig, Moodymann, Nia Archives B2B X CLUB., DJ Gigola B2B Skin On Skin, Prospa, salute, MCR-T, Max Dean B2B Luke Dean, Silva Bumpa, and INVT are also on the bill. ARC will also feature collaborative performances, including Detroit Love with Carl Craig, Moodymann, and Stacey Pullen, The Blessed Madonna B2B Lil' Louis, and Green Velvet B2B Josh Baker. Techno heavyweights Nicole Moudaber, Paco Osuna and Dubfire will join forces for a rare three-artist B3B set. The festival will host multiple stages, including The Grid, Expansions, and Area 909, and introduce a new stage called The Midway. The Midway is inspired by Chicago's Midway Plaisance and the city's international travel hub, reflecting house music's global reach. ARC After Dark will extend the programming across Chicago venues from Thursday through Monday.
