For its 2021 debut, ARC Festival conjured the spirit of house music in the birthplace of the genre. The event united scenes and connected communities from around the world in a way that felt distinct to the creative history of Chicago. In the beginning, ARC’s first edition aimed at fostering an immersive journey into the heart of the genre. The result was a city-wide vibe that then earned the attention of the industry, leaving those out of the loop longing for ARC’s return.
Now returning and expanding from two to three days in 2022, this year’s lineup sees ARC further cement itself as a premier stop on the global festival calendar. Some of electronic music’s biggest stars will take center stage including Carl Cox, Adam Beyer □ Cirez D, Charlotte De Witte, Honey Dijon, Fatboy Slim, Ricardo Villalobos, ANNA, Carl Craig, and Richie Hawtin.
Chicago house music remains the life source of the festival, the easel on which the city’s modern sonic history has been painted, and its unmistakable artistic gift to the world. Fashion icon and midwest musical genius Honey Dijon will grace the ARC stage for the first time, alongside storied mentor of the Chicago sound Derrick Carter, Queen of Chicago house DJ Lady D, Farriswheel’s Gene Farris, Green Velvet of Get Real, Godfather of House music Chip E., fellow longtime veterans Ron Carroll and Mike Dunn plus next-generation riser Kryptogram will also grace the ARC stage.
Spanish party outfit Elrow will make its return to ARC, bringing its renowned psychedelic production and outrageous surprises to Union Park in full force. Elrow’s signature stage design, performers, and hijinx have made it one of the most celebrated brands in the world, touching down for bespoke events annually in Barcelona, Ibiza, New York, London, Dubai, Miami, Las Vegas, Sydney, and many more key markets.
ARC will once again extend beyond the music, creating a cutting-edge experience that mirrors the culture and artistry of its host city. Attendees can expect curated production elements and art to guide them between each of the four immersive stage environments. The event will also act as a showcase of Chicago’s culinary prowess, offering an elevated and distinctly local event. These efforts will be led by the Auris Presents team who bring collective decades of professionalism to the fold across their independent endeavors. ARC fans will also be treated to intimate after-parties across Auris and ARC partner venues RADIUS, PRYSM, and Concord Music Hall with others to be announced.
Maestro Ricardo Villalobos is also being pushed into Chicago’s eclectic after-hours, as well as Life and Death icon DJ Tennis, the deep and dark melodic sounds of Ann Clue, and The Other Side label head Maher Daniel. Of course, the pinnacle of modern house remains a focus at ARC, as the show welcomes giants like Gorgon City, Chris Lake, Claptone, Get Real, Eats Everything, Justin Martin, and Vintage Culture. Melodic shades of house will also be on full display from the likes of Lane 8, Nora En Pure, Ben Böhmer, Boris Brejcha, and Gioli & Assia.
In accordance with global demand, some of the international techno scene’s most sought-after producers and selectors will bring the hard-hitting sound to ARC. Italian leader Joseph Capriati makes his Chicago return alongside ENTER’s Richie Hawtin, Brazil’s ANNA, Palestine’s Sama’ Abdulhadi, and Enrico Sangiuliano rounding out the global affair.
Getting a festival pass early doesn’t just lock in Labor Day Weekend, but it also locks in the adventure of ARC. Pass holders can also gain access to purchase tickets to sold-out shows, private pre-sales, exclusively priced tickets, and the chance to guestlist at over 40 upcoming Auris Presents events this spring and summer.
For more information, attendees can sign-up to be the first to get their festival passes at ARCmusicfestival.com. General tickets will be on-sale March 17th with payment plans available now and travel packages coming soon.
