ARC After Dark 2025 Unveils Full Lineup for Afterparties

The city that birthed house music is about to get louder—and later.

As Chicago gears up for the 2025 edition of the ARC Music Festival, organizers have revealed the official ARC After Dark lineup, and it’s nothing short of electric. These exclusive afterparties extend the energy of the day into the early hours of the morning, transforming the Windy City into a nonstop celebration of global dance culture.

Taking place across some of Chicago’s most legendary nightlife venues—including Concord Music Hall, Radius, Spybar, and Prysm—ARC After Dark delivers an immersive, late-night experience for festivalgoers who refuse to let the music stop. With headliners like Carl Cox, Gorgon City, Boris Brejcha, and more, this year’s edition is shaping up to be the biggest yet.

Here’s everything you need to know about ARC After Dark 2025, from the venues to the lineup and how to secure your tickets before they sell out.

What is ARC After Dark? The Festival’s Signature Nightlife Experience

ARC After Dark is the official afterparty series for ARC Music Festival, Chicago’s leading electronic music event held over Labor Day Weekend. While the daytime festival in Union Park runs until 10 p.m., ARC After Dark picks up where the main stage leaves off—offering extended sets, surprise guests, and intimate venue experiences across the city.

This curated nightlife extension has become a signature part of the ARC experience, giving fans the chance to dive even deeper into Chicago’s vibrant house and techno scene. From warehouse vibes to sleek clubs, each venue offers a unique sonic journey.

Organizers have once again partnered with Auris Presents, one of Chicago’s premier nightlife groups, to create a weekend packed with world-class talent and unforgettable after-hours events.

Whether you're a hardcore raver or a casual festival-goer looking for an unforgettable night, ARC After Dark is your gateway to the soul of Chicago nightlife.

ARC After Dark 2025 Lineup: The Artists Lighting Up the Night

This year’s ARC After Dark lineup is a dream for electronic music lovers, featuring legendary names and rising stars across house, techno, and beyond. The afterparties will span from Friday, August 29 through Monday, September 1, keeping the beat going long after Union Park winds down.

Highlighted Performers:

• Carl Cox at Radius
• Gorgon City at Radius
• Boris Brejcha at Radius
• The Martinez Brothers at Prysm
• FISHER B2B Loco Dice at Radius
• Sara Landry at Cermak Hall
• Chris Stussy B2B Jesse Calosso at Spybar
• Green Velvet B2B Patrick Topping at Radius
• Ida Engberg at Spybar
• Dennis Cruz & PAWSA at Concord Music Hall

The B2B (back-to-back) sets are a major draw this year, offering one-of-a-kind collaborations that showcase each artist’s versatility and chemistry.

This diverse and global lineup highlights the evolution of ARC’s musical identity, offering sounds from classic Chicago house to cutting-edge techno and progressive styles.

Where the Nights Come Alive: ARC After Dark Venues

What makes ARC After Dark stand out is not just the music—but the venues. Chicago’s rich club culture is front and center during this weekend, as top-tier artists take over iconic spots throughout the city.

Featured ARC After Dark Venues:

• Radius – Industrial warehouse-style venue known for high-energy, large-scale sets
• Spybar – A historic underground club perfect for intimate, late-night techno sessions
• Concord Music Hall – Versatile space hosting hard-hitting and eclectic artist lineups
• Prysm – Sleek, modern club perfect for dancefloor-driven house sets
• Cermak Hall – A newer venue offering a raw, warehouse-style rave experience

Each venue offers a different flavor of nightlife, letting fans choose their after-dark vibe. Whether you prefer underground intimacy or a massive dancefloor, ARC After Dark has a space tailored to your style.

How to Get Tickets to ARC After Dark 2025 Events

Tickets for ARC After Dark 2025 are officially on sale and are expected to sell out fast, especially for high-demand acts like Carl Cox and FISHER.

Here’s how to secure your spot:

Ticket Info:

• Where to Buy: Official ARC Music Festival website or via links on the ARC app
• Ticket Type: Sold separately from main festival passes
• Pricing: Varies per venue and artist lineup
• Age Limit: Most venues are 21+, ID required
• Capacity: Limited—these are more intimate shows

Organizers recommend buying tickets as early as possible, especially for nights with major headliners or B2B sets. Unlike the outdoor festival, these indoor shows offer a close-up experience with the artists—which makes them even more desirable.

Why ARC After Dark Matters: A Celebration of Chicago’s Club Culture

Chicago is often hailed as the birthplace of house music, and ARC After Dark embraces that legacy. Beyond the big names and flashing lights, this series celebrates the roots of electronic music and the culture it inspired.

These afterparties serve several purposes:

• Showcasing local and international talent side by side
• Elevating historic and underground venues to a global stage
• Building community among music lovers and industry professionals
• Reinforcing Chicago’s place on the global dance music map

For many, the ARC After Dark experience is where the true magic happens—where headliners let loose, fans forge new connections, and the spirit of house music lives on well past midnight.

ARC Music Festival + After Dark: The Full Weekend Experience

ARC After Dark isn’t just an add-on—it’s an essential part of the full ARC Music Festival experience. With over 40 acts spread across the city post-sundown, it gives fans a chance to dive even deeper into the music they love.

Whether you’re staying up until sunrise or just attending one afterparty, ARC After Dark helps transform Labor Day Weekend into an immersive cultural journey through music, light, and movement.

Here’s how to maximize your weekend:

ARC Weekend Checklist:

·        Purchase your ARC Festival Pass

·        Browse the ARC After Dark schedule

·        Choose your favorite artists or B2B sets

·        Buy your afterparty tickets early

·        Download the ARC app for updates and alerts

·        Plan transportation between venues

·        Rest up—you’ll need the energy!

Don’t Miss the Beat After the Park Closes

With the official ARC After Dark 2025 lineup now released, it’s clear that this year’s afterparty series is on track to be one of the most memorable yet. Whether you’re drawn to legendary DJs or eager to explore Chicago’s historic club scene, these late-night events are not to be missed.

Secure your tickets, rally your crew, and prepare for four nights of unforgettable music, dancing, and community under the Chicago skyline. When the park closes, the city lights up—and the true spirit of ARC lives on after dark.