ARC Music Festival – Chicago’s flagship house and techno event – unveils its 2026 lineup and announces an expansion to four days, returning Labor Day Weekend from September 4–7.
Hosted by Auris Presents, a prominent player in the festival and events scene, the ARC Music Festival has established itself as a premier gathering for electronic music enthusiasts. Each year, the festival draws together household names and burgeoning artists from around the globe, all set against the rich musical tapestry of Chicago – the birthplace of house music.
Celebrating house music as Chicago’s monumental gift to the world, ARC embodies a culture built on joy, inclusivity, and community. It serves as a unique tribute to the legacy of house music, where the past, present, and future intersect, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the sounds and lifestyle that originated from the city’s underground scene.
“Every year we face the same challenge: we want to include more artists than the schedule allows. The global community is thriving, and ARC always flies by,” says ARC Co-Founder and Lead Talent Buyer, John Curley. He expands on this sentiment, emphasizing that the decision to extend to four days paves the way for featuring an even broader array of talent.
This expanded timeframe marks the dawn of a new era for ARC, allowing it to cultivate even more memorable experiences for its attendees.
This year, ARC is thrilled to announce an impressive lineup, featuring renowned artists like Anyma, the legendary Underworld, global sensation Michael Bibi, Chicago’s own Honey Dijon, and hard techno queen Sara Landry.
Additional performers include Brazil’s vibrant talent Mochakk, the rapidly rising Mau P, drum and bass icons Chase & Status, and the collaborative force Vintage Culture B2B Damian Lazarus. Unique additions also showcase the pulsating energy of Berlin duo Brutalismus 3000, the favored Chris Stussy, and the ground-breaking Chicago house pioneer Derrick Carter.
A distinguishing aspect of ARC is its commitment to presenting back-to-back sets that celebrate the connection between artists from different generations. This year’s team-ups include iconic names like Detroit Love (featuring Carl Craig, Moodymann, and Stacey Pullen), as well as local legends The Blessed Madonna and Lil’ Louis.
The festival doesn’t shy away from featuring contemporary talents either; audiences can expect performances from the likes of Cloonee, Beltran, and high-energy acts like Prospa and MEDUZA B2B GENESI.
Deep and hard sounds remain cornerstones of the lineup, with acts such as Nicole Moudaber B3B Paco Osuna B3B Dubfire, as well as Nico Moreno, I Hate Models, and the dynamic duo 999999999.
ARC isn’t just about big names; it embraces the avant-garde and boundary-pushing talent that is shaping the sounds of tomorrow. Artists like Nia Archives and DJ Heartstring are included in a lineup that embraces innovation.
This year also promises attendees a carefully curated four-stage festival experience with returning favorites like the formidable and expansive Grid, sun-drenched Expansions, and the raw aesthetic of Area 909, complemented by the introduction of The Midway.
The Midway is designed to celebrate Chicago’s vibrant cultural history while nodding to its architectural legacy. This stage evokes the bustling atmosphere of an international terminal, emphasizing the global diaspora of house music while maintaining Chicago’s unique heritage.
In addition to the main festival, ARC will again host its compelling ARC After Dark series, spanning five nights from Thursday to Monday. With an additional slate of performances on the final night, fans can anticipate a dynamic showing of surprise sets, exclusive back-to-backs, and countless engaging moments.
Last year, the ARC After Dark experience featured 13 venues, 35 parties, and over 120 performing artists. This year promises to deliver even more to its attendees, with access granted exclusively to ARC pass holders.
ARC Music Festival 2026 tickets are available HERE.
