Chicago nightlife guide for house music lovers visiting the city
Discover the best nightlife spots tailored around house music in Chicago.
As the birthplace of house music, Chicago carries decades of history in the nightlife scene. For those visiting the windy city who also happen to love house music, luckily, there’s never a shortage of curated events, clubs, and venues where you can experience the revolutionary genre in its truest form.
Here are Exron’s top five house music-driven destinations not to miss when visiting Chicago:
1. Smart Bar
Located in Wrigleyville, this legendary club is known for showcasing local and international DJs spinning house music across various decades. Smart Bar is an essential stop for those hoping to experience the city’s historic and influential house music scene.
2. ARC Music Festival (and its various afters)
The top-of-the-line Chicago house experience happens every Labor Day weekend at ARC Music Festival. This three-day extravaganza has blossomed into a nationwide celebration of house and techno, turning Chicago into the mecca of these affluent genres all weekend long. Beyond the festival, ARC offers multiple official afterparties across town, creating an extended citywide house takeover.
3. Spybar
Spybar is a Chicago institution for underground house and techno. The venue’s intimate dance floor, top-tier sound system, and especially curated DJ lineup make it ideal for those seeking authentic Chicago nightlife and a genuine connection to the city’s house music roots.
4. Prysm
In the thick of Chicago’s River North area, Prysm is one of the city’s largest and most vibrant nightclubs. This venue is recognized for its house and other dance music genre nights that constantly draw visitors and locals alike. Less underground than a venue like Spybar, Prysm’s massive dance floor and headliners make it a standout location to visit for a late-night out full of dancing and grooving.
5. Smoke & Mirrors
Smoke & Mirrors blends stylish nightlife with immersive designs and deep house beats seamlessly. This West Loop spot hosts house-focused nights with local and touring DJs to provide visitors and Chicago natives with a mix of sophistication and energy that reflects the evolution of Chicago house throughout the years.
Featured image courtesy of Ratko Radojcic
About The Author
Maria Marcano
Just a Venezuelan gal that grew up in Fort Lauderdale chasing her dreams. I've been in love with electronic dance music for as long as I can remember, and it has become both a passion and a form of inspiration in every aspect of my life. I've been with Exron since it was founded in 2017 and have had the privilege to support and work alongside some of my best friends. Some of my favorite artists are ODESZA, Kaskasde, Above & Beyond, Glass Animals, and Rüfüs Du Sol to name a few. Traveling all over the world to attend festivals is one of my favorite pastimes, and Electric Forest, Ultra Music Festival, and Tomorrowland have been an absolute dream to experience.
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