Chicago boasts a rich musical history and is famous for many sonic innovations including gospel music, drill, Chicago-style blues — and house music.
Thanks to a massive international following, some music fans don’t realize that Chicago is where house music was born. Developed by Black DJs during the late 1970s and ‘80s, Chicago house music exploded from an underground dance scene into a worldwide phenomenon.
Learn more about Chicago’s house music legacy and where to experience it for yourself.
Chicago house music venues and clubs
Smartbar holds a strong legacy in the Chicago house scene. Opened in 1982, this tiny Wrigleyville basement club hosted Frankie Knuckles as its first DJ. Today, you’ll hear an assortment of house DJs from all over the world play, including legendary Chicago house DJ Derrick Carter, who maintains a residency at Smartbar.
Spybar is a subterranean nightclub that hosts international artists spinning a selection of techno and house music. This upscale River North spot features a rotating line-up of dance DJs from all over the world.
Stony Island Arts Bank offers a close-up view of house music history through Frankie Knuckles’ personal vinyl collection. The Grammy-award-winning artist cataloged roughly 5,000 records that chronicle the development of house music. A resident DJ incorporates selections from the collection in regular public shows.
Chicago house music festivals and events
Chicago House Music Festival
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference brings house music fans from around the country to Chicago for a free, multi-day celebration of the Chicago-born genre. The annual event kicks off summer with DJs and live performances showcasing the various sounds and styles of house music.
Chosen Few Picnic is the highlight of the year for house heads. This family-reunion-style event unfolds each July in Jackson Park and features over 12 hours of nonstop house music by the south side DJs who helped create it.
My House Music Festival is a two-day summer music fest in Harrison Park in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. The event includes dozens of house DJs, including iconic pioneers like Derrick Carter and Marshall Jefferson, plus local food, merch, and art.
ARC Music Festival takes place for three days in Union Park over Labor Day weekend.
Get involved!
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