When We Dip: Photo Recap of ARC Festival 2025 in Chicago

Chicago, the birthplace of house music, once again became the epicenter of global electronic culture this past Labor Day weekend as ARC Festival returned for its 2025 edition. Spanning Union Park and multiple afterparties across the city, ARC delivered three days of pure energy, uniting international icons and homegrown talent in celebration of the city’s rich dance music heritage.

This year’s lineup was nothing short of stellar. From heavy-hitting techno titans to soulful house selectors, ARC curated a journey that balanced underground grit with festival euphoria. The crowd reflected the same diversity: thousands of dancers from across the globe gathered in Chicago, embodying the festival’s message of unity through music.

Highlights included unforgettable sets under the skyline, surprise B2Bs that electrified the ARC Car Stage, and emotional closing moments that left fans already counting down to next year. But beyond the music, ARC 2025 cemented its status as more than just a festival—it’s a cultural movement that honors Chicago’s past while pushing electronic music into the future.

A photographer team was on the ground capturing the moments that defined this year’s edition: the dance floor smiles, the hands in the air, and the unforgettable energy of Chicago’s electronic community.

Dive into our full photo recap gallery below and relive ARC Festival 2025 through the lens.