Welcome to Chicago, the birthplace of house music. This genre, characterized by its repetitive beats and synthesized basslines, emerged from the city’s vibrant underground club scene in the early 1980s and has since become a global phenomenon.
Today, Chicago is home to a vibrant house music scene, with major events like the Chicago House Music Festival and Chosen Few Picnic and DJs spinning house music every night of the week. Explore the city’s many clubs and venues, showcasing beats from legendary Chicago DJs, touring acts, and up-and-coming local talent.
Discover Chicago’s iconic house music clubs and venues keeping the legacy of house music alive.
House music venues in Chicago
Spybar: An institution of Chicago’s nightlife scene for more than 25 years, this River North club is known for its packed dance floor and top-tier talent.
Smart Bar: Located beneath the Metro music venue in Lakeview, Smartbar attracts a vast array of DJs and producers from across the dance music world.
Primary Nightclub: In the Gold Coast neighborhood, this intimate dance club is dedicated to electronic music and specializes in EDM, house, and techno.
Podlasie Club: In Avondale, this hazy and bassy club and bar hosts house music events and inclusive dance parties every weekend.
Hydrate Nightclub: This legendary club in Northalsted, Chicago’s historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, boasts an inclusive atmosphere and DJs playing progressive house.
Pier 31 Restaurant: This seasonal spot located on the shores of Chicago’s lakefront has live music throughout the week, including house music every Thursday evening.
Smoke and Mirrors: Locals gather at this late-night speakeasy hidden away in the Logan Square neighborhood to hear house music artists from around the world.
The Promontory: This popular Hyde Park venue is known for attracting a diverse line-up of artists; check their calendar for house music events.
Dorian’s: Pass through the unmarked door in this Wicker Park record shop and discover Dorian’s, where vinyl DJs explore house, jazz, soul, and beyond.
The Whistler: This unique bar-gallery hybrid offers an award-winning cocktail menu and a full calendar of live music, including regular house DJs.
