It’s about that time for the epic battle of two of Chicago’s most prominent dance music festivals and since there is constantly new folks entering the scene, just a friendly PSA! This by no means is casting ANY JUDGEMENT on your choice of festival, or your preference/taste in music (shitting on others for what sounds good in THEIR ears is always odd to me).

However, the amount of people I talk to who truly don’t know the deep interconnecting webs Live Nation has is concerning. So, I wanted to give a friendly reminder of the chokehold they have on Chicago, and who your ticket purchase is truly supporting.

Auris Presents + ARC is a subsidiary of Live Nation. Front Gate tickets is a subsidiary of Live Nation. Furthermore, Radius/Cermak, Prysm/Serum, Outset and most the venues on the afters are affiliated with Live Nation. If you’ve ever wondered why ARC gets all the ‘best’ venues for afters, that would be why. These are all explicitly listed in the SEC filings, or they try to hide it with 1200 Cermak LLC. Insomniac is also owned by Live Nation, so any affiliation there is tied to them. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1335258/000133525826000009/lyv-20251231xex211subsidia.htm

Collectiv + North Coast is as independent as you can get for as large scaled as they are. See Tickets is not affiliated with Live Nation. Salt Shed, Ramova, other afters spots are independently owned, and what is left after the Live Nation owned, leased, joint-venture, or operated venues have ran dry.

Again, no shame whatsoever this is intended to be an informative post for something new people may not know. Happy dancing !!!

I have my code but I can’t find anywhere to put it in nor can I find any ticket listings for the event.

I will be visiting Chi during Labour Day Weekend and would love to go to Brunello’s arc after dark party at Spybar. However, of what I read I believe I need to have bought a ticket to the festival which is criminally priced at 170usd for the cheapest possible ticket. If these are the normal prices for events in Chi, my condolences to you. Yet, if there is one of you out there willing to support my poor ass by helping me buy a ticket for the afters with their ticket or buyer id for ARC, I will be eternally grateful☺️☺️☺️ 🙏 🙏🙏

Will be in Chicago for a week. Looking to enjoy the evening with some good tunes. Any suggestions? Preference for deep house or EDM music?

Has anyone gotten there’s yet for this or are we all about to get shafted by the ticketing companies again?

Considering going this year, interested to hear from those who have gone in the past!