August 29-31, 2025 • Union Park, Chicago
The ARC Music Festival returns to Chicago for its fifth year, bringing the global electronic music scene to the birthplace of house music. This three-day event showcases world-class DJs and producers with multiple stages at Union Park.
A 13.7-acre public park located in Chicago's Near West Side neighborhood. The park features open spaces, sports facilities, and is a popular venue for summer music festivals.
Flight duration: Approximately 4 hours
| Airline | Price Range (Round Trip) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | $257-$330 | Direct flights available |
| Southwest Airlines | $240-$310 | Free checked bags |
| American Airlines | $250-$350 | Multiple daily options |
| Spirit Airlines | $150-$250 | Budget option, additional fees apply |
Southwest Airlines at approximately $280 round trip with free checked bags and flexible change policy.
Multiple transportation options
| Travel Type | Price Range (One Way) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Flight (Delta, United) | $100-$200 | 1.5 hours |
| Amtrak Train | $39-$70 | 5.5 hours |
| Greyhound Bus | $25-$45 | 6-7 hours |
| Car Rental | $40-$60/day | 4.5 hours drive |
Amtrak train at approximately $45 one way offers a comfortable journey with scenic views and no airport hassles.
We've selected accommodation options close to Union Park to minimize travel time to and from the festival.
Modern lodging with Wi-Fi & parking. Contemporary rooms in an elegant redbrick hotel.
Total for 4 nights: $408 per room
Relaxed hotel with a pool & a bar. Casual hotel featuring airy quarters, some with kitchens.
Total for 4 nights: $944 per room
Top floor condo with 3 bedrooms, 1 full bathrooms, and in-unit AC. 1 queen, 1 single, 1 sofa bed
Total for 4 nights: $1,650 per unit
| Accommodation Type | Base Cost (4 nights) | For 4 People | For 8 People | For 10 People | Distance to Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Chicago West Loop | $408/room | $816 (2 rooms) | $1,632 (4 rooms) | $2,040 (5 rooms) | 0.8 miles |
| Hyatt House Chicago | $944/room | $1,888 (2 rooms) | $3,776 (4 rooms) | $4,720 (5 rooms) | 0.6 miles |
| Airbnb West Loop Apartment | $1,650/apt | $1,600 (1 apt) | $3,200 (2 apts) | $4,000 (2.5 apts) | 0.3 miles |
| Stay with Emilio (Free) | $0 | $0 | $0* | $0* | Varies |
*Staying with a friend may have space limitations depending on their accommodation.
For groups of 4 or more people, the West Loop Loft Apartment offers the best value, especially considering its proximity to the venue and the ability to split cooking and relaxation spaces.
Chicago has excellent public transit options, making it easy to get around without a car.
Chicago's iconic elevated train system
Extensive bus network throughout the city
Chicago's transit payment system
Convenient but may have surge pricing during festival
Traditional option with regulated pricing
Chicago's bike-sharing program
Purchase a 3-day unlimited CTA pass ($15) for general transportation around the city, and use rideshare for late-night returns from the festival. Consider walking to/from festival if staying nearby.
We've selected restaurants that are convenient for pre- and post-festival dining, with minimal walking required.
Chic, bi-level Italian spot with a patio. Regional Italian fare and drinks served in a stylish, two-storey space.
Modern, all-day venue with an American eatery, wine and cocktail bar, and bakery café. Great for breakfast or brunch.
50,000-sq ft industrial hub for chef-driven eats and cocktails with communal seats and a rooftop deck. Perfect for groups with varied tastes.
Easygoing, wood-accented Japanese spot where diners barbecue their own food at in-table grills. Fun, interactive dining experience.
Bi-level gastropub with tons of brews on tap, plus hearty eats & a huge seasonal beer garden. Perfect for pre-festival beers and food.
Creative pub fare, weekend brunch, and craft cocktails in a swanky tavern setting with late hours. Great for late-night post-festival meals.
Iconic Chicago burger joint with quick service
0.7 miles from venue • $10-15 per person
Famous Chicago deep dish pizza
0.9 miles from venue • $15-25 per person
Coffee and breakfast items
0.4 miles from venue • $5-10 per person
Healthy salads and bowls
0.6 miles from venue • $12-18 per person
A balanced schedule with one attraction daily and plenty of time for the festival.
Arrive in Chicago
From San Diego/Detroit
Transport to Accommodation
CTA or rideshare from airport
Check-in
Get settled at accommodation
Late Lunch
Beatrix or Time Out Market
Neighborhood Exploration
Explore West Loop/Fulton Market
Dinner & Drinks
Bar Siena or Kaiser Tiger
Explore one of Chicago's trendiest neighborhoods and sample from various restaurants in this walkable food district. Perfect for your first day to get acquainted with the area near Union Park.
Cost: $50-75 per person for a guided tour, or self-guided for free
Breakfast
Beatrix or nearby cafe
Chicago Architecture Tour
See Chicago from the river
Late Lunch
Quick option near accommodation
Prepare for Festival
Rest and get ready
ARC Music Festival
First day of festival
Late Night Dinner/Drinks
Black Barrel Tavern (open late)
One of Chicago's most popular attractions. This 75-minute cruise takes you along the Chicago River while an expert guide shares fascinating architectural and historical details about more than 50 buildings.
Cost: $40-60 per person
Brunch
Beatrix or nearby restaurant
Millennium Park
Visit The Bean & Crown Fountain
Late Lunch
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Rest/Relax
Prepare for festival
ARC Music Festival
Second day of festival
Late Night Dinner
Bar Siena (open until 2AM)
Visit Chicago's iconic Millennium Park to see Cloud Gate (The Bean), Crown Fountain, and Lurie Garden. Then stroll up Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile for world-class shopping and architecture.
Cost: Free (park visit) + optional shopping
Late Breakfast
Beatrix or accommodation
Navy Pier or Lakefront
Relaxing morning by the lake
Lunch
Time Out Market food hall
Rest/Relax
Final festival preparation
ARC Music Festival
Final day of festival
After-Party
Official ARC afterparty or local venue
Enjoy a relaxing morning at one of Chicago's most popular tourist destinations. Stroll along the pier, enjoy lake views, or take a short cruise on Lake Michigan. A perfect low-key activity before the final festival day.
Cost: Free (basic access) + optional activities ($15-30)
Breakfast
At accommodation or nearby
Pack and Check-out
Prepare for departure
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Lou Malnati's or Giordano's
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up Chicago mementos
Transport to Airport/Station
CTA or rideshare
Departure
Return to San Diego/Detroit
No visit to Chicago is complete without trying the iconic deep dish pizza. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the city's famous pizzerias before heading home.
Cost: $20-30 per person
Comprehensive cost summary for different group sizes.
| Expense Category | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option | Premium Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight - San Diego to Chicago (Round Trip) | $180 (Spirit) | $280 (Southwest) | $350 (United/American) | Budget airlines may have additional baggage fees |
| Transport - Detroit to Chicago | $50 (Bus) | $90 (Amtrak) | $200 (Flight) | Round trip estimates |
| Festival Tickets (3-Day) | $400 (GA) | $600 (VIP) | $900 (VIP+) | Early bird pricing may be available |
| Accommodation (4 nights, shared) | $102 (Hotel, 2-4 per room) | $200 (Airbnb, shared) | $472 (Premium hotel) | Per person based on double occupancy |
| Local Transportation | $15 (3-day CTA pass) | $50 (CTA + some rideshare) | $120 (Mostly rideshare) | Walking to venue from nearby accommodations can save money |
| Food & Drinks (5 days) | $200 ($40/day) | $300 ($60/day) | $500 ($100/day) | Includes all meals and drinks |
| Attractions | $40 | $100 | $200 | Based on suggested daily attractions |
| Miscellaneous/Emergency | $50 | $100 | $150 | Souvenirs, unexpected expenses |
| TOTAL (from San Diego) | $987 | $1,630 | $2,692 | Per person |
| TOTAL (from Detroit) | $857 | $1,440 | $2,542 | Per person |
| Group Size | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option | Premium Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 People | $3,948 | $6,520 | $10,768 |
| 6 People | $5,922 | $9,780 | $16,152 |
| 8 People | $7,896 | $13,040 | $21,536 |
| 10 People | $9,870 | $16,300 | $26,920 |
Based on San Diego travelers. Adjust downward for Detroit travelers.
Book Early
Flight and accommodation prices typically increase as the date approaches.
Larger Accommodations
Renting a larger Airbnb can be more cost-effective than multiple hotel rooms for groups.
Use Public Transportation
Chicago's CTA system is efficient and much cheaper than rideshare.
Festival Presales
Sign up for ARC Festival newsletters for early bird ticket pricing.
Grocery Shopping
Stock up on breakfast items and snacks to reduce meal costs.
This comprehensive plan provides everything you need for an amazing festival experience in Chicago. Feel free to adjust any elements to better suit your group's preferences and budget.
Book Early
Enjoy the Music
Explore Chicago
Create Memories
Plan created: April 2025 • For the ARC Music Festival, August 29-31, 2025