Chicago’s clubs have long been a destination for music and entertainment long before the concept of a DJ even existed. Most importantly, Chicago is the birthplace of House Music, with much of today’s nightlife centered around River North, a neighborhood just north of the Loop teeming with thrill-seeking tourists and locals. And thanks to Chicago’s central location and international airports, it’s also a frequent stop for top international DJs. Not sure where to get the party started? Head to these Chicago nightclubs and dance the night away.
2025 Chicago nightclub events schedule
Le Nocturne
Founded by a French expat who loves house music, Le Nocturne is one of Chicago’s hottest new clubs, boasting a 25,000-watt sound system and nearly 100 computerized lights synced to the phat beats. If you’re on the city’s Far North Side and aren’t into a trip to the Loop, this Uptown nightlife destination awaits. Ladies get free admission (with RSVP) on Thursday nights when the playlists focus on hip-hop, dancehall, afro-pop, and top 40 hits.
Tao Chicago
Photograph: Tao Chicago Facebook
Founded in New York City before expanding to Las Vegas and Chicago, Tao’s location in River North features a spacious, first-floor pan-Asian restaurant and a cutting-edge megaclub upstairs. Overseen by a towering 20-foot mural and a disco-ball-encrusted Japanese motif, there’s plenty of space for dancing or retreating to an alcove. An international lineup of DJs performs on Friday and Saturday nights, and it’s usually necessary to reserve a table to secure your spot—unless you’re willing to wait in line and pay a high cover charge.
Prysm
Photograph: PRYSM Facebook
Uncover Chicago’s premiere two-story megaclub, PRYSM. When it’s not hosting sets from EDM heavyweights like Borgore and Don Diablo, this Lincoln Park destination is known for late-night parties on Sunday and Monday nights that attract industry workers starting their “weekend” with hot beats and cool drinks. For an even more intimate experience, try to score a table at the second-floor No.9 champagne lounge, which often hosts celebrity after-hours parties and DJ sets. And here’s a pro tip: pregame at the Whole Foods bar right across the street before experiencing the magic of nightlife through Chicago’s PRYSM.
Electric Hotel
Check-in for an electrifying evening of Chicago’s phattest beats at the Electric Hotel. A former warehouse space that once housed an electrical supply company (hence the name), this River North space was transformed into a German-inspired nightclub. Hit the dance floor and bounce the night away. Snap photos of the ceiling bursting with disco balls or strike a pose with the Electric Hotel’s humming collection of neon signs. The Electric Hotel keeps the party (and bottle service) sparking until at least 3 am and 5 am on Saturday night’s fever.
Sound-Bar
With nine bars and four lounges across two floors, Soundbar on the River North draws inspiration from European clubs, inviting you to either dance on an expansive floor or find a cozy corner to sit down, order a drink, and catch your breath. An impressive lineup of local and international House and Techno DJs behind the decks, spinning the hottest EDM tracks into the wee morning hours. Most events are ticketed, making it simple to secure your spot and skip the line for entry.
Smartbar
Located in the basement of Wrigleyville rock club Metro, the cramped dance floor at Smartbar still pulses to the beat of Chicago’s house music legacy of the late, great “Godfather of House” Frankie Knuckles, ground-breaking DJ House Music pioneer and one of the club’s original residents. Whether you’re coming to sashay with drag performers at the Sunday night Queen dance party or check out sets from residents and of-the-moment touring DJs, this 400-capacity club is a reliable spot to get down during the weekend.
Disco
Live out your Saturday Night Fever dreams at Disco, the groovy throwback club above Celeste in River North. Outfitted with disco balls (duh), an illuminated dance floor, and plenty of mirrored surfaces to admire yourself in, this weekend party spot is the perfect place to show off fly vintage threads and share a bottle with some new friends. Disco’s music often gel with the club’s retro vibe, but there’s plenty of EDM, too. Good luck fitting into those old-school polyester slacks.
Spybar
About 300 people can pack into Spybar’s subterranean club beneath River North’s train tracks, making it one of the most intimate nightlife destinations in all of Chicago. A typical night at Spybar will usually feature local house DJs or cutting-edge producers from overseas—and it’s easy to secure a spot on the exclusive dance floor by purchasing a ticket in advance. Make sure to act fast when your favorite acts announce shows; limited capacity means limited tickets.
LITE Chicago
If you’re into a sparkler-topped bottle experience, hit LITE Chicago for a lively night out. At first glance, LITE might not stand out—it’s dimly lit, with loud music and a crowd willing to shell out a few hundred dollars for a bottle. However, for those ready to indulge, the venue offers luxurious options, including champagne, cognac, and even full bottles of Louis XIII, priced at $5,500. Are you into something more modest? A half-ounce shot of Louis XIII is available for $100.
