Chicago has long been a house music mecca. The genre emerged in the city’s underground club scene in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s and went on to become a global sensation. Today, house is still an integral part of Chicago’s music and nightlife scene.
One of Chicago’s most prominent DJs, Duane Powell has unique insight into the city’s house culture. Powell has performed with top industry names, spun at festivals across the country, and held residencies at many of the city’s most revered venues.
Explore house music in Chicago
“I’ve been involved with house culture since the mid-’80s,” says Powell. “Not only has it informed me musically, but culturally. I was going to every side of town, following the music, and encountering people from all walks of life along the way. I see a lot of unity in the community, I see a lot of embracing of all cultures.”
Born and raised in Chicago, Powell grew up immersed in the city’s soul music scene. He began working in the music industry and became deeply involved with the city’s club scene and the burgeoning genre that became known as house. Today, he’s nationally known as a house music historian and serves as a board member of the Frankie Knuckles Foundation.
Here are a few of Powell’s recommendations for must-visit landmarks and attractions for house music fans in Chicago.
Honor house music history at The Warehouse
If there’s one location in Chicago that’s synonymous with the origins of house, it’s The Warehouse.
The historic club, known for cutting-edge sound and a late-night dance floor, played a pivotal role in the early days of house music and firmly established the revolutionary genre in Chicago’s music landscape.
“The Warehouse is legendary because of its innovation, the way they were able to experiment musically,” says Powell. “They took elements of soul, funk, disco, jazz, gospel, and it all led to what became the genre of house music.”
The club’s impact can be traced to its resident DJ — Frankie Knuckles. Widely considered “the Godfather of house music,” Knuckles came to The Warehouse as a pioneering young DJ and would go on to become one of the genre’s most influential producers and artists.
The Warehouse was also a crucial haven for the city’s Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities. The space broke down barriers and attracted a diverse crowd that came together on the dance floor.
“It was born out of necessity. It was born out of the need for a safe space,” says Powell. “It was one of the first places for that community to really gather and feel like they had a home.”
The historic building that once housed The Warehouse at 206 S. Jefferson St. in the West Loop was designated a Chicago landmark in 2023. Nearby, house fans can almost stop by the site of The Bowery, another former club where Knuckles played, at 555 W. Adams.
Explore ground-breaking collections at Stony Island Arts Bank
Once an abandoned bank building, the Stony Island Arts Bank has been transformed into a vibrant platform for art, culture, and community. Located in the South Shore neighborhood, the Stony Island Arts Bank is home to a collection of fascinating exhibits and artifacts, with an emphasis on Black history.
That includes a crucial piece of house music history — Frankie Knuckles’ personal record collection. The wide-ranging selection includes nearly 5,000 vinyl records created by Knuckles and other artists. The result is a true treasure trove that tells the story of the early evolution of house music in Chicago.
The records are joined by another Stony Island Arts Bank holding, an archive of materials from the Johnson Publishing Company. This Chicago-based institution was famous for its iconic publications like Jet and Ebony. Just like house music, these magazines were an integral part of Black culture in Chicago.
“This is something to behold, to have a space that is housing two historic collections and for our community to have access to these and more,” he says. “It’s really historic.”
Music from Frankie Knuckle’s records can be heard regularly at the Stony Island Arts Bank and Powell often draws on the collection during his sets there.
Hear the future of house music at Chicago venues
There’s nothing like hearing house music in the city where it was born. Music fans visiting Chicago won’t want to miss the opportunity to experience our one-of–a-kind house scene, which can be found in venues across the city.
“There’s a rhythm around the dance floor, there’s a ceremony that’s happening that’s akin to church,” says Powell.
Here are a few of Powell’s top house music venues and other Chicago locations offering recurring house music events:
- Smart Bar: A staple of the city’s house music scene, this underground club features cutting-edge DJs from around the globe
- Family Den (Mondays): This long-time bar in Calumet Heights is known for attracting a talent-packed lineup of DJs for regular house nights.
- The Giant Penny Whistle (Thursdays): Check out weekly house music nights featuring up-and-coming DJs at this Pilsen bar.
- Room 43 (Thursdays and Sundays): In Bronzeville, this neighborhood favorite features an event space and hosts regular music nights.
- Masada Nightclub (Wednesdays and select Sundays): This Logan Square club offers plenty of opportunities to dance, including their intimate house music sessions.
In the summer, music lovers will find house playing on Chicago’s stunning South Side beaches every day of the week. Check out the Summer House Series for the full schedule.
Catch top house music events in Chicago
Chicago hosts a packed lineup of summer music festivals, including many dedicated to our homegrown house music.
These festivals and events are a can’t-miss opportunity to hear from emerging and established DJs in stunning outdoor settings. Mark your calendar for upcoming Chicago festivals and events honoring the past and present of house music.
Navy Pier Wave Wall Wax
May 24 – Aug. 30, 2025
This free summer series is held on Chicago’s scenic lakefront at iconic Navy Pier. Soak up the skyline views and summer energy during outdoor DJ sets every Saturday evening.
The Attic Picnic
June 28, 2025
This free, family-friendly fest will be held at Calumet Beach Park along Chicago’s stunning waterfront. Enjoy a full lineup of DJs plus all-ages activities like bounce houses, raffles, face painting, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, tents, and grills for a fun cookout atmosphere.
Chosen Few Picnic & Festival
July 12, 2025
This epic Chicago event is the world’s longest-running event dedicated to house music. First started in 1990, the festival attracts thousands of house fans to Jackson Park each summer for an all-day event featuring the famous Chosen Few DJs.
“Chosen Few started out as a picnic. It was just a gathering of friends that turned into a festival, but it still feels like a big picnic,” says Powell. “There’s a lot of family things, it feels like a big South Side reunion.”
Chicago House Music Festival & Conference
Aug. 22 – 23, 2025
Each summer, the Chicago House Music Festival brings an incredible lineup of local and international talent, along with house music fans from across the country, to Chicago for an unforgettable dance party in downtown Millennium Park.
“I appreciate the way they spread the love to include house culture from every part of town,” says Powell. “There are different stages for the different styles of house, and they try to represent it all.”
The weekend also includes a conference featuring panels with house music icons and experts at the Chicago Cultural Center.
While Chicago’s musical legacy is always evolving and innovating, house music continues to play a vital role in today’s music and nightlife scene. House fans will find everything from historic landmarks to modern DJs pushing the genre to new heights. It’s the type of music culture that could only be found in Chicago.
“No other city has birthed so many genres of music — we’re the home of modern blues, gospel, and house. We have such a large stake in jazz,” says Powell. ‘There are so many artistic legends and so much music history here.”
Learn more about Chicago’s house music legacy.
