Viva Acid, Chicago’s landmark House music initiative, returns October 2–5 for its fifth annual summit, amplifying the city’s pivotal role in shaping electronic music worldwide. The four-day summit combines free panels, workshops, in-store vinyl DJ sets, and daytime pop-ups, with ticketed nightclub performances, spotlighting both underground and seminal Chicago artists while fostering community and intergenerational exchange.

The summit’s conversations go beyond a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies, challenges, and stories that have defined Chicago House. Designed to catalyze participants’ engagement with their own communities and careers, the programming blends practical resources with lived experience and actionable insights. Panels feature a high caliber of voices—from renowned Chicago artists such as Dani Deahl, DJ Hyperactive, and Gene Farris to respected industry professionals like Dr Shannon Switzer (Sensaphonics) and Loren Wells (Columbia College Chicago)—offering perspectives that span finance, creative resilience, cultural preservation, and mentorship. The closing session is especially unique: an audience-driven forum where attendees present their career plans and ideas for direct feedback from experts, including Vince Lawrence, DJ Heather, and Jessica Fortune Fenner, ensuring participants leave Viva Acid not only inspired but equipped with concrete next steps.

Headliners include Josh Wink, Photek, 313 Acid Queen, DJ Slugo, Byron The Aquarius, Oliver Dollar, Rimarkable, and DJ Heather, alongside live performances and DJ sets, as well as a premiere screening of the Children of Acid film.

In addition to the panels and performances, the Chicago Electronic Music Conference (CEMC) hosts daytime in-store vinyl DJ sets at Gramaphone Records, while FEMME HOUSE curates a series of hands-on workshops designed for music creators of all experience levels. Anchored by an interactive gear playground presented by Ableton, the experience is deepened through intimate, artist-led conversations that celebrate and carry forward Chicago’s House music legacy.

Event Highlights:

Thursday, October 2 – Foundation

• Gramaphone Records in-store DJ sets: Hopscotch, Acid Daddy, Sassmouth (3–6 PM)
• Evening panels on financial literacy, digital visibility, and creative resilience: Securing Your Business: Money Talks; Maximizing Reach, Protecting Legacy; Fueling Creativity: Power & Resilience (5–9 PM)
• Workshop: FEMME HOUSE Presents: Fierce + Fearless – Branding Yourself The House Music Way (8–9 PM)
• Nightclub Event: Viva Acid – Podlasie Club, 21+, featuring the premiere screening of the Children of Acid film, 313 Acid Queen (Live) aka Rebecca Goldberg, and Steve Noah (8 PM–2 AM)

Friday, October 3 – Community Building

• Gramaphone Records in-store DJ sets: Cinna, Ilana Ariella, Mo Mami (3–6 PM)
• Panels: Claiming Space, Shaping Culture; Thriving Through Opposition: The Trans Experience; Building Networks, Elevating Communities (5–9 PM)
• Workshop: FEMME HOUSE Presents: Four on the Floor – The Rhythmic Fundamentals of House Music (8–9 PM)
• Nightclub Event: A Party Called Tribe x Viva Acid – Avondale Music Hall, 18+, featuring Byron The Aquarius, Rimarkable, Oliver Dollar, and A Party Called Tribe  (8 PM–2 AM)

Saturday, October 4 – Implementation

• Gramaphone Records in-store DJ sets: Double Dipp, Jordan Fields, Toyacoyah (3–6 PM)
• Panels: Forging the Future: Chicago’s Music Ecosystem; Passing the Torch: Knowledge Is Power; Your Turn Now: Igniting Your Success (2–6 PM)
• Ableton Playground: FEMME HOUSE Presents: Push and Move (2–6 PM)
• Workshop:  FEMME HOUSE Presents: Collaboration and Ableton (3:30-4:30 PM)
• Nightclub Event: VBNTS x Viva Acid – Avondale Music Hall, 18+, featuring Josh Wink, Photek, DJ Heather, and DJ Slugo  (8 PM–3 AM)

Sunday, October 5 – Closing Event

• Daytime Event: House Calls x Viva Acid – Underground Venue TBA, 21+, featuring Juliet Mendoza, Andrew Emil, Dylan Gold, and Miss B Haven (2–8 PM)

Viva Acid 2025 promises an unmissable celebration of the Chicago House Music community, connecting multiple generations of artists, industry professionals, and audiences through music, dialogue, and immersive experiences that honor the city’s enduring influence on global electronic culture.

Tickets for Viva Acid 2025 are available now at www.vivaacid.com