Find your people: These collectives are at the forefront of Chicago's music scene

Chicago’s music scene has been fueled by underground legends for decades—including house, which originated in iconic West Loop club Warehouse before spreading across the globe. The city’s musical landscape encourages people to find themselves, a movement driven by creatives, artists and visionaries who are reshaping what it means to gather, celebrate and connect. These party collectives aren’t just about the music, they're about community. So if you’re searching for a group of like-minded individuals to vibe with, check out one of the following Chicago collectives.

House Calls

House Calls, the Chicago-based party collective founded by Drew Conner and Abby Lagunov, is redefining the city’s nightlife with bi-weekly house music events at ever-changing venues.

Sorry Papi

With an all-women lineup of DJs and a strict no-men entry policy, Sorry Papi is a space designed entirely for female joy, empowerment and connection. The collective serves up a mix of reggaeton, Latin pop, hip hop and throwback anthems, curated by an all-female lineup of DJs who know how to keep the crowd moving.

Redline Chicago

Redline Chicago is the city’s most enigmatic underground party collective, throwing high-energy, off-the-grid raves in unexpected places. With a cult-like following and a pulse on the DIY dance scene, it blurs the lines between rebellion and revelry.

Slo 'Mo

Slo ‘Mo is Chicago’s party for lovers, uniting the LGBTQ+ family with joy-generating events since 2011. From club nights to concerts to comedy, Slo ‘Mo aims to create spaces that are affirming, intergenerational and uplifting local queer creatives and community.

Global Currency

Global Currency is the Chicago-born, party brainchild of DJ IGGY and DJ Mochi. A celebration of global rhythms that pulse with the energy of the African, Latin and Caribbean diasporas, it's a sonic journey that brings the freshest underground sounds to the forefront.

Lee Collective

Lee Collective is a Chicago-based organization that curates immersive cultural events, blending Asian traditions with the city's vibrant arts scene. Through these initiatives, the collective fosters genuine experiences and unique moments that resonate with creative collaborators and the broader community.

Sounds of Chicago

This newly formed collective merges some of Chicago’s most dynamic party crews, creating a powerhouse of sound and culture. Each contributing collective is influential in its own right, deserving individual recognition on this list. Curated by Christopher “Sigma Chris” Davis, DJ Kid Clay and Francesa Eva, Sounds of Chicago has already made an impact, hosting events featuring Babes Only, Slow Jams and Silk—and is only just beginning to grow its legacy.

Collectives at The Giant Penny Whistle

There are a handful of venues that partner and work alongside collectives. Pilsen’s The Giant Penny Whistle highlights some of the best Chicago has to offer, including Silk, Tribe and Midnight Hibiscus, for great nights of music. Midnight Hibiscus, a Latin music social created by Lester Ray that’s held bi-monthly, features rotating talents and performances. It often hosts live house bands and salsa lessons as well.

Mictlān Productions

Founded by DJ Flores Negras, this collective transforms Chicago’s underground into a sanctuary where cumbia, techno and ancestral rhythms flow together freely. The radical party isn’t just about throwing raves, it’s a spiritual reclamation.

Fresa

Latine-focused party collectives are redefining Chicago's nightlife, bringing fresh energy, culture and community to the scene. Fresa is one of the groups leading the charge. The group creates inclusive spaces celebrating Latine music, art and identity while amplifying underrepresented voices. The nights are often filled with dances like cumbia and salsa.

Boots

Boots is a no-frills, high-impact queer dance party where techno, sweat and liberation collide in the dark. It’s the kind of night where the bass is relentless, the crowd is fearless and the only rule is to let go.

Lé Bump

Lé Bump brings together some of the best talents in music to Chicago. Sign up for its Have a Good Week newsletter to find the best of what’s happening right now, including chats with artists around the country.

Party Noire

Party Noire is a celebration of Black joy and liberation, creating space for femmes, queer folks and allies to move, connect and be free. Established in 2015 by founders Nick Alder and Rae Chardonnay, the collective’s parties unite, affirm and uplift the Black community—no matter your orientation.