Ahh, the afterparty. The embodiment of bad decisions. Partied all day? So? You’re wasted? Drink it off. Already saw your favorite DJ’s once today? FUCK IT DO IT AGAIN! After my epic experience at Snowball Music Festival with an afterparty or two every night, I’m starting to believe that afterparties are a necessary function of any proper music festival. And festivals seem to be getting the same idea, as many this year are sponsoring their own afterparties, ensuring that your favorite artists of the day make it to a local club or bar afterwards to deliver a more intimate and less memorable (you’re wasted, remember??) set. Being that we are officially a week away from the Spring Awakening Music Festival in Chicago, I wanted to do a brief rundown of what you can expect to do after the gates close and you’re not even close to being done…
The Official Spring Awakening Pre-Party ft. The Hood Internet, Willy Joy, Zebo
Friday, June 15th @ The Mid, Chicago
Chicago-based The Hood Internet have become practically a household name in the hip-hop and electronic scenes for their mashup mixtapes featuring songs from both genres masterfully mashed. Their live show is really where you can expect the most fun as I can personally attest to. [TICKETS + MORE INFO]
Hooters Yacht Party: Gabriel & Dresden
Saturday, June 16th @ Kanan Cruises, Navy Pier, Chicago
I don’t know if you’re having the same reaction as I did, but HELLO? Hooters Yacht Party? Three of the finest words in the English language! Here’s two more: OPEN BAR. While tickets come in at a steep $115, you’ll be able to drink to your heart’s content from 12-3 AM on the yacht with the 3 hour open bar while grooving out to the sounds of trancers/proggers Gabriel & Dresden. [TICKETS + MORE INFO]
SA After: Claude VonStroke
Saturday, June 16th @ Spybar, Chicago
For those of you not familiar with Mr. Vonstroke, or Powerstroke as my friends and myself refer to him as, he was raised amidst the Detroit techno scene that has flourished for so long and has remained an active player. The man behind Dirtybird Records is responsible for many of the greatest minimal and techno hits for the past several years and always puts on a hell of a show. Two years ago at Ultra, I left Deadmau5’s (lackluster) headlining set to join Vonstroke and about 30 other fans and I have never regretted it. [TICKETS + MORE INFO]
Other Saturday afterparties include Skrillex, Ferry Corsten, Morgan Page, Benny Benassi, Joachim Garraud & Designer Drugs and A-Trak & Dillon Francis. Pick your poison.
SA After: Afrojack, R3hab, Shermanology, Quintino
Sunday, June 17th @ The Mid, Chicago
Not sure how much I even have to say here. Hardcore house heads will no doubt find themselves at The Mid on Sundays. Aside from names like Avicii, David Guetta and SHM, these names are producing some of the biggest tracks in EDM right now. [TICKETS + MORE INFO]
SA After: DIPLO + Laidback Luke
Sunday, June 16th @ House of Blues, Chicago
Talk about two of my favorite DJ’s in one place. Not only can you expect both of these cats to bring some of the most interesting music available in the EDM scene these days, but their mixing skills are beyond exceptional. If I were you, I wouldn’t be anywhere else to close out what’s sure to be an amazing weekend. [TICKETS + MORE INFO]
If you want to explore your options more, head over the SA Official Afterparties page where you can check out all 11 official afterparties and get tickets and more information on times, venues and artists. See ya out there in a week!