Arriving on a Tuesday to River North

Question

Flying in solo and staying in the River North area. I was searching around for things to do and thought maybe hit up a music venue that has electric or techno music. All I'm seeing is Friday and Saturday venues. Any help finding something?

If all else fails I could just suck it up and go to Empty Bottle or something hope for a good show.

Answer

Welcome to Chicago! Staying in the River North area gives you access to some great nightlife, even if you’re visiting mid-week. While it’s true that the biggest electronic music shows tend to happen on weekends, there are still plenty of venues with events during the week, especially for genres like techno and house. Here are a few options for you to check out on a Tuesday night:

1) Smart Bar

Located in the Lincoln Park area (a short distance from River North), Smart Bar is a renowned spot for techno, house, and underground electronic music. They host events throughout the week, including Tuesdays, so it’s definitely worth checking their schedule. It’s a well-loved venue for fans of electronic music, and you’ll often find local or international DJs spinning late into the night.

2) The Dance Floor at Berlin Nightclub

Berlin is a classic Chicago venue, known for its diverse electronic music events. While they have bigger parties on weekends, their Tuesday nights often feature a mix of techno and electronic dance music (EDM). It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors, and their intimate space makes it easy to mingle and enjoy the music. Berlin is about a 10-minute drive from River North.

3) Subterranean

While Subterranean in the Wicker Park neighborhood is known for a variety of music styles, they do host electronic music events, including on weekdays. You might find some underground DJs or smaller events happening on Tuesday nights, which could be a cool alternative if you want to explore something a bit off the beaten path. It’s a bit further out, but not too far from the River North area.

4) The Underground

Located right in River North, The Underground is known for its mix of hip-hop, house, and electronic music. While most of their major events happen on weekends, you might find some cool events or guest DJs on Tuesdays, depending on the month. It's an easy and close option if you're looking for something spontaneous and energetic.

5) Empty Bottle (if you're feeling spontaneous!)

As you mentioned, Empty Bottle is a great go-to option, especially if you're down for more of an indie or experimental electronic vibe. While it may not be strictly "techno," the venue often hosts excellent live shows and dance nights, and you might discover something new. It's a classic venue in Chicago with a welcoming atmosphere.

6) The House Café

If you’re looking for more of a laid-back vibe with a great sound system and an intimate setting, The House Café in the Logan Square area is a solid choice. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but it frequently hosts electronic nights, especially on weekdays. It’s a good place to chill out and enjoy some quality techno or house music.

If none of these events work out, there are also a lot of bars and smaller venues in River North and the Loop that host casual dance nights with electronic music on their sound systems. You could check out places like The Aviary or Celeste, both of which have great atmospheres and might play some upbeat music on a Tuesday night.

Enjoy your stay in Chicago! There’s always something happening, even on a Tuesday, and you’re in the perfect location to explore the city’s nightlife scene!