[EVENT REVIEW] Island Party Hut and EDM Chicago Collab for an Electric "Party on the River"

This past Saturday, May 2, EDM Chicago teamed up with Island Party Hut to host Party on the River, a celebration marking the venue’s grand opening weekend on the Chicago Riverwalk.

The event was completely free, open to all-ages, and - to the delight of local pet owners - dog friendly!

Things kicked off a little chilly at 2PM, but the sunshine held strong, and the energy never dipped. Island Party Hut had saunas on-site, and attendees were gleefully pouring buckets of ice water on themselves.

Five sets of entirely local talent kept the energy moving from start to finish: Goldy, Taz, Glossy, Dani (RO), Lee Sandstrom b2b B-ILL.

These were hometown artists playing for their city, and it showed! From deep house to drum & bass to minimal tech, the range was a clear reminder of just how deep and diverse Chicago’s local scene really is.

Despite being a large open-air crowd, the atmosphere felt intimate throughout.

The event even doubled as a birthday celebration for one of EDM Chicago’s founders, complete with a surprise cake moment that brought everyone together.

As the sun stayed out and the music ramped up, the combination of music, movement, food, and drinks kept the crowd fully locked in.

Over 1,500 people showed up and stayed moving - a clear signal that the dance floor is alive and well, and Chicago is more than ready for the outdoor season.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Plift Beverages (@drinkplift)

And while the music drove the energy, the drink program was just as much a part of the experience.

Island Party Hut offered a well-rounded mix of beverages - from Bacardi cocktails to non-alcoholic options like Red Bull and Plift (a THC-infused beverage), which I found myself reaching for all day.

Whether people were drinking alcohol, choosing THC beverages, or skipping it altogether, there was something for everyone - a detail that didn’t go unnoticed, especially as more consumers look for alternatives to alcohol.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by EDM CHICAGO (@edmchicagoofficial)

This was EDM Chicago’s second collaboration with Island Party Hut (following a September event), and the momentum is only building from here, with plans already in motion for both summer and fall.

At its core, EDM Chicago is about bringing people together through a shared love of dance music, and events like this are exactly that in action: free, accessible, and rooted in community. With 1,500+ people turning out on a cool spring afternoon, Chicago showed up.

Follow @edmchicago to stay tuned for what’s next!

Upgrade your rave wardrobe with iEDM apparel and accessories. Check out our entire collection HERE!