Music Frozen Dancing returns February 21, 2026! 

Our epic, frigid little festival is back with a vengeance, right outside the Bottle on Cortez from 1pm until darkness falls. Brought to you by Empty Bottle Presents & Goose Island Beer Company. A glimmer of warmth during the doldrums of wintertime. Let’s have some fun, huh? 

An incredibly badass lineup has manifested this year—

We’re pleased to welcome… LOS THUTHANAKA- the near-mythical sibling duo churning out incredibly hypnotic, blown-out dance noise, sure to heat y’all up out there. LIP CRITIC- the maximally juxtaposed electronic, hardcore punk, post-modern genreless New York outfit graces the stage. GOOD FLYING BIRDS- jangly, scrappy guitar-pop for the ages, our pals and neighbors from Indianapolis. SNUFFED- bludgeoning, Chicago hardcore to get the heart rate up. Last but certainly not least BODY SHOP- the on-the-rise post-punk, new wave craze hitting the streets and our hearts. Holy hell.

If you need a reprieve from the cold, we’ll have DJs DECODER and TRAKQWN inside the Bottle bringing that heat. Bar’s open. Holy hell. 

As always, the block party is free to attend. This year we’ll be raising money on behalf of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights with a portion of the proceeds used to keep Music Frozen Dancing alive and well and free to the public. 

Today we’re also launching a pre-order for the beloved ‘Dibs’ Longsleeve that sold out very quickly last year. Head to the link in bio to reserve your shirt. *FOR PICKUP ONLY*, we’re not shipping these at this time!

A huge thank you to Goose Island, Baileys and Mr. Black for partnering with us on this historic occasion. RSVP at the link in bio for a chance to take home a commemorative Music Frozen Dancing Dibs Chair. The time is now. We’ll see you soon!!

Defying winter since 2014, Music Frozen Dancing wouldn't be possible without thousands of restless Chicagoans, a handful of incredible bands, forgiving neighbors, and countless crew members each year. Endless thanks to Goose Island Beer Co for taking a "Wouldn't it be funny..." this far and to everyone who complained the years it's been too warm. We love you, catch you back outside Empty Bottle on Feb 21st.

MERCH

  • Saucer Sled .

    Fly down the slopes in style.

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  • Salute to Winter Puzzle.

    This is a puzzle.

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  • Past MFD Posters.

    Great for people that like art.

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  • MFD HOODIE

    MFD HOODIE

    Warm and fashionable.

    BUY

BLAST FROM THE PAST; MFD’S OF YORE

This year we’ll be raising money on behalf of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights with a portion of the proceeds used to keep Music Frozen Dancing alive and well and free to the public. 

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