Every DJ in Chicago has an opinion about what should be in the crate.
Nobody actually does anything about it.
That changes June 23rd.
What’s Actually Happening
This is a live Chicago DJ crate build at Cloud Gate – Millennium Park – in public, in real time.
Not a playlist share. Not a panel.
A decision process.
Real DJs arguing about real records in front of a real crowd. The songs that make the cut go into the Chicago crate.
The ones that don’t get cut, get cut.
Short answer: It’s a free community event where working Chicago DJs vote on what belongs in the city’s music crate – and win free DJ tools for showing up.
Why This Is Different
You’ve been at a wedding and watched a DJ play the wrong room. You’ve been in a club and heard someone pull a song that killed the floor.
You had the right record. Nobody asked you.
Most DJs argue in DMs. They complain after the gig.
They never actually shape the culture they say they care about.
A live crate build is different because the stakes are visible. Every vote is a real decision.
Every cut matters. There’s no algorithm deciding what goes in.
There’s no committee meeting next month.
It’s happening live. You’re either there or you’re not.
Who This Is For
Working DJs in Chicago. Wedding DJs.
Club DJs. Mobile DJs.
If you play real floors in this city and you have an opinion about music selection – this is your room.
You don’t need to be famous. You need to show up.
The prizes go to the DJs who participate. Not the ones who watch from a distance and say they would’ve picked differently.
How to Join
Two options.
In person: June 23rd at The Bean, Millennium Park, Chicago. Free.
No ticket required. Register at CrateHackathon.com.
Remote: Watch and vote live on Twitch at twitch.tv/thecratehackers. Same night.
Same decisions. You still get a say.
Start time: 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET.
What You Leave With
A say in the Chicago crate. Free DJ tools.
And proof that you actually did something instead of just having opinions about it.
Bottom line: If you’ve ever watched someone play the wrong record in your city and thought you could do better – here’s your shot. Register at CrateHackathon.com.