Your Ultimate Guide to the 2026 Windy City Smokeout
Here's why this is our favorite weekend of summer
Ask any Chicagoan what the best weekend of the summer is—and chances are, they’ll say Windy City Smokeout. Why? Because there’s nothing else like it. Five days (for the first time ever). World-class BBQ. Ice-cold beer. And a country music lineup stacked with Grammy, CMA, and ACM Award winners. All set against the iconic backdrop of the United Center and the Chicago skyline.
From Wednesday, July 8 – Sunday, July 12, the city turns into a full-blown parking lot summer party. Whether you’re here to see your favorite artists live, discover new BBQ legends from across the country, or just soak up the sunshine with friends, Windy City Smokeout is the ultimate way to spend a summer weekend in Chicago. Consider this your official invite—and keep reading for the ultimate guide to all things Windy City Smokeout.
Purchase your Windy City Smokeout Wristbands!
FIVE DAYS OF NON-STOP COUNTRY MUSIC
Buckle up, y’all—the Windy City Smokeout music lineup is stacked! From award-winning superstars to the most talked-about up-and-comers, check out the schedule and make your plans now.
Wednesday: Treaty Oak Revival, Braxton Keith, Sterling Elza
Thursday: Darius Rucker & Hootie & The Blowfish, Scotty McCreery, Ghost Hounds, Noeline Hofmann, Karley Scott Collins
Friday: Lainey Wilson, Hudson Westbrook, Vincent Mason, Mackenzie Carpenter, Chandler Walters
Saturday: Jordan Davis, Russell Dickerson, Tyler Hubbard, Blake Whiten, ADHD, Alexis Wilkins
Sunday: Blake Shelton, Warren Zeiders, George Birge, Carter Faith, Tyler Nance
Check out the full music lineup and set times for Windy City Smokeout
THE BEST BBQ, ALL IN ONE PLACE
If BBQ is your love language, welcome to hog heaven. Reppin’ the best BBQ from every region, 20+ of the nation’s top pitmasters are serving it up in Chicago. We’re talking legendary Texas joints like Panther City BBQ, Hurtado Barbecue, and Smokeout first timers Terry Black’s Barbecue, southern all-stars like Little Miss BBQ, Wright’s Barbecue, Pappy’s Smokehouse, and hometown heroes like our very own Bub City and Green Street Smoked Meats.
Meat (see what we did there?) the BBQ teams for Windy City Smokeout
Pro tip: BBQ is NOT included with general admission wristbands—so come hungry and be ready to chow down!
DRINKS WORTH TOASTING TO
When the BBQ’s this good, you need drinks to match. Windy City Smokeout’s got you covered with a robust beverage program that’ll keep you cool all weekend long. A refreshing Surfside in the sun? Check. A smooth Flecha Azul margarita? You bet. Ice-cold Goose Island, Kona Big Wave or Busch Light? Always. And if you prefer a cocktail? Aviation Gin and Tito’s specialty drinks will also be available to sip throughout the weekend.
VIP & PLATINUM PERKS
Looking to do Smokeout like a boss? VIP and all-inclusive Platinum wristbands offer a weekend you won’t forget any time soon.
Platinum Perks: In addition to an elevated hospitality suite, shaded viewing areas, and all-inclusive food and drinks, Platinum guests can expect exclusive experiences and fun throughout the fest. Feast on daily live fire pitmaster experiences from award-winning guests Rasheed Philips (Philips Barbecue Co.), Bob Broskey (RPM Restaurants), M&M BBQ Company, and Stephen Gillanders (S.K.Y., Valhalla, Apolonia).
Windy City Smokeout also offers VIP Experience tickets. Join the VIP party and get access to an elevated deck with shaded seating and viewing areas, expedited festival entry, luxe air-conditioned bathrooms, and a private cash bar with premium drinks.
Purchase VIP or Platinum Wristbands to Windy City Smokeout!
SHOP ‘TIL YOU TWO-STEP
Looking for the perfect festival fit? Head over to Rodeo Drive, Windy City Smokeout’s on-site shopping experience.
- Alice & Wonder: Find your chicest festival look from this local favorite.
- Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, Uncommon James, & Linked Up Permanent Jewelry: Accessories to complete your look.
- Sole Rider Hat Bar and Sattler’s Hats: Perfect for shading yourself in style!
- The Walgreens Festival Survival Station will keep you looking and feeling good all weekend. Stop by to freshen up and recharge for the fun night ahead!
Pro Tip: Look out for exclusive giveaways and festival-only discounts throughout the weekend!
CAN’T MISS FESTIVAL EVENTS
New this year, level up your Windy City Smokeout experience with the Beyond The Pit culinary series presented by OpenTable. Multi-course meals from some of the best chefs in the country—all without leaving the festival grounds!
- Thursday, July 9: Dinner with James Beard Finalist Thai Dang (Crying Tiger)
- Friday, July 10: Dinner with James Beard Award Winner Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat)
- Saturday, July 11: Dinner with Pitmaster Evan LeRoy (LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue)
- Sunday, July 12: Dinner with Pitmaster Kareem El Ghayesh (KG BBQ)
Purchase tickets for the Beyond the Pit culinary series at Windy City Smokeout.
Need To Know: You need a festival ticket in order to attend these dinners hosted on the festival grounds. Select the “+ Festival Ticket” option when making your reservation if you don’t already have a festival ticket for that day.
FINAL FESTIVAL TIPS
- This is a CASHLESS event. Bring your credit/debit card or register your wristband for a seamless digital payment experience.
- Wintrust Cardholder Benefit: Wintrust Debit Card Holders will receive 10% off at select food and beverage stands throughout the festival.
- Off-Site Wristband Pickup: Pick up your wristband in advance at Bub City – River North on Monday, July 6, and Tuesday, July 7, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
- Download the Official Windy City Smokeout app for set times, maps, food menus, and real-time updates, available on the App Store or Google Play.
- Check out the festival FAQ for everything you need to know about entry, policies, and more.
