Your Ultimate Guide to the 2025 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. Four days. 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 Thursday, July 10 – Sunday, July 13, the city turns into a full-blown Southern 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 your ultimate guide to all things Windy City Smokeout.

Purchase your Windy City Smokeout Wristbands today for Thursday and Friday!

FOUR 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.

Thursday: Bailey Zimmerman, DJ Sommer Ray, Koe Wetzel, Shane Smith & The Saints, Bayker Blankenship, Angel White
Friday: Old Dominion, Dylan Gossett, Josh Meloy, Lauren Watkins, Maggie Antone
Saturday: Kane Brown, Megan Moroney, Charles Wesley Godwin, Austin Snell, Kashus Culpepper
Sunday: Jon Pardi, Riley Green, Ella Langley, Sam Barber, Josh Ross

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 Salt Lick BBQ, 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 Aperol Spritz? Check. A smooth Flecha Azul margarita? You bet. Ice-cold Goose Island, Shiner or Busch Light? Always. Bourbon lovers, don’t miss a smooth pour of Jim Beam. And if you prefer a cocktail? Aviation Gin and Tito’s specialty drinks will also be available to sip throughout the weekend.

SHOP ‘TIL YOU TWO-STEP

Looking for the perfect festival fit? Head over to Rodeo Drive, Windy City Smokeout’s on-site shopping experience.

Aviator Nation & Alice & Wonder: Limited-edition co-branded merch and vintage-style apparel perfect for festival season.
Tecovas: Exclusive boot fittings and leather branding, plus giveaways!
Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, Uncommon James, & Linked Up Permanent Jewelry: Accessories to complete your look.
HairValier: Quick braid and beauty touch-ups to keep you camera-ready.

Pro Tip: Look out for exclusive giveaways and festival-only discounts throughout the weekend!

CAN’T MISS FESTIVAL EVENTS

From Happy Hours to Sunday Brunch, here are some of the weekend’s must-attend events:

Thursday, July 10: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: The Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer (Presented by Mamitas): Kick off your festival the right way with $8 Mamitas, plus tax, and get the party started early.

Friday, July 11: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: The Ultimate Summer Friday (Presented by Busch Light): How to make your Summer Friday better? At Smokeout with $7 Busch Lights, plus tax, while celebrating the start to your official weekend.

Sunday, July 13: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: BBQ Brunch (Presented by the Illinois Pork Producers Association): What’s better than a BBQ Sunday brunch, featuring dishes from Smokeout pitmasters, free-flowing Mimosas, build-your-own Bloody Marys, ice-cold Dunkin’ coffee and live acoustic music.

Pro Tip: All events (except Sunday BBQ Brunch) are included with your GA wristband! Secure your spot now and don’t miss out on the fun.

NEW FOR 2025: THE 21+ AREA

Looking for a grown-up getaway within the festival? Brand new for 2025, the 21+ Area is your oasis for cocktails, comfort, and curated experiences. Designed exclusively for guests 21 and over, this space delivers a premium atmosphere without the VIP price tag. Whether you’re starting your night or sneaking away for a mid-day recharge, the 21+ Area is your go-to for a more refined festival experience.

What to Expect:

Perlick Airstream Bar – Premium drinks served out of a Perlick airstream, including Tito’s Dirty Martinis, Aviation Hugo Spritzes, Beam Old Fashioned and more!
Butch McGuire’s – The classic Chicago establishment makes its Smokeout debut with Espresso Martinis, Irish Coffee, and signature shots.
Hawley Custom Hat Bar – Custom hat bar where guests can build and personalize their own trucker hats with curated accessories.

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 Cardholders will receive express entry through the VIP lanes throughout the festival weekend. Just show your digital payment or physical card for entry!
Off-Site Wristband Pickup – Pick up your wristband in advance at Bub City River North on Tuesday, July 8 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 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.