July 8 – 12, 2026
United Center parking lot
Country music, barbecue, and craft beer — it’s hard to think of a better way to spend a summer weekend in Chicago.
Windy City Smokeout 2026
Windy City Smokeout combines all those things into one legendary Chicago weekend. The outdoor fest takes place in the shadow of the iconic United Center, with an impressive lineup of country superstars and up-and-coming talent.
This year marks the first time the festival will include five days of live music, featuring 20+ country artists like Blake Shelton, Jordan David, Lainey Wilson, and more.
Get your Windy City Smokeout tickets
Windy City Smokeout 2026 lineup
The Windy City Smokeout festival lineup features some of the biggest names in the industry, from long-time legends to hot new artists. The 2026 Windy City Smokeout headliners include:
Wednesday, July 8
- Treaty Oak Revival
- Braxton Keith
- Sterling Ezra
Thursday, July 9
- Hootie & The Blowfish
- Scotty McCreery
- Ghost Hounds
- Noeline Hofmann
- Karley Scott Collins
Friday, July 10
- Lainey Wilson
- Hudson Westbrook
- Vincent Mason
- Mackenzie Carpenter
- Chandler Walters
Saturday, July 11
- Jordan Davis
- Russel Dickerson
- Tyler Hubbard
- Blake Whiten
- ADHD
Sunday, July 12
- Blake Shelton
- Warren Zeiders
- George Birge
- Carter Faith
- Tyler Nance
Windy City Smokeout food and drink
It’s all about the beer and the barbecue at Windy City Smokeout. Along with today’s hottest country acts, the lineup also includes some of the world’s best pitmasters.
Barbecue pros from all over the country will be serving up ribs, brisket, smoked meats and more, highlighting styles from Kentucky, Nashville, Missouri, and Chicago. Check out some of the local pitmasters who have showcased their talents at the festival:
- Bub City
- Chef Art Smith’s Reunion
- Green Street Smoked Meats
- Lexington Betty Smokehouse
- Smoque BBQ
- Soul & Smoke
Plus, barbecue lovers won’t want to miss the fan-favorite bottomless BBQ brunch on Sunday morning with mimosas, bloody marys, and an endless pitmaster-created buffet.
Throughout the festival, pair your choice of meat and sides with a cold beer from top American breweries, including Chicago’s own Goose Island.
Windy City Smokeout tickets
This year, choose from a variety of wristband options that give you access to multiple days of live music, craft beer vendors, and delicious barbecue from across the country, plus more perks and exclusive VIP experiences.
- General admission: access to all performances Thursday through Sunday, plus beer and barbecue vendors
- VIP experience: access to an elevated viewing deck, shaded seating, expedited entry, air-conditioned restrooms, and private bar areas
- Platinum experience: access to elevated hospitality suite, all-inclusive food and drink, stage pit privileges, reserved parking, on-site concierge, and more
- Wednesday admission: exclusive Wednesday night performances and early access to select food and beverage vendors
Kids under age 10 are free with a ticketed adult, so bring the whole family!
Tickets for Windy City Smokeout 2026 are now on sale! Get your Windy City Smokeout tickets today.
