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Windy City Smokeout: Your Ultimate Guide to Chicago’s Premier BBQ and Country Music Festival

6 minutes read

The Windy City Smokeout is a summertime staple in Chicago, blending the smoky allure of world-class barbecue with the twang of top-tier country music. Held annually outside the iconic United Center, this festival has grown from a local gathering into one of the nation’s premier outdoor events, drawing over 100,000 fans each year. As of March 19, 2025, with the 2025 edition set for July 10-13, the Windy City Smokeout promises another unforgettable weekend of food, music, and fun. Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado, a country music lover, or just looking for a vibrant Chicago experience, this guide dives deep into everything you need to know about the Windy City Smokeout—its history, events, lineup, tickets, and more. Let’s fire up the grills and get started!

Table of Contents

What Is the Windy City Smokeout?

The Windy City Smokeout is an annual festival that celebrates the best of country music, barbecue, and beer, hosted in Chicago’s Near West Side. Launched in 2013 by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises—a hospitality giant known for its innovative dining concepts—the event has become a cultural touchstone, earning a 2022 ACM “Festival of the Year” award and a 2024 nomination. It’s held in Parking Lot C of the United Center, transforming the asphalt into a lively hub of pitmaster stalls, music stages, and festive vibes.

The festival typically spans four days, Thursday through Sunday, in mid-July, offering a curated lineup of country artists, a roster of renowned BBQ pitmasters from across the U.S., and a variety of craft beers. Beyond the main attractions, it features special events like the “Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer” and a “BBQ Brunch,” making it a multi-sensory experience that’s uniquely Chicagoan yet steeped in Southern charm.

History of the Windy City Smokeout

The Windy City Smokeout debuted in July 2013 at a smaller venue near the Chicago River, spearheaded by Ed Warm and RJ Melman of Lettuce Entertain You. The idea was simple: combine Chicago’s love for food and music into a boutique festival that showcased BBQ and country tunes. That first year drew a modest crowd, but its success sparked rapid growth. By 2014, it moved to the United Center’s parking lot, a larger space that could accommodate its expanding ambitions.

Over the years, the festival has hosted legends like Willie Nelson (2018) and rising stars like Lainey Wilson (2023), cementing its reputation. Milestones include:

2018: Expanded to a four-day format, boosting attendance to 75,000.
2022: Won the ACM’s “Festival of the Year” award, beating out heavyweights like Stagecoach.
2023: Marked its 10th anniversary with a record 120,000 attendees over four days.

By 2024, it welcomed headliners like Carrie Underwood and Thomas Rhett, alongside pitmasters from Chicago’s Bub City to Texas’s 17th Street BBQ. The 2025 edition promises to uphold this legacy, with a lineup announced in January 2025 that’s already generating buzz.

Windy City Smokeout 2025: Dates and Location

The 12th annual Windy City Smokeout is scheduled for July 10-13, 2025, returning to its home outside the United Center at 1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612. Located in Parking Lot C, the venue offers ample space for stages, food stalls, and seating, with the Chicago skyline as a stunning backdrop. Its Near West Side setting is easily accessible via public transit (CTA Green/Pink Lines to Ashland or buses 19/20) or rideshares, though parking is limited—arrive early or opt for the CTA.

Gates typically open at 2:00 PM Thursday-Saturday and 1:00 PM Sunday, with music running until 10:00 PM nightly. Weather in mid-July Chicago averages 85°F, so expect heat—cooling stations and misters are standard festival features.

2025 Lineup and Performers

The Windy City Smokeout 2025 lineup, unveiled January 13, 2025, by Lettuce Entertain You, features a star-studded roster headlined by:

Thursday, July 10: Bailey Zimmerman, Koe Wetzel, Shane Smith & The Saints
Friday, July 11: Old Dominion, Dylan Gossett, Josh Meloy
Saturday, July 12: Kane Brown, Ella Langley, Sam Barber
Sunday, July 13: Jon Pardi, Charles Wesley Godwin, Lauren Watkins

Headliners take the main stage at 8:30 PM nightly, with additional acts like Bayker Blankenship, Angel White, and Maggie Antone filling out the schedule (per JamBase and Lettuce Entertain You). This mix of chart-toppers and rising stars reflects the festival’s knack for blending mainstream appeal with fresh talent, a formula honed by curator Ed Warm. Past lineups—like 2024’s Cody Johnson and Parker McCollum—set a high bar, and 2025 promises to deliver.

BBQ and Food at Windy City Smokeout

BBQ is the heart of the Windy City Smokeout, with pitmasters from across the country firing up smokers onsite. The 2025 pitmaster lineup is yet to be fully announced (check windycitysmokeout.com closer to July), but expect staples like:

Bub City (Chicago): Known for ribs and brisket.
Soul & Smoke (Chicago): Elevated BBQ with a local twist.
17th Street BBQ (Illinois): Award-winning pulled pork.
Peg Leg Porker (Tennessee): Smoky perfection from Carey Bringle.

In 2024, over 30 vendors served classics like burnt ends, smoked turkey, and mac ‘n’ cheese, with portions priced $5-$15. Vegetarian options (e.g., grilled veggies, cornbread) and sweets like peach cobbler round out the menu. The Sunday “BBQ Brunch” (11:30 AM-1:00 PM) features a Pitmaster Buffet with a Bacon Bar—bottomless and beloved.

Events and Activities

Beyond music and food, the Windy City Smokeout offers curated events:

Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer (Friday, July 11): Discounted drinks from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM, with craft beers from Goose Island and Miller Lite flowing.
BBQ Brunch (Sunday, July 13): A morning feast to cap the weekend.
BBQ Demos: Pitmasters share tips (times TBD).

The festival’s app (available on iOS/Android) provides real-time updates on schedules, weather, and exclusive perks like VIP meet-and-greets.

Tickets for Windy City Smokeout 2025

Tickets went on sale October 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM CST via windycitysmokeout.com. Options include:

4-Day General Admission (GA): $249.99 (early bird, prices rise closer to July).
Single-Day GA: $74.99-$99.99, depending on the day.
VIP: $599.99 (4-day), includes front-stage access, private bars, and shaded seating.
Cabanas/Soundstage: Group packages (inquire via the website) with premium views and catering.

Promo codes like “RAVEFAM” (Patch.com, February 2025) may offer discounts—check socials (@WindyCitySmokeout on Instagram/TikTok). Wristbands ship in June or can be picked up onsite. Resale via official partners is allowed, but beware third-party scalpers.

Why Attend Windy City Smokeout?

The Windy City Smokeout stands out for:

Unique Blend: BBQ and country music in an urban setting—Chicago’s twist on Southern hospitality.
Top Talent: From Kane Brown to Jon Pardi, it’s a who’s-who of country.
Foodie Heaven: Pitmasters bring authentic flavors you won’t find elsewhere.
Community Vibe: A boutique feel despite its size, per Choose Chicago.

Compared to Lollapalooza or Pitchfork, it’s more niche, offering a laid-back yet electric atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Visitors

What to Bring: Clear bags (per policy), sunscreen, cowboy boots, cash for food.
Prohibited: Outside food/drink, large bags, weapons (full list at windycitysmokeout.com).
Getting There: CTA bus 19 or Green Line to Ashland; rideshares drop off at Madison St.
Weather Prep: July heat means hydration—free water stations are plentiful.

Download the app for maps and alerts.

Conclusion

The Windy City Smokeout is Chicago’s crown jewel of summer festivals, marrying smoky BBQ with soulful country music in a way that’s both authentic and innovative. As of March 19, 2025, the 12th edition (July 10-13) promises another stellar lineup—Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, and more—alongside pitmaster magic outside the United Center. From its 2013 origins to its 2022 ACM win, this event has grown into a cultural juggernaut, drawing foodies and music fans alike. With tickets on sale, events like the BBQ Brunch, and a Texas spinoff on the horizon, the Windy City Smokeout is hotter than ever. Grab your wristband, pack your appetite, and join the party—Chicago’s smokiest weekend awaits!