CHICAGO – The heart of the Midwest is poised to become a nexus of sound and smoke as the 12th annual Windy City Smokeout festival prepares to launch in Chicago. Recognized as a premier destination for fans of both country music and authentic barbecue, this highly anticipated four-day outdoor event will transform the grounds outside the iconic United Center into a bustling hub of entertainment and culinary exploration. Scheduled to commence on Thursday, July 10, 2025, the festival is set to run through Sunday, July 13, promising an immersive experience that celebrates two distinctly American cultural traditions. As a cornerstone of Chicago’s vibrant summer events calendar, the Windy City Smokeout annually attracts thousands, drawn by its curated blend of top-tier performances and mouth-watering smoked meats.
The Musical Bill
Music enthusiasts can anticipate an electrifying and diverse lineup spread across the festival’s multiple stages over the four days. The programming is designed to cater to a wide range of tastes within the country music spectrum, featuring a mix of chart-topping headliners and burgeoning artists. The festival kicks off on Thursday, July 10, with a strong opening led by headliners Bailey Zimmerman and Koe Wetzel, artists known for their energetic performances that resonate with contemporary audiences. Friday, July 11, brings the sophisticated harmonies of the award-winning group Old Dominion, sharing the headlining spot with the compelling singer-songwriter Dylan Gossett. The weekend crescendo begins on Saturday, July 12, featuring major draws Kane Brown, a crossover superstar, alongside the critically acclaimed Megan Moroney. The grand finale on Sunday, July 13, will feature sets from the traditional country stylings of Jon Pardi and the undeniable charisma of Riley Green, ensuring the festival concludes on a high note.
Beyond the marquee headliners, the Windy City Smokeout 2025 boasts an extensive list of additional performers who will grace the stages throughout the event. The comprehensive roster includes talents such as Shane Smither and the Saints, Angel White, Bayker Blankenship, DJ Sommer ray, Jamie Belushi, Josh Meloy, Lauren Watkins, Maggie Antone, Charles Wesley Godwin, Austin Snell, Kashus Culpepper, Ella Langley, Sam Barber, Josh Ross, and the Back Country Boys. This deep lineup guarantees continuous live music from afternoon through evening, providing festival-goers ample opportunity to discover new favorites and enjoy a broad spectrum of country sounds, from heartfelt ballads to upbeat anthems, performed against the backdrop of the Chicago skyline.
A Barbecue Bonanza
Equally central to the Windy City Smokeout’s identity is its unparalleled focus on barbecue. The festival serves as a pilgrimage site for pitmasters and BBQ aficionados alike, presenting a curated selection of vendors representing various regional styles. The air outside the United Center will be thick with the irresistible aromas of slow-smoked meats, promising a sensory feast. Attendees will have the chance to embark on a culinary journey, sampling expertly prepared dishes from renowned establishments. Representing the vibrant and evolving Chicago barbecue scene are local pillars such as Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Soul & Smoke, Green Street Smoked Meats, and Bub City. These vendors showcase the city’s unique contributions to the BBQ landscape, often incorporating diverse influences.
Adding a crucial national dimension to the culinary experience, the festival welcomes acclaimed pitmasters from across the United States. Featured vendors include Hertiage Barvecue from California, offering their distinct West Coast approach to smoking; Meat Mitch Barbecue from Kansas, embodying the classic flavors of Kansas City’s famed burnt ends and ribs; and Little Miss BBQ from Arizona, presenting their critically acclaimed takes on Central Texas-style barbecue. This impressive gathering of culinary talent underscores the festival’s commitment to delivering an authentic and diverse barbecue experience, allowing patrons to savor different techniques, rubs, and sauces, all slow-cooked to perfection. The opportunity to taste creations from these nationally recognized vendors alongside local favorites is a significant draw for the event.
Planning Your Visit
Entry to the Windy City Smokeout necessitates possession of a valid wristband, which functions as the official pass for the duration purchased. Prospective attendees have several ticketing tiers to consider, designed to accommodate varying interests and budgets. Single-day general admission wristbands are available, providing entry for one specific day of the festival, priced starting at $99. For those planning to immerse themselves in the full four-day experience, 4-day passes are offered, starting at $495. Additionally, VIP access tickets are available for purchase, promising enhanced viewing areas, exclusive amenities, and potentially faster entry, catering to those seeking a premium festival experience.
The festival maintains a family-friendly policy regarding younger attendees: children under 10 receive free entry when accompanied by a ticketed adult wristband holder. This ensures the event remains accessible and enjoyable for families wishing to share the experience of live music and great food together.
The daily schedule for the festival varies slightly between weekdays and the weekend. On Thursday, July 10, and Friday, July 11, the gates will be open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13, the festival hours are from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly, allowing for an earlier start on the weekend. All music and food service concludes by 10 p.m. The location outside the United Center offers a spacious and convenient setting for the numerous stages, vendor tents, and activity areas, providing an expansive outdoor environment well-suited for a large-scale festival of this kind. Attendees are strongly encouraged to consult the official Windy City Smokeout website for the most up-to-date information on schedules, maps, transportation options, and allowed/prohibited items to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
As Thursday, July 10, 2025, approaches, the anticipation builds for the opening of the 12th annual Windy City Smokeout. This event has firmly established itself as a must-attend summer gathering in Chicago, successfully blending the infectious energy of live country music with the rich, savory traditions of American barbecue. Located just outside the United Center, the four-day festival is set to deliver an unforgettable experience featuring a stellar lineup of artists and an unparalleled selection of culinary delights. It stands as a testament to Chicago’s capacity to host world-class events that celebrate diverse cultural passions.
