Are you ready for country music, the best BBQ in the world, a little eye candy, and a cold beverage? Look no further than the Windy City Smokeout, the nation’s premier outdoor country music and BBQ festival, and the only live country music festival within Chicago’s city limits.

A Staple of Summertime in Chicago

Making its 11th return to Chicago in 2024, the Windy City Smokeout has become a quintessential summer event in the city. This festival celebrates the best in country music, BBQ, and craft beer & drinks all weekend long. As a hospitality-led event from the team at Lettuce Entertain You, Windy City Smokeout takes pride in its carefully curated BBQ, food, and drink offerings.

BBQ and Culinary Delights

This year’s BBQ lineup is a feast for the senses, featuring 25 of the nation’s top pitmasters. Festival newcomers such as 2M Smokehouse BBQ, Dampf Good BBQ, and Jack Stack Barbecue will be showcasing their mouth-watering creations. Besides BBQ, the festival’s food and beverage vendors will include national and local favorites like Casamigos, Jim Beam, JoJo’s Shake BAR, Mamitas, and more!

Star-Studded Country Music Lineup

The Windy City Smokeout’s lineup of top country music talent has earned it national recognition. The festival received the Academy of Country Music’s “Festival of the Year” award in 2022 and is nominated for the same award in 2024. This year’s headliners include some of the biggest names in country music today, such as Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, and more!

Exclusive Merchandise and Bonus Events

Top clothing brand Aviator Nation is returning for the second year, offering an exclusive co-branded capsule collection for Windy City Smokeout available throughout the festival.

Bonus events throughout the weekend include:

Friday: The Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer, sponsored by Mamitas.

Sunday: Bottomless BBQ Brunch (sold out).

Festival Expansion and Growth

As Chicago’s only live country music festival, Windy City Smokeout has seen significant growth in the market, including record ticket sales and festival attendance in 2023. While the festival continues to expand, with the first-ever Lone Star Smokeout coming to Texas in May 2025, it remains committed to its Chicago roots and supporting local community vendors, restaurants, sponsors, and partners.

Get Your Tickets!

For more information and to purchase festival passes, visit Windy City Smokeout. Be sure to follow all the action on Instagram at @WindyCitySmokeout and TikTok at @windycitysmokeout.

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