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Windy City Smokeout

Smoke, Sound, and Five Days of Country: Windy City Smokeout Unveils Full 2026 Lineup

By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine

Chicago’s United Center is preparing for its biggest “parking lot party” yet. Windy City Smokeout, the two-time ACM “Festival of the Year,” has officially pulled back the curtain on its full 2026 roster. For the first time in its 13-year history, the premier BBQ and country music festival is expanding to a fifth night, bringing five days of world-class pitmasters and electric performances to the heart of the city from July 8–12, 2026.

The Headliners: A Five-Night Powerhouse

The 2026 lineup is a masterclass in genre-blending, featuring a mix of modern superstars, red-dirt legends, and 90s crossover royalty.

  • Wednesday, July 8: The debut kickoff night features Treaty Oak Revival, supported by Braxton Keith and Sterling Elza.

  • Thursday, July 9: Nostalgia meets the present with Hootie & The Blowfish.

  • Friday, July 10: Reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson takes the stage.

  • Saturday, July 11: Hitmaker Jordan Davis headlines the weekend’s peak.

  • Sunday, July 12: The festival closes with a bang courtesy of the iconic Blake Shelton.

Newly Announced Artists

Joining the heavy-hitting headliners are more than 15 newly added artists, ranging from platinum-selling favorites to “ones to watch.”

Artist Claim to Fame Highlights
Russell Dickerson 3x Platinum Artist Surging with his crossover smash “Happen to Me.”
Scotty McCreery Multi-Platinum Star Will perform #1 hit “Bottle Rockets” with Hootie & The Blowfish.
Warren Zeiders 2024 CMT Award Winner Taking the stage with his signature gravelly, high-energy sound.
Hudson Westbrook 2025 Artist to Watch Spotify’s breakout pick for the upcoming season.
Carter Faith Next Women of Country One of CMT’s most buzzed-about rising songwriters.

More Than Music: BBQ & Signature Events

While the music brings the noise, the BBQ brings the flavor. Over 20 of the nation’s top pitmaster teams will be descending on Chicago, with a full roster to be announced soon.

Don’t Miss These Signature Experiences:

  • The Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer: Kick off the weekend on Friday, July 10, with drink specials and early-bird energy.

  • Bottomless BBQ Brunch: Presented by OpenTable on Sunday, July 12. This fan-favorite event features a Bacon Bar, a massive Pitmaster Buffet, and unlimited mimosas and Bloody Marys. (Note: Separate ticket and festival pass required).

Ticket Information & Pricing

Wristbands are available now at www.windycitysmokeout.com.

  • 4-Day General Admission: $299

  • 4-Day GA + BBQ Brunch: $321

  • Wednesday General Admission: $69

  • Wednesday VIP Admission: $165

Looking Ahead: Lone Star Smokeout

If you can’t wait until July, the Smokeout brand is heading south first. Lone Star Smokeout returns to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, from April 24–26, 2026. That expansion festival features a massive Texas-sized lineup including Riley Green, Koe Wetzel, and Shaboozey.

Whether you’re there for the brisket or the ballads, Windy City Smokeout 2026 is shaping up to be the definitive event of the Chicago summer.

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