Get ready, BBQ Nation, because July is bringing one of the hottest tickets in the country: the Windy City Smokeout! From July 10th to 13th, 2025, Chicago's iconic United Center parking lot transforms into the ultimate outdoor country music and BBQ festival. This isn't just a competition; it's a four-day celebration of the best pitmasters and country artists, all wrapped up in one incredible experience.
If you thought you had to choose between a killer concert and finger-licking BBQ, think again. The Windy City Smokeout delivers both in spades!
The 'Cue: A Pitmaster Paradise
Prepare your taste buds for an epic journey. The Smokeout brings together over 20 of the world's best pitmasters from across the country, offering a diverse array of BBQ styles. You'll find everything from classic Texas brisket to Memphis ribs, Kansas City burnt ends, and innovative regional spins. Past participants have included celebrated names like Joe's KC BBQ, Little Miss BBQ, Pappy's Smokehouse, Smoque BBQ, and many more, often with two signature dishes per pitmaster for you to sample (food is purchased separately from admission, so come hungry and bring your wallet!).
This is your chance to try award-winning 'cue from different corners of the nation, all in one convenient location. It's a true pilgrimage for any serious BBQ enthusiast.
The Tunes: A Country Music Extravaganza
Beyond the smoke, the Windy City Smokeout boasts a star-studded lineup of country music's biggest names and hottest rising talents. With multiple headliners each day and continuous performances across various stages, the festival is a non-stop party.
For 2025, you can expect an incredible roster including headliners like Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Bailey Zimmerman, and Megan Moroney, alongside a full schedule of other fantastic artists like Dylan Gossett, Riley Green, Charles Wesley Godwin, and many more. The festival often earns accolades like the ACM "Festival of the Year," proving its caliber in both food and music.
More Than Just Meat and Music: The Full Experience
The Windy City Smokeout offers a complete festival experience:
- Curated Events: Look out for special ticketed events like the "Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer" and the famous "Sunday BBQ Brunch," which often includes bottomless mimosas, a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, and exclusive dishes from participating pitmasters.
- Craft Beer & Drinks: Multiple cashless bars will be conveniently located throughout the festival grounds, offering a wide selection of craft beers from top American breweries (including Chicago's own Goose Island) and other beverages.
- Merchandise & Pop-Ups: Explore various boutique and retail pop-ups on "Rodeo Drive" for unique souvenirs and goods.
- All Ages Welcome: The festival is typically all-ages, with kids 10 and under getting free general admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
It's a vibrant, high-energy event that truly captures the spirit of summer in Chicago.
Planning Your Trip to the Windy City Smokeout? Let Us Help!
Getting to Chicago for an event of this magnitude, especially during peak summer travel season, can be a logistical challenge. From securing the best flights and accommodation to navigating a bustling city, planning can quickly become overwhelming.
Don't let the details distract you from the main event! As your dedicated travel advisor with Fora Travel, I can streamline your entire trip to the Windy City Smokeout.
We specialize in making your travel seamless and stress-free:
- Finding the best flights to O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) that fit your schedule and budget.
- Securing the perfect hotel near the United Center or with easy access to Chicago's public transport system, and importantly, potentially unlocking exclusive perks like complimentary breakfast, resort credits, or room upgrades through Fora's preferred partnerships.
- Arranging ground transportation, whether it's airport transfers, a rental car, or tips for using Chicago's extensive CTA system.
- Crafting a personalized itinerary if you plan to explore Chicago beyond the festival.
Let me handle the travel details so you can focus on enjoying every smoky bite and every country music hit!
Ready to fire up your Chicago BBQ and music adventure?
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