Grab your hats and your appetite, because Windy City Smokeout is turning the heat all the way up in 2026. The two-time ACM “Festival of the Year” winner is heading back to Chicago’s United Center from July 8 through July 12, and for the first time ever, the party’s starting early with a brand-new Wednesday night kickoff show.
This year’s headliners are a mix of country royalty and red dirt rising stars, including Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, Hootie & The Blowfish, and Treaty Oak Revival, with one more major name still to come. Add in more than 20 of the best pitmaster teams from across the country and you’ve got yourself the ultimate country music and BBQ showdown in the Midwest.
The 2026 Headliners
- Lainey Wilson – reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year three years running
- Jordan Davis – the hitmaker behind “Buy Dirt” and 2022’s CMA Song of the Year
- Hootie & The Blowfish – yes, that Hootie, bringing some nostalgic crossover flavor
- Treaty Oak Revival – Texas favorites and 2025 ACM Album of the Year nominees
- Fifth headliner – to be announced soon
A New Wednesday Kickoff
For the first time in festival history, Smokeout will open a day early on Wednesday, July 8, with Treaty Oak Revival headlining the new pre-party concert. Expect a smaller crowd, local food vendors debuting new dishes, and plenty of cold drinks to get the weekend rolling while the pitmasters fire up for the days ahead.
Tickets and Pricing
Four-day passes and Wednesday night wristbands go on sale Monday, October 27 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster and VividSeats.
2026 Ticket Options:
- 4-Day General Admission: $255
- 4-Day GA + BBQ Brunch: $320
- Wednesday GA: $49
- Wednesday VIP: $99
The festival runs:
- Wed, July 8: 2–10 p.m.
- Thurs, July 9: 2–10 p.m.
- Fri, July 10: 2–10 p.m.
- Sat, July 11: 1–10 p.m.
- Sun, July 12: 1–10 p.m.
More Than Music
Aside from the massive lineup, Smokeout keeps fans coming back for its food and extras. Friday brings the “Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer,” while Sunday’s Bottomless BBQ Brunch serves up unlimited mimosas, Bloody Marys, and dishes straight from the pitmaster buffet. It’s the perfect finale to a long weekend of live music and smoke-filled bliss.
If you can’t make Chicago, the team behind the fest is also bringing Lone Star Smokeout back to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas from April 24–26, 2026, for another round of BBQ and boot-stomping music.
Windy City Smokeout continues to prove that nothing pairs better with live country music than slow-cooked BBQ and cold beer under the summer sky. Grab your wristbands, bring your crew, and make some room for brisket.
