Three Hitmakers, One Huge Saturday: 10 Reasons Day 4 Delivered at Windy City Smokeout
Day 4 of the 2026 Windy City Smokeout did not need any gimmicks. Saturday’s main-stage lineup simply brought together three artists who have spent years mastering the type of immediately recognizable country songs that seem purpose-built for a festival crowd. Tyler Hubbard started the featured stretch at 4:45 p.m., Russell Dickerson followed at 6:30 p.m.…
Heart Like a Headliner: 8 Reasons Lainey Wilson Owned Windy City Smokeout
Windy City Smokeout has always celebrated country music in all its forms, but there was little doubt about which direction the festival was headed on its third day. The bell bottoms, cowboy hats and Lainey Wilson shirts seemingly multiplied as her headlining performance drew closer. By the time Wilson finally stepped onto the stage, she…
AC/DC Set to Bring the Thunder to Camp Randall Stadium This Month
Camp Randall Stadium is accustomed to shaking beneath the feet of tens of thousands of Wisconsin football fans. On Sunday, July 19, however, the noise coming from Madison’s most famous stadium will be powered by electric guitars, cannon fire and one of rock music’s most unmistakable voices. AC/DC will bring its massive POWER UP Tour…
Only Wanna Be at Windy City Smokeout: 7 Reasons Day 2 and Hootie& the Blowfish Delivered
Windy City Smokeout may be built around country music, smoked meats and cold drinks, but Day 2 demonstrated that its musical borders are wide enough to accommodate one of the most successful pop-rock bands of the 1990s. Hootie & the Blowfish headlined Thursday night’s festivities outside Chicago’s United Center, delivering a nostalgia-heavy performance without allowing…
Preview: The Kid LAROI brings his “A Perfect World Tour” to The Salt Shed this Friday
The Kid Laroi is bringing his global “A Perfect World Tour” to Chicago this Friday, May 22, with an outdoor show at The Salt Shed. The concert is set for 6:30 p.m., with Tommy Richman and WizTheMC joining the bill. For Laroi, the tour arrives at a fitting moment. The Australian singer and rapper released…
The Early Registration 