Kane Brown headlines the third night of Windy City Smokeout 2025 (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
Windy City Smokeout hit full stride on Saturday night as country superstar Kane Brown lit up the stage for a sold-out crowd outside the United Center. Following a strong set from Megan Moroney, Brown’s high-energy headlining performance capped off a stacked third night of the four-day BBQ and country music bash in the heart of Chicago.
Fans packed into the festival grounds hours before the main event, some securing a spot for Megan Moroney’s early evening set, which included fan favorites like “Tennessee Orange” and “I’m Not Pretty.” Moroney’s effortless charm and twangy vocals were a perfect appetizer for what was to come, and judging by the sea of boots and beer cans already in motion, the crowd was more than ready for round two.
By the time Kane Brown hit the stage, the sun had dipped low and the skyline backdrop gave way to festival lights and phone flashlights. From the opening notes of “I Am” to the encore of “Miles On It”, Brown gave fans the full range of his catalog. The crowd erupted for “Be Like That” and swayed during the heartfelt “Homesick,” proving Kane’s ability to bounce between stadium-sized energy and intimate connection with ease.
The production was large, with plenty of pyro and Kane striding across the catwalk to interact with fans in every direction. At several points, he paused to soak in the energy of the night.
Scroll down to check out our favorite shots from Kane Brown’s unforgettable Saturday night set at Windy City Smokeout 2025.
Photos by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Kane Brown headlines the third night of Windy City Smokeout 2025 (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
Bailey Zimmerman performed for his home crowd to kick off night one of the Windy City Smokeout 2025 (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
Windy City Smokeout 2025 opened with a bang, and a boom of thunder, as Day 1 of the beloved country and BBQ festival brought music, chaos, and a whole lot of rain to the United Center parking lot. What began as a hot and humid Thursday quickly turned into a weather rollercoaster, but that didn’t stop Illinois native Bailey Zimmerman from closing out the night with a powerful, high-energy set that felt like a homecoming celebration.
Earlier in the evening, Koe Wetzel took the stage for a shortened performance. Originally scheduled to play for over an hour, Koe cut his set short after a little more than 30 minutes. Fans could tell something was off, his trademark grit was there, but he was clearly battling vocal issues, often stepping back from the mic between songs. Despite the abbreviated set, Wetzel powered through with crowd favorites.
Just before 7 p.m., the sky opened up and festival organizers made the difficult call to evacuate the grounds due to lightning in the area. For two hours, fans huddled under shelter or headed back to their cars, unsure whether the night’s headlining performance would still go on. But just after 9 p.m., the all-clear was given, and Bailey Zimmerman took the stage, greeted by a roar of cheers from a soaked but thrilled audience.
Zimmerman, who proudly hails from Illinois, didn’t let the rain or delay slow him down. He came out with unmatched energy, making up for lost time with an explosive set that kept fans singing and dancing late into the night. His gratitude for the crowd’s patience and passion was evident, turning the set into something that felt more like a celebration than just a concert.
Day 1 may not have gone exactly as planned, but thanks to Bailey Zimmerman, it still ended on a high note.
Scroll down to check out some of our favorite photos from Day 1 of Windy City Smokeout 2025 (Photos by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
Get ready, Chicago! The Windy City Smokeout, Chictown’s signature country‑music and BBQ extravaganza, is back July 10–13, 2025 at the United Center. This marks its 12th edition, and it’s shaping up to be the most mouthwatering yet.
Music Highlights
Thursday, July 10 Headlined by ACM’s 2023 New Male Artist of the Year Bailey Zimmerman, supported by the gritty country‑rock of Koe Wetzel, Shane Smith & The Saints, Bayker Blankenship, and powerhouse newcomer Angel White.
Friday, July 11 Experience Old Dominion (ACM Group of the Year 2024) and breakout star Dylan Gossett, alongside talented rising acts Josh Meloy, Lauren Watkins, and Maggie Antone.
Saturday, July 12 The weekend reaches full throttle with Kane Brown and ACM’s 2024 New Female Artist of the Year Megan Moroney, plus Charles Wesley Godwin, Austin Snell, and Kashus Culpepper rounding out the day.
Sunday, July 13 Closing night features country star Jon Pardi and Riley Green, plus exciting newer names like Ella Langley, Sam Barber, and Josh Ross.
With over 20 artists across all four days, this year’s bill blends superstar headliners with aspiring and independent voices in country, Americana, and folk-influenced country.
BBQ + Beer = Chicago’s Tastiest Tradition
This festival isn’t just about music, it’s a curated feast of top-tier BBQ and craft beer. Over 20 celebrated pitmasters will bring regional BBQ firepower from across the U.S., including Chicago legends and national favorites:
Chicago stalwarts: Bub City, Smoque BBQ, Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion, Green Street Smoked Meats, and Soul & Smoke
Regional stars: Little Miss BBQ (Phoenix, AZ), Hoodoo Brown BBQ (Connecticut), Heritage Barbecue (California), Pappy’s Smokehouse (St. Louis), Dayne’s Craft BBQ (Texas), Wright’s Barbecue (Arkansas), and more.
Expect bold, regional styles and a pitmaster buffet experience that pairs perfectly with live tunes. Note: food is available for purchase separately from wristband access.
Ticket Options & Events
Choose from 4‑day or single‑day General Admission, VIP, or Platinum wristbands.
General Admission grants access to all live music stages, BBQ vendors, and cashless concessions.
Platinum Experience includes premium amenities: golf cart transport, reserved parking, chef‑curated food & drinks, exclusive viewing zones, and concierge service.
Special-ticket events include the Friday “Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer” and the bottomless Sunday BBQ Brunch, open to 4‑day or Sunday pass holders. Brunch features live acoustic sets, mimosas, build-your‑own Bloody Marys, and buffet‑style BBQ favorites.
Why Windy City Smokeout Stands Out
This festival is one of Chicago’s only dedicated country‑music weekends downtown, blending big names and local talent across four days.
Its location at the United Center parking lot offers urban energy combined with the intimacy of an open‑air BBQ festival.
Curated by Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants and festival promoter Ed Warm, Smokeout consistently marries top-tier music with top-tier pitmasters, earning its status as one of the premier country + BBQ events in the country.
MORE INFO
Getting here: United Center is at 1901 W Madison St, easily reachable via public transit or ride share.
Stay nearby: Hotels in Near West Side and West Loop offer great proximity; consider booking early due to high demand.
Windy City Smokeout 2025 delivers a perfect midsummer mix: rising and established country stars, mouthwatering BBQ with a national and local flair, and Chicago’s festival energy right downtown.
Whether you’re chasing country classics or chasing burnt ends, this four‑day event promises something to savor for every country‑music and BBQ lover in Windy City.
Keep an eye on windycitysmokeout.com and the festival’s social channels for updates and more info.
Carrie Underwood headlines Windy City Smokeout 2024 (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
Carrie Underwood’s performance at the Windy City Smokeout was the perfect capstone to the festival’s four-day BBQ and country music extravaganza. Despite weather forecasts threatening to rain on her parade, the organizers wisely moved her set an hour earlier, and as if by divine intervention, the skies opened up shortly after her final note, making the earlier slot a brilliant decision.
The festival, held in the United Center parking lot, is renowned for its blend of mouth-watering BBQ from across the nation and stellar musical performances. Underwood’s Sunday night show did not disappoint. Kicking off her set with the powerful “Church Bells,” the crowd was immediately hooked, even despite some early sound issues. This was followed by the high-energy “Undo It” and the sultry “Cowboy Casanova,” keeping the momentum going strong.
Underwood performed 21 songs in total, a tour de force that included fan favorites and a surprising cover of Guns N’ Roses’ “Paradise City,” showcasing her versatility and homage to rock ‘n’ roll. Her encore, “Before He Cheats,” had everyone singing along, a fitting end to a captivating performance.
Nate Smith warmed up the crowd with an impressive supporting act, setting the stage for what would be an unforgettable night. The festival, known not just for its music but also for its delectable BBQ, saw vendors from all over the country offering a variety of smoky, savory delights that paired perfectly with the tunes.
Underwood’s performance was not just a highlight of the night but a highlight of the entire festival. She took us on a journey through her discography, each song hitting the right notes with the crowd. As the final chords played and the crowd roared, it was clear – nobody in attendance would be “Undoing” this night from their memories anytime soon.
Her full setlist for the evening can be found here, a testament to her incredible range and talent. Carrie Underwood proved once again why she’s a staple in country music and why the Windy City Smokeout is a must-attend festival for music lovers and foodies alike.
Check out our photos from the fourth and final night of Windy City Smokeout below!
Thomas Rhett performs at opening night of 2024’s Windy City Smokeout in Chicago, IL (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
Thomas Rhett kicked off the Windy City Smokeout’s Thursday opening night with an unforgettable performance that set the tone for the four-day festival. As the first notes of “Vacation” filled the United Center parking lot, the crowd erupted in cheers, eager to start their musical journey with one of country music’s biggest stars.
Rhett’s infectious energy was evident from the beginning, captivating the audience and ensuring that everyone was in for a night of pure entertainment. Rhett continued to delight fans with “Look What God Gave Her,” a track that showcased his signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies.
The song’s upbeat rhythm had the crowd dancing and singing along, creating a joyous atmosphere that permeated the festival grounds. With each song, Rhett demonstrated why he remains a fan favorite, seamlessly blending old hits with newer tracks. The night truly hit its stride with “Beer Can’t Fix,” a lighthearted anthem that perfectly complemented the festival’s renowned BBQ and beer offerings. As attendees enjoyed the diverse culinary delights from vendors across the country, Rhett’s performance provided the ideal soundtrack, enhancing the overall festival experience. The smell of smoky BBQ, coupled with the lively music, created a sensory feast that attendees won’t soon forget.
One of the evening’s highlights was Chase Rice’s performance just before Rhett took the stage. Rice not only delivered an outstanding set but also won the hearts of the crowd by bringing his dog, Jack, on stage. This heartwarming moment set the stage for the night’s camaraderie and fun. The surprise duet of “Friends in Low Places” between Rhett and Rice during the night’s headlining set was a standout moment, showcasing their chemistry and delighting the audience with an unexpected collaboration.
Rhett’s set list, spanning 15 songs, was a testament to his versatility as an artist. Each track, from high-energy anthems to soulful ballads, was met with enthusiastic responses from the crowd. The highlight of the night came during the encore, where Rhett performed “Die A Happy Man” and “T-Shirt.” These fan-favorite tracks had the entire audience singing along, creating a powerful, shared experience that capped off an incredible night.
The Windy City Smokeout, known for its blend of top-tier country music and exceptional food, lived up to its reputation. The United Center parking lot proved to be an ideal venue, offering ample space for the large crowd while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. The festival’s unique combination of music and culinary excellence made for an unforgettable experience, one that was perfectly complemented by Rhett’s charismatic performance.
Thomas Rhett’s opening night performance at Windy City Smokeout was a masterclass in live entertainment. His ability to connect with the audience, coupled with his impressive set list and the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, made for a night that attendees will remember for years to come. If this performance is any indication, the rest of the festival promises to be just as spectacular.
Check out our photos from opening night of the Windy City Smokeout below!
The Windy City Smokeout festival, known for its mouthwatering barbeque and outstanding musical lineup, kicked off its first night with a bang at the United Center. The main event of the evening was the highly anticipated headlining set by the rising country music sensation, Zach Bryan, who is rising to stardom so fast that he was performing in the afternoon at the Chicago festival just a year ago. With his raw talent, heartfelt lyrics, and captivating stage presence, Bryan left the audience in awe. Let’s take a visual journey through the mesmerizing performance in this exclusive photo gallery.
Sam Hunt performs at the Windy City Smokeout (Photo by Dan Garcia).
Windy City Smokeout came to a close last night after a memorable performance from country music’s Miranda Lambert, so to look back on the epic weekend we are sharing moments from a couple of our favorite sets, Kip Moore’s supporting performance on Sunday night and Sam Hunt’s headlining set on Saturday.
The Smokeout will return in 2023, and fans don’t even have to wait for a full year as the festival will take place on July 13-16, 2023. Stay tuned for the full lineup and more details.
Check out our favorite photos Sam Hunt and Kip Moore’s performances at the Windy City Smokeout:
Tim McGraw headlines the Windy City Smokeout on August 5, 2022 (Photo by Dan Garcia).
When it comes to the Windy City Smokeout, “we like it, we love it, we want some more of it!” And luckily after the half-way point, there are still two days left of the premiere country music festival in Chicago.
Following Willie Nelson’s headlining set on opening night, Friday night picked up where Thursday left off with amazing sets from Russell Dickerson and Tim McGraw.
Check out our favorite photos from night two of Windy City Smokeout 2022:
Windy City Smokeout returned to the United Center for another extended weekend of live country music performances from some of the biggest names in the genre. Boasting sets from Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert, Sam Hunt and many more; 2022’s lineup is perhaps the festival’s best year.
Night one of the Chicago music and food festival was a great way to kick off the weekend. Fans made sure to get to the festival early to enjoy sets from Zach Bryan and Turnpike Troubadours, getting the stage set for the evening’s headliner, the legend himself, Willie Nelson.
Check out our favorite photos from opening night of Windy City Smokeout 2022:
Photos by Dan Garcia
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