Smoke, sauce, and stars! Windy City Smokeout sizzles back in July

The Windy City Smokeout is firing up the grills again this summer, returning to the United Center from July 10-13 with a stacked lineup of award-winning pitmasters and rising BBQ stars from across the country.

This year’s smoke-filled celebration will feature 22 standout barbecue teams, including local heavyweights Barry Sorkin of Smoque BBQ and Dominique Leach of Lexington Betty Smokehouse. From the classic smoky traditions of Texas and Kansas City to inventive Southwest spins out of Arizona, the 2025 festival promises to be a four-day feast for barbecue lovers.

Joining the Chicago icons are acclaimed outfits like Joe’s KC BBQ from Kansas, Little Miss BBQ out of Phoenix, and St. Louis favorites Sugarfire Smoke House and Pappy’s Smokehouse. Notable newcomers include Gene’s BBQ from Atlanta, Heritage Barbecue of California, and Ridgefield’s Hoodoo Brown BBQ.

Festival-goers can expect two signature dishes per pitmaster, along with plenty of face time at the booths to meet the chefs behind the smokers. Food isn’t included in general admission, so come hungry and bring your appetite—and your wallet.

The weekend will also be packed with themed events, including “The Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer” on Friday, July 11, and a boozy “BBQ Brunch” on Sunday, July 13, featuring bottomless mimosas and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar alongside specialty brunch plates from select vendors. A separate ticket is required for brunch entry.

Windy City Smokeout, one of the most welcoming food and music festivals in the country, will continue to spotlight both veteran chefs and up-and-coming talent along with smoky bites, cold drinks, and live country music. It’s set to be one of the hottest weekends of the summer.

The festival runs:

Thursday, July 10: 2-10 p.m.

Friday, July 11: 2-10 p.m.

Saturday, July 12: 1-10 p.m.

Sunday, July 13: 1-10 p.m.

Passes and single-day wristbands are now available at Windy City Smokeout’s website.