Windy City Smokeout, Chicago’s favorite summer BBQ and music festival, has unveiled its 2026 roster of more than 20 award-winning pitmasters. According to its press release, this two-time Academy of Country Music “Festival of the Year” returns for its 13th year outside the United Center from Wednesday, July 8, through Sunday, July 12. Organizers from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants highlighted national stars and local favorites.
The press release confirmed that newcomers include Austin’s Terry Black’s Barbecue, known for “slow and low” Central Texas-style brisket; Richmond’s ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque brings a “Texas-rooted, Virginia-smoked” style; and Tennessee’s Blake’s Southern Milling adds wood-fired Southern flavors.
Star pitmasters and local gems
Returning acts feature Mississippi’s Ubons BBQ. Additionally, St. Louis’ Pappy’s Smokehouse offers award-winning ribs, and Denver’s G-Que BBQ delivers “Rocky Mountain flair.” James Beard-recognized Little Miss BBQ from Phoenix joins Chicago spots like Lexington Betty Smokehouse and Smoque BBQ.
The full list includes:
● Bub City (Chicago, IL)
● Blake’s Southern Milling (Martin, TN)
● Chef Art Smith’s Reunion (Chicago, IL)
● Dayne’s Craft BBQ (Aledo, TX)
● G-Que BBQ (Westminister, CO)
● Green Street Smoked Meats (Chicago, IL)
● Hogapaolooza (Wynne, AR)
● Hoodoo Brown BBQ (Ridgefield, CT)
● Hurtado Barbecue (Arlington, TX)
● Lexington Betty Smokehouse (Chicago, IL)
● Little Miss BBQ (Phoenix, AZ)
● Meat Mitch Barbecue (Leawood, KS)
● Operation BBQ Relief (Peculiar, MO)
● Panther City BBQ (Fort Worth, TX)
● Pappy’s Smokehouse (St. Louis, MO)
● Smoque BBQ (Chicago, IL)
● Soul & Smoke (Evanston, IL)
● Sugarfire Smoke House (St. Louis, MO)
● Terry Black’s Barbecue (Austin, TX)
● Ubons BBQ (Yazoo City, MS)
● Wright’s Barbecue (Johnson, AR)
● ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque (Richmond, VA)
The event kicks off Wednesday, July 8, with a pre-festival concert headlined by Treaty Oak Revival. According to the press release, early tastes come from Bub City and Terry Black’s, plus guests Steel Belly BBQ and Sanders BBQ Supply Co. Other options include Pizzeria Portofino, Summer House, Chipperbec Fries, Roadside Eats, and Bub City Burgers.
Country headliners and ticket info
Thursday through Sunday brings headliners Hootie & The Blowfish, Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, and Blake Shelton. More than 15 rising country stars fill the bill. Check full schedules atwww.windycitysmokeout.com.
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Tickets are on sale now. Prices include 4-day general admission at $299, plus BBQ brunch for $321, Wednesday general admission at $69, and VIP at $225. Hours run Wednesday 4-10 p.m., Thursday and Friday 2-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1-10 p.m.
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