Windy City Smokeout 2022: Chicago's Premier Country Music, BBQ & Craft Beer Festival
Aug. 4 – 7, 2022
United Center parking lot
Country music, barbecue, and craft beer — it’s hard to think of a better way to spend a summer weekend in Chicago. Windy City Smokeout combines all those things into one legendary Chicago weekend. The outdoor fest takes place in the shadow of the iconic United Center, with an impressive musical lineup featuring country superstars and up-and-coming talent.
The 2021 festival lineup included some of the biggest names in the industry, including Brett Eldredge, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, and Jon Pardi. And before you go, get to know some of the brewers and pitmasters coming to Windy City Smokeout from Chicago and all over the country.
2021 lineup
Check out last year’s all-star lineup, extended to four days for the first time:
- Thursday: Brett Eldredge, Larry Fleet, Walker County
- Friday: Darius Rucker, Morgan Evans, Ryan Hurd, Lainey Wilson, Tyler Booth
- Saturday: Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Cody Canada & The Departed, Ross Ellis, Angie K
- Sunday: Jon Pardi, Cody Johnson, Randy Rogers Band, Hailey Whitters, Kolby Cooper, Jillian Jacqueline
Beer & barbecue
Along with today’s hottest country acts, the lineup also includes some of the world’s best pitmasters. Barbecue pros from all over the country will be serving up ribs, brisket, smoked meats and more, highlighting styles from Kentucky, Nashville, Missouri, and Chicago. Local barbecue vendors include Bub City, Lillie’s Q, and Pearl’s Southern Comfort.
There will also be a variety of food available from local favorites like Federales, Sushi-san, Tallboy Taco, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, Happy Camper, Three Dots and a Dash, and more.
Pair your choice of meat and sides with a cold glass of beer from top American breweries, including Chicago’s own Goose Island.
Health & safety measures
This year, the festival is working in coordination with the city and local/CDC guidance to ensure the health and safety of all guests. The comprehensive safety plan includes:
- Masks: A face covering will be required upon entry
- Vaccine/COVID test requirements: Non-vaccinated individuals will be required to provide a negative COVID test within 72 hours of entry to the event. Ticketholders, vendors, artists, and employees must complete a daily symptom survey.
- Social distancing: The festival will use 18 acres to appropriately space out guests during the event – 35% more space than 2019. Attendance will not exceed 30 people per 1,000 square feet.
- Sanitation: Public areas and restrooms will be thoroughly sanitized throughout the event, concessions will have partitions between guests and staff members, hand-washing and sanitation stations will be offered a minimum of every 100 feet on the event grounds.
Check out windycitysmokeout.com for details and ticket information.
