The Windy City Smokeout, AKA The Best Weekend Of The Summer In Chicago, Is One Week Away! Here's Everybody You Should See
The Windy City Smokeout, held annually in July, combines three of life's greatest pleasures: delicious BBQ, refreshing beer, and live country music. Held right by the iconic United Center, the festival offers a unique blend of urban charm and southern hospitality. And it's back next week.
The event spans four days, each packed with mouth-watering food from top pitmasters, craft beer from the best breweries, and performances from both legendary and up-and-coming country artists.
Honestly, beer, BBQ, and country music outside in the beautiful Chicago summer weather. How can you beat that?
Our entire Chicago office (the OGs) have been going to this every year since way back when it was in the old Tribune building parking lot and had one stage. Since then, it's outgrown itself year after year, and it's evolved into what many Chicagoans look forward to, and refer to, as the best weekend of the summer. Every year.
What sets this festival apart is not just the star-studded lineup or the delectable food. It's the vibrant atmosphere, the sense of community, and the joy of experiencing all these elements together in one place. For Chicagoans and visitors alike, it's the perfect way to celebrate summer.
(And if you're a single guy, there is no better display of the rich crop of midwest talent that Chicago attracts. Smokes decked out in cowboy hats and cowboy boots as far as the eye can see all weekend.)
Let's talk about the other talent The Smokeout has in store for everybody. This year's lineup features some of the biggest names in country music, ensuring that attendees will be treated to unforgettable performances. Ed Warm (recent ACM Award Winnder, nbd) has once again outdone himself compiling and incredible lineup that includes something foreverybody. Here are the must-see acts you can't afford to miss:
THURSDAY -
Thomas Rhett
Headliner Thomas Rhett has an impressive catalog of chart-topping hits that span across multiple albums. From "Die a Happy Man" to "Life Changes," his songs are not only radio favorites but also fan anthems that you'll want to sing along to. His ability to blend country with pop and rock elements has made him a megastar in the country game and a household name.
(Die a Happy Man is a freaking smash)
Chase Rice -
Chase is the man. His music, a blend of country rock anthems and heartfelt ballads, resonates deeply with fans, creating an electric atmosphere at his shows. Hits like "Eyes on You" and "Drinkin' Beer. Talkin' God. Amen." showcase his ability to craft catchy, relatable songs that are perfect for a live setting.
Personally, I can't wait to here this one live
Other notable Thursday acts -
Ernest
Priscilla Block
Adam Doleac
Alana Springsteen
MC4D
FRIDAY -
The Castellows
We interviewed these girls in Nashville during CMA Fest. (It will hopefully be out sometime this year) Let me tell you, if you've ever been in the presence of greatness before the world realizes it, you know exactly how I felt while talking to these girls. Just hearing them tell their story about how they grew up together, (they're sisters), started writing and music and learning to play instruments, graduated school and are now out on tour with other members of their family rounding out their band sounded like a real modern day Partridge Family tale. Then, they got on stage at the Barstool Bar Nashville and blew everybody the fuck away. Their voices are incredible and they have stage presence of veteran bands. These girls have "it" and believe me when I say they are going to be mega-stars one day very soon. You don't want to miss them on Friday.
Oh yah, and they're not too hard on the eyes either.
Parker McCollum
I'm not ashamed to admit that I have a full-fledged man crush on this guy. I fuckin love him. He's an amazing song writer, has that classic, rasp in his voice that I love from country singers (similar to Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, and Jon Pardi). And he's hot as fuck. Really looking forward to interviewing this guy with White Sox Dave before he hits the stage on Friday, and even more excited to hear him perform this beautiful song-
Other noteable Friday acts -
Lee Brice
DJ Pauly D (yes, you read correctly. Pauly D will be there baby)
Corey Kent
Red Clay Strays (amazing band)
Jake Worthington (I love this guy)
Saturday -
49 Winchester
Believe it or not, White Sox Dave put me onto these guys like 5 years ago. He is their number 1 fan and has been forever. And he was right, even before "Yellowstone" blew them up big time. They are fucking awesome and I can't wait to hear them live. Another great booking by Ed Warm and Smokeout.
Cody Johnson
I've got to see Cody Johnson perform live before. He showcases a commanding stage presence and a voice that embodies the spirit of traditional country, his performances are both powerful and authentic. His music, which blends honky-tonk, Texas country, and heartfelt ballads, speaks to the heart of country music purists and new fans alike. Songs like "On My Way to You" and "Dear Rodeo" highlight his exceptional songwriting skills and ability to convey deep emotion, creating a poignant live experience. Johnson’s background as a former rodeo cowboy adds a unique and genuine touch to his storytelling, making his shows not just concerts, but a narrative journey through his life and career.
It's going to be water works everywhere when he plays "Till You Can't"
Other Noteable Saturday acts -
Billy Currington
Ian Munsick
Wyatt Flores
Lanie Gardner (one to watch)
Louie Thesinger
SUNDAY -
Carrie Undwerwood
Last year's biggest headliner, Zach Bryan, blew everybody away, and had scalpers hawking tickets to the show for hundreds of dollars. The place was beyond packed. My bold prediction is this year will be even more crazy for Carrie Underwood.
Carrie manages to walk that fine line harnessing the obsession of her female fans, who look to her "key your cheating ex-boyfriend's car" anthems as their rebound manifesto. All the while also being a household name to every hot-blooded male in the country thanks to her ridiculous good-looks and insane legs.
She is going to blow the doors off the place and couldn't be a better act to close out the amazing weekend.
Nate Smith -
Known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Nate Smith brings an emotional depth to his performances that resonates deeply with audiences. His music is characterized by a blend of contemporary country and soulful ballads. Hits like "Wildfire" and "Sleeve" showcase his exceptional vocal range and ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. And he's got a banger out with Avril Lavigne called "Bulletproof"
His record "World On Fire" is also a jam.
Other Saturday Notable Acts -
Muscadine Bloodline
Ashley Cook
Cooper Alan
RVSHVD
Summer Dean
BBQ -
As insane as the talent lineup is for the fest, the BBQ takes a back seat to nobody. RJ, Jerod, and the Melman family do an incredible job curating a lineup of BBQ pitmasters that spans coast to coast. They pull into town early. in the week with their gigantic smokers and begin smoking thousands of pounds of brisket, ribs, wings, hot links, and everything else your heart desires. It's quite the spectacle and just walking around the lot, taking in the aroma in itself is one of the highlights of my day every day I'm at the fest. Some of this years heavy hitters include -
2M SMOKEHOUSE BBQ
SAN ANTONIO, TX
BLUES HOG
WASHINGTON, MO
BUB CITY
CHICAGO, IL
CHEF ART SMITH RESTAURANTS
CHICAGO, IL
DAMPF GOOD BBQ
CARY, NC
G-QUE BBQ
WESTMINSTER, CO
GREEN STREET SMOKED MEATS
CHICAGO, IL
HOGAPALOOZA
WYNNE, AR
HOODOO BROWN BBQ
RIDGEFIELD, CT
HURTADO BARBECUE
ARLINGTON, TX
JACK STACK BARBECUE
KANSAS CITY, MO
JOE’S KANSAS CITY BBQ
KANSAS CITY, KS
LEXINGTON BETTY SMOKEHOUSE
CHICAGO, IL
LITTLE MISS BBQ
PHOENIX, AZ
MEAT MITCH
LEAWOOD, KS
OPERATION BBQ RELIEF
KANSAS CITY, MO
PANTHER CITY BBQ
FORT WORTH, TX
PAPPY’S SMOKEHOUSE
ST. LOUIS, MO
PIG BEACH BBQ
NEW YORK, NY
SALT LICK BBQ
DRIFTWOOD, TX
SMOQUE BBQ
CHICAGO, IL
SOUL & SMOKE
EVANSTON, IL
SUGARFIRE SMOKEHOUSE
ST. LOUIS, MO
UBONS BBQ
YAZOO CITY, MS
WRIGHT’S BARBECUE
FAYETTEVILLE, AR
Half our company will be out at this all weekend, capturing a ton of content, and enjoying ourselves. The Barstool Backstage team has awesome access to the artists and will be interviewing almost everybody. If you see us around stop and say what's up. Hope to see everybody there.