Two-time Academy of Country Music Festival of the Year winner Windy City Smokeout has announced its full 2026 lineup while revealing a major milestone for the event. For the first time in its history, the Chicago music and BBQ staple expands to five nights, returning to the United Center from July 8–12, 2026. Produced by Lettuce Entertain You, the festival enters its 13th year with headlining sets from Treaty Oak Revival, Hootie & The Blowfish, Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, and Blake Shelton.
The newly announced additions deepen the lineup with Russell Dickerson, Scotty McCreery, Warren Zeiders, Hudson Westbrook, and Carter Faith joining more than 15 previously revealed artists. McCreery is set to share the stage with Hootie & The Blowfish for a first-time performance collaboration, while Zeiders, Westbrook, and Faith continue a run of recent momentum across radio, streaming, and country tastemaker circles. Single-day schedules will be released closer to the event.
Beyond the music, Windy City Smokeout’s BBQ centerpiece remains a defining draw. More than 20 pitmaster teams are set to be announced, alongside returning signature events including the Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer on Friday, July 10, and the bottomless BBQ Brunch presented by OpenTable on Sunday, July 12. Festival hours span July 8 through July 12, with four-day and single-day General Admission, VIP, Platinum, and Wednesday wristbands available now via windycitysmokeout.com