Tag Archives: Chicago

Chicago’s Windy City Smokeout 2025 kicks off this week outside United Center

Chicago’s Windy City Smokeout returns to the United Center for its 12th year this week.

This four-day outdoor country music festival kicks off on Thursday, with country singers Bailey Zimmerman and Koe Wetzel taking the stage. 

The festival will run from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 

Thursday, July 10 kicks off with headliners Bailey Zimmerman and Koe Wetzel. Shane Smither and the Saints, Angel White, Bayker Blankenship and special guest DJ Sommer ray will also perform on Thursday. 

On Friday, July 11, headliners Old Dominion, Dylan Gossett will be joined by performances by Jamie Belushi, Josh Meloy, Lauren Watkins, and Maggie Antone. 

The festival closes out on Sunday, July 13 with headliners Jon Pardi and Riley Green taking the stage. Artists Ella Langley, Sam Barber, Josh Ross, and Back Country Boys. 

Wristbands are required to enter the festival. 

Wristband prices range from $99 for single-day general admission to $495 for 4-day passes. VIP access tickets are also available for festival-goers wanting to skip the lines.

Children under the age of 10 can enter for free when accompanied by an adult. 

You can find pricing and wristband availability on the Windy City Smokeout website

It would not be a “smokeout” without the fan-favorite BBQ vendors at the festival. 

Chicago-based BBQ spots include Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Soul & Smoke, Green Street Smoked Meats, and Bub City. 

BBQ restaurants will come from all over the country like Hertiage Barvecue from California, Meat Mitch Barbecue from Kansas and Little Miss BBQ from Arizona. 

Plan your meals and a full list of restaurants here

2 of the ‘best’ malls in the country are in suburban Chicago, new report says

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Chicago ranked among the most overpriced U.S. cities in new study

Chicagoans can’t catch a break when it comes to the cost of living—at least, according to a new study from home-goods pros Highland Cabinetry, which ranks the most overpriced cities in the U.S.  Analyzing a diverse range of metrics that consider not only the cost of living but also the quality of life in the Windy City—including…MORE

“Chi-town Pizza” comes to Wrigley Field for limited time, Cubs announce

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