Chicago’s premier country music and BBQ festival, Windy City Smokeout, is set to return bigger than ever in 2026. Taking place outside the iconic United Center from July 8 to 12, the event promises a stellar mix of live performances, mouthwatering barbecue from over 20 pitmasters, and craft beer selections. This year marks a historic expansion with the addition of a fifth day, kicking off on Wednesday, July 8— a move that’s already generating buzz among fans eager for more country tunes and smoky flavors.
The Addition of a Fifth Day: What to Expect from Wednesday’s Kickoff
For the first time in its history, Windy City Smokeout is extending the festivities to include a special Wednesday night concert on July 8. This “early bird” experience is headlined by rising country-rock band Treaty Oak Revival, known for their high-energy sets and hits like “In Between” and “Have a Nice Day.” Organizers describe it as an intimate way to start the weekend, featuring select food vendors and a more relaxed vibe before the full festival ramps up.
The decision to add this extra day comes on the heels of sold-out crowds in previous years, reflecting the festival’s growing popularity. Festival hours for Wednesday are from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., aligning with the Thursday through Sunday schedule. This expansion allows for more acts and gives attendees an additional opportunity to indulge in Chicago’s vibrant summer scene, potentially drawing even larger crowds to the Windy City.
Announced Headliners for Windy City Smokeout 2026
The initial lineup announcement, dropped on October 27, 2025, has country fans excited with a mix of established stars and fresh talent. Headliners include:
- Lainey Wilson: The Grammy-winning powerhouse behind hits like “Heart Like a Truck” and “Watermelon Moonshine,” is expected to bring her signature bell-bottom flair and heartfelt anthems.
- Jordan Davis: Known for chart-toppers such as “Buy Dirt” and “Next Thing You Know,” Davis will deliver his smooth, relatable country sound.
- Hootie & the Blowfish: The ’90s rock icons turned country crossover favorites, famous for “Only Wanna Be With You” and their recent country-infused tours.
- Treaty Oak Revival: As the Wednesday headliner, this Texas-based group is poised to set the tone with their gritty, outlaw-country edge.
Additional acts are listed as “To Be Announced,” with the full lineup expected in the coming months. Over 20 musical performances are promised, alongside the festival’s renowned BBQ lineup.
Hear me out, these are great artists. Lainey Wilson is prime, Jordan Davis is huge (but not a stunner), and Treaty Oak Revival is a perfect way to kick off the festival. We also get nostalgia with “Hootie & the Blowfish.” However, this is not a “must-buy” festival yet. Nothing about this is blowing us away. This is an average 7/10 lineup.
Predicted Lineup: Speculation and Rumors for Remaining Acts
While the full roster remains under wraps, fans and industry insiders are buzzing with predictions based on recent trends in country music and the festival’s history of spotlighting rising stars. Windy City Smokeout has a track record of blending mainstream headliners with up-and-comers, as seen in 2025’s lineup featuring Kane Brown, Old Dominion, and emerging talents like Dylan Gossett and Megan Moroney.
Potential additions could include:
- The return of Megan Moroney?: Fresh off her breakout album Am I Okay?, her emotive storytelling and hits like “Tennessee Orange” would fit seamlessly and for sure help sell out her day like she did this past year.
- The return of Ella Langley?: With her raw vocals and collaborations like “You Look Like You Love Me” with Riley Green, she’s a fan favorite for mid-tier slots. Y’all should’ve seen the crowd this past year. Ella Langely is absolutely blowing up and on a generational run, I’m sure she’ll be prime in 2026.
- Gavin Adcock: The viral sensation known for “A Cigarette” and his unfiltered style could bring edgy energy, especially given his recent feuds and rising profile.
- The return of Riley Green?: A returning possibility with crowd-pleasers like “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” building on his 2025 appearance.
- Jelly Roll: If not headlining, his inspirational anthems and recent weight loss transformation could make for a motivational set, appealing to the festival’s diverse crowd.
- Could WindyCity pull off Morgan Wallen? Ella, now opening for Morgan, has been a favorite with the company hosting the event. If they pull off a Morgan Wallen headliner with their money from sold-out and overpacked shows, no one could ever call the lineup for 2026 just “mid.” However with Morgan being at Soldier Field in June, this is very unlikely. However, his tour dates do not overlap that weekend…
These predictions stem from social media chatter and patterns from past events, where acts like Koe Wetzel and Bailey Zimmerman transitioned from openers to headliners. Rumors on platforms like X suggest a focus on Southern rock influences to complement Treaty Oak Revival, potentially including bands like The Red Clay Strays or Zach Top. However, official confirmations are pending, so stay tuned for updates.
Tickets, Schedule, and What Fans Are Saying
Four-day wristbands (covering Thursday to Sunday) and separate Wednesday tickets are on sale now via the official website, with prices starting at reasonable levels to accommodate early buyers. The daily schedule typically runs from early afternoon to late evening, allowing time for BBQ tastings, beer gardens, and multiple stages.
Fan reactions on social media are enthusiastic, with posts highlighting the excitement over the extra day and headliners like Lainey Wilson. One X user noted, “Finally a Wednesday kickoff—Treaty Oak is the perfect start!” while others speculate on dream additions like Morgan Wallen crossovers. With its blend of music, food, and Chicago charm, Windy City Smokeout 2026 is shaping up to be an unmissable summer highlight. For the latest, visit windycitysmokeout.com.
