Windy City Smokeout 2025: Music, Barbecue, and Memories
Each summer, Chicago transforms into a hub for country music fans, food lovers, and craft beer enthusiasts with the arrival of the Windy City Smokeout. Set against the lively backdrop of the United Center, this festival has built a reputation as one of the most anticipated events in the city. The atmosphere is electric, buzzing with the energy of music, the tantalizing aroma of barbecue, and the camaraderie of fans coming together to celebrate what they love. At its core, the Windy City Smokeout isn't just about the music, though that’s a huge draw. The festival prides itself on curating an experience where every detail, from the food to the setting, reflects the spirit of the community. Pitmasters from across the country bring their signature barbecue styles, filling the air with the smoky, savory scents of brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. Meanwhile, craft beer vendors serve up local favorites and specialty brews, giving attendees plenty of ways to cool off and enjoy the summer sun.
Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyThis year’s lineup brought a mix of established stars and rising talent in the country music world, drawing crowds eager to witness incredible performances. Families, friends, and solo festival-goers alike gathered early, ready to stake out their spots and make the most of every moment. Whether lounging in the grass or dancing in front of the stage, everyone came together to soak in the music and the unmistakable vibes of the Smokeout.
Click The Image Above For The Full Angel White Photo GalleryThe first day of Windy City Smokeout 2025 brought plenty of excitement and surprises to kick off the weekend. Angel White, a Texas native, opened the festival with an energetic performance that immediately drew the crowd in. Moving effortlessly across the stage and catwalk, his confidence was contagious, even when a minor mishap with his mic plug temporarily cut his sound. He quickly recovered, keeping the crowd focused on his lively set.
Click The Image Above For The Full Bayker Blankenship Photo GalleryBayker Blankenship was up next, and while his name has been circulating widely online, his live performance didn’t fully connect with the audience the way many hoped it would. At only twenty years old, his raw talent and potential were still clear, but the energy in the crowd noticeably dipped during his set.
Click The Image Above For The Full Shane Smith & The Saints Photo GalleryShane Smith & The Saints stepped in and brought the heat, lifting everyone’s spirits back up. Their dynamic stage presence and powerful songs had people clapping and singing along, with the energy around the festival grounds growing stronger with each track. It was a performance that truly embodied the Smokeout spirit.
Click The Image Above For The Full Koe Wetzel Photo GalleryKoe Wetzel followed, and though his set began with enthusiasm, it quickly became apparent that he was battling vocal strain. He made multiple heartfelt apologies to the crowd as he pushed through his songs, but after about 40 minutes, he had to cut his performance short. Unfortunately, just as the crowd was absorbing this, severe weather caused the festival to evacuate temporarily, leaving many unsure if the day would continue.
Click The Image Above For The Full Bailey Zimmerman Photo GalleryAfter a rain delay that lasted about an hour, Bailey Zimmerman brought the festival roaring back to life. His entrance onto the stage was nothing short of electric, and his high-energy performance more than made up for the earlier disruptions. Fans sang along to every word, with the atmosphere reaching an incredible high that carried through his entire set.
The weather on Day 2 brought an unexpected pause to the festivities. After the storms that rolled in the night before, the forecast remained unkind, with rain expected early in the day. It wasn’t an easy decision, but stepping away from the festival for the day felt like the safest and most practical choice. As much as the music and energy of the Smokeout are hard to resist, sometimes the elements leave little room for flexibility. Despite not being on the festival grounds, the thought of the acts scheduled for Day 2 lingered. The Windy City Smokeout is known for curating lineups that feel more like experiences than just a collection of performances, so missing a day was more than a small letdown. There’s something about hearing the crowd’s excitement swell in unison, the unmistakable hum of guitars warming up, and the way the aroma of barbecue makes its way across the space; it all adds to the magic that defines the event. Still, even the most loyal festivalgoer can’t outrun the reality of unpredictable weather, and Day 2 simply wasn’t meant to be.
For those who braved the rain, the spirit of the Smokeout surely lived on through ponchos, umbrellas, and determined hearts. Music has a way of persevering, even in less-than-ideal conditions. But for others, the day likely became an opportunity to reflect, recharge, and prepare for what was still to come. Knowing the quality of performers on this year’s bill and the unwavering passion of the crowd, there was little doubt that the festival would pick up right where it left off the next day.
Click The Image Above For The Full Kashus Culpepper Photo GalleryDay 3 brought a much-needed boost to the festival’s rhythm, and the energy was undeniable from the start. Kashus Culpepper kicked things off with a blues performance that felt both soulful and vibrant. His talent filled the air and left the crowd buzzing, making it clear why his rise in the music world has been so rapid. He poured his heart into every note, and you could see people nodding along, fully immersed in his artistry.
Click The Image Above For The Full Austin Snell Photo GalleryThen came Austin Snell, who turned things up a notch with a high-energy set that had the audience moving. His charisma on stage was impossible to ignore, and the way he interacted with the crowd added a personal touch to his performance. People of all ages were on their feet, dancing and singing along as the afternoon rolled on.
Click The Image Above For The Full Charles Wesley Godwin Photo GalleryNext, Charles Wesley Godwin stepped up and gave a deeply emotional performance. His voice carried so much depth and feeling, and while his set was filled with raw passion, the audience’s focus was somewhat divided. A large part of the crowd was clearly gearing up for what was coming next, and that shift in energy was hard to miss.
Photo By: Ward 1 DesignWhen Megan Moroney took the stage, the mood shifted into something electric. Her connection with the Chicago audience was instant, and her charm shone through with every song. Wearing a Cubs jersey, she made the crowd feel seen, and her playful interactions made her set one of the day’s highlights. The moment she signed her jersey and gave it to a young fan was unforgettable, sparking cheers from all around.
Click The Image Above For The Full Kane Brown Photo GalleryKane Brown’s performance on Day 3 was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment he stepped on stage, wearing a Bulls jersey that drew cheers from the Chicago crowd, he had the audience completely in his corner. His set was a masterclass in live music, with each song flowing seamlessly into the next, creating an atmosphere that felt both electrifying and effortless. Sometimes life’s commitments have a way of pulling us away from the things we love, and missing the final day of the Windy City Smokeout was a tough pill to swallow. Knowing the festival’s energy was still alive without being there to soak it in felt bittersweet. I couldn’t help but imagine the final performances, the crowd’s cheers growing louder as the night wore on, and the unmistakable sense of togetherness that festivals like this create.
Click The Image Above For The Full Windy City Photo GalleryEven without being there for the closing acts, the memories of the weekend were more than enough to hold onto. From the music that stirred emotions to the incredible barbecue that brought people together, this year’s Smokeout reminded me of why events like this resonate so deeply. It’s about more than the headliners or the food; it’s about the connections, the stories shared over a plate of brisket, and the collective love of live music that bonds the crowd. Leaving before the finale wasn’t easy, but it only fueled my excitement to return in the future. The memories of this year will stay with me, and the anticipation of what’s to come will make the next Smokeout all the more meaningful. Until then, I’ll hold onto the music, the flavors, and the camaraderie that made this weekend unforgettable.
