{"id":409664,"date":"2022-08-10T16:32:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-10T21:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/?p=409664"},"modified":"2022-08-11T11:55:39","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T16:55:39","slug":"windy-city-smokeout-proves-once-again-why-its-one-of-the-citys-most-beloved-festivals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/windy-city-smokeout-proves-once-again-why-its-one-of-the-citys-most-beloved-festivals\/","title":{"rendered":"Windy City Smokeout Proves Once Again Why It’s One of the City’s Most Beloved Festivals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Back for its ninth year, Windy City Smokeout remains one of the biggest parties of the summer. Taking place in the main parking lot of the United Center, not only does this festival bring some of the biggest names in country music to Chicago, but packed within festival limits are mouthwatering BBQ stands and refreshing drinks. At Windy City Smokeout, it almost feels like you\u2019re at one big block-party where you can find some Chicago favorites like Happy Camper and Green Street Smoked Meats. Along with our neighborhood eats, global brands like Aperol Spritz and Ice Mountain also offered refreshing beverages and fun booths.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Country legend Willie Nelson put the \u201csmoke\u201d in Smokeout by headlining the event on Thursday night. Playing hits like \u201cOn the Road Again\u201d and \u201cGeorgia (On My Mind)\u201d, festival goers were transported back to the late 70\u2019s\/early 80\u2019s of Nelson\u2019s golden years. Friday night was headlined by popular artist Tim McGraw, Saturday had Sam Hunt, and the fest wrapped up with Miranda Lambert on Sunday night. Not often can you find this many country superstars in one place, but Windy City Smokeout was planned perfectly to make sure that the variety of artists met the unique taste of each Chicago country music fan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"While the music was loud and entertaining, the highlight of the weekend was definitely the food. With each passing step closer to the United Center, the deliciously overwhelming scent of barbeque and smoked meats took full control of your senses. Split up into two different sections, patrons could decide whether they wanted to stand in the crowd near the stage or dawdle around the vendor booths, looking for their next meal. Barbecue masters like Udons were serving up pulled-pork sandwiches and turkey wings, while other vendors supplied the fest with saucy ribs and smoked chicken sandwiches. No matter where you stopped for your favorite dish, the food was fresh, served hot, and messy, in the best way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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A post shared by Windy City Smokeout (@windycitysmokeout)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n