Windy City Smokeout, the two-time Academy of Country Music’s “Festival of the Year” music and BBQ festival from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, is thrilled to announce its full 2026 pitmaster lineup of more than 20 pitmasters, representing the best in American barbecue from across the country and local to Chicago. Returning for its 13th year outside of the iconic United Center, the festival will feature an all-star roster of nationally-acclaimed names and local favorites from July 8-12. Making their Smokeout debut are the legendary Terry Black’s Barbecue out of Austin, Texas, a pioneer of “slow and low” Central Texas-style brisket, Richmond’s ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque, featuring a “Texas-rooted, Virginia-smoked” approach, and Tennessee’s Blake’s at Southern Milling, which brings authentic, wood-fired Southern flavors to Chicago. Guests can enjoy the deep-rooted traditions of Mississippi’s Ubons BBQ, the award-winning ribs of St. Louis’ Pappy’s Smokehouse, and the “Rocky Mountain flair” of Denver’s G-Que BBQ. The lineup also features James Beard-recognized Little Miss BBQ (Phoenix, AZ), and local Chicago favorites like Lexington Betty Smokehouse and Smoque BBQ. 

Wristbands for Windy City Smokeout are available to purchase here.