Chicago

Blake Shelton Announced as Final Headliner for Chicago's 2026 Windy City Smokeout Festival

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Published on November 19, 2025
Blake Shelton Announced as Final Headliner for Chicago's 2026 Windy City Smokeout FestivalSource: DoD News, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In what's shaping up to be a high-profile event for the 2026 Chicago summer, the Windy City Smokeout has announced country music star Blake Shelton as its final headliner. The five-day festival, known for its amalgamation of country tunes and BBQ aromas, is setting the stage at the United Center parking lot from July 8 through July 12.

According to FOX 32 Chicago, Shelton will join a lineup already jam-packed with artists such as Treaty Oak Revival, Hootie & the Blowfish, Lainey Wilson, and Jordan Davis. These acts are set to headline their respective nights, with Wilson taking the stage on Friday, July 10, and Shelton set to close out the festival on Sunday, July 12.

For fans eager to secure their spot at the event, single-day wristbands went on sale this past Wednesday. Furthermore, there are also multi-day and VIP passes up for grabs, with options to suit a range of preferences and budgets. Ticket information and further details about the festival are accessible on the official website, providing an early opportunity for enthusiasts to plan their summer concert escapades.

The announcement on ABC 7 Chicago details the daily lineup, featuring Treaty Oak Revival opening the event on Wednesday, July 8, followed by 90s chart-toppers Hootie & the Blowfish the next night. Lainey Wilson will bring her country flair on Friday, Jordan Davis is up on Saturday, and Shelton will wrap things up on Sunday evening in what's anticipated to be a memorable performance.

Attendees can also expect to indulge in the craft of various BBQ pitmasters, though the complete list of participating chefs is still under wraps. Organizers promise the reveal of the full artist schedule and BBQ lineup is imminent, ensuring prospective festival-goers have all the information at hand to make this a summer highlight.