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Pinterest icon Credit: Windy City Smokeout

Each summer an unassuming lot on Grand near the Chicago River transforms into the BBQ and country music center of the universe. The 2015 Windy City Smokeout slated for July 10-12, rain or shine, will see 30,000 attendees, making it the largest to date. Tickets for all days and feature events are available here.

"The music, the food, the drinks were all excellent. The fans, too, were enthusiastic, cool and just rowdy enough." - CMT

The culinary lineup includes some of the best talent from Chicago including Lillie’s Q, Bub City, Smoque, and Chicago Q. National participants include Dinosaur from New York, The Salt Lick from Texas, Pappy’s from St. Louis, Hogapalooza from AR, Jack’s New South from Georgia, and Ubon’s from Mississippi.

We'll be at the festival sharing our favorite bites on Instagram. Follow #WCSmokeout to experience the fun!

As if that weren't enough, Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken will be serving food before they open their doors in Chicago for the first time, along with The Market at Summer House, Crave Bar, Doughnut Vault, Supreme Lobster, and La Colombe.

We recommend going all in with Myron Mixon's Whole Hog Dinners on Friday and Sunday nights.