Sweating Champagne

Chicago Lifestyle and Mental Health Awareness Blog

chicago events

The Exhibit House Chicago

The Exhibit House in Downtown Chicago

Chicago’s latest experience, The Exhibit House, is located at the Water Tower Place in the Gold Coast neighborhood. The location consists of three large, themed exhibits (shown below) to take photos in; Secret Garden, The Mood Room, and Disco Dreamland. It is now open to the public and will feature different exhibits in the future. There are a lot of fun spots to create content! Keep reading below to see my favorite pictures and to learn things to know before you go.

Secret Garden

My favorite exhibit out of the experience’s three featured rooms was the Secret Garden room. In addition to the beautiful floral displays, the mini rooms within the Secret Garden were very aesthetically pleasing. My favorite mini rooms were Rose Room and a little nook when you walk in that had a “Let’s Share Secrets” neon sign. Other mini rooms included Desert Daze, Butterfly Forest, Mushy Madness, and Living Luminescence.

The Mood Room

The Mood Room was all about interaction. Each mini section featured a different emotion, color, and way to get you involved. My favorites in The Mood Room was Peaceful (light blue), Fear (green) where you can throw away a written fear, Passion (hot pink) where you can put a bead in the passion tube that resonates with you, and Sensitive (coral pink) where you can take an affirmation card to keep. Other sections included Trust (dark blue), Mysterious (purple), Sadness (cobalt blue), Cautious (yellow), Playful (orange), and Anger (red).

Disco Dreamland

The Disco Dreamland exhibit was a lot of fun. It’s the first room you walk into in the experience and is decked out floor to ceiling with disco decor. You can take pictures in front of The Exhibit House sign, the sparkly walls, and even use a 360 rotator to take a fun video. Lots of opportunities for content!

Thing to Know Before You Go

  • Tickets cost $30 each for all ages
  • Admission is for a one hour (60 minute) session
  • Coat & bag check is available for $3 cash or credit
  • The Exhibit House is located on the 4th floor of the Water Tower Place
  • There are no bathrooms in The Exhibit Place (public located on 3rd floor)
  • There are no refunds on tickets, but you can exchange for a different time
  • No outside food or beverage is allowed. Kites Ice popsicles are available for purchase on site.
  • $1 from every ticket will be donated to Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
  • You can reach out to info@exhibit-house.com for more information and private events

Alamo Drafthouse Chicago: Cocaine Bear Movie Party

Movie Premiere Party at Alamo Drafthouse Chicago

This past weekend I was invited to a movie party at Alamo Drafthouse, a cinematic theater located in Wrigleyville, to view the new movie Cocaine Bear. Their movie party was unique and nothing like any other movie outings I’ve been to! The experience included foam bear claw props, short clips from old bear-related films, a real-time obstacle course that two guests volunteered to participate in, a dine-in menu, and great laughs. If you like gory comedies set in the 80s, Cocaine Bear is the movie for you. The staff was on-top of things, the seats were comfortable and spacious, and ordering food and drink was very easy. Keep reading for more details about my experience!

Alamo Drafthouse Chicago Food & Drink

Ordering from Alamo Drafthouse’s food and drink menu was super easy. You don’t even have to get up! Each seat comes with a menu and a fill-out card to write down your order. Once written, you place the card in its designated slot and push a button to let the staff know that you are ready to order. They will then come over and confirm that the items on your card are available. Ready food is brought to your seat tray shortly after. I ordered the pepperoni pizza and a Mexican vanilla shake – it was delicious! Something to note: their pizza sauce is a little spicy.

What They Serve

The food and drink menu at Alamo Drafthouse Chicago is not like your regular movie theater options. The selections are pretty extensive, including appetizers and full-meal selections. Their food menu includes items like churro popcorn, pickle fries, buffalo cauliflower, avocado toast, pizza, wings, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Offered drinks include beer, margaritas, wine, and signature cocktails.

More About Alamo Drafthouse Chicago

For tickets and upcoming shows, go here. Aside from their fun movie parties and awesome dine-in menus, Alamo Drafthouse Chicago also has:

  • Regular movie showings in their 6 theaters
  • A cocktail bar area called the “Video Vortex”
  • 11,000 DVDs and Blu-rays available to rent
  • Tickets ranging from $11.99 to $14.99
  • Assigned seating that can be reserved in-person or online
  • Building parking validated at $10 with a current ticket stub or Video Vortex receipt
Photo taken by Moorcroft Photography

Luft Balloon Valentine’s Day Pop-Up

Chicago Valentine’s Day Pop-Up

Whether you’re in a relationship or single, you can still get some fun pictures in at Luft Balloon’s Valentine’s Day pop-up! The Hearts & Kisses Experience is open now through February 14 at Luft Balloon’s new Wicker Park location. The one room holds over 3,000+ balloons set up in a few festive displays – a balloon wall, pink velvet sitting couch, and a “You are my person” wall. The pop-up is $25 for a group ticket (up to four people) for a 2-3 hour time slot. Most sessions only take 20-30 minutes to snap some photos. Mention my Instagram handle (@sweatingchampagne_) while attending for a free 11″ latex balloon!

Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Preview Night

I had the pleasure of attending a preview night for Luft Balloon’s Hearts & Kisses experience and loved how my content turned out. The photo ops were perfect for using during the month of February and I loved the elaborate balloon displays. In addition to being able to check out the room full of 3,000+ balloons, the preview night included drinks from Crafthouse Cocktails, delicious cookies from Beatrix, and beautiful bouquets from Flowers for Dreams. What a fun night!

Related Posts

Looking for inspiration on how to throw a cute Galentine’s Day party? Check out this post. Staying home and want to create a love spell jar? View my post here. Happy Valentine’s Day!

My Valentine’s Day Outfit

My entire outfit, makeup products, and skin care routine is linked in my LiketoKnow.it profile! Individual items are listed below. Commission made from my links go towards making Sweating Champagne possible and are greatly appreciated!

Outfit

Makeup

Skin Care

Jack Frost Winterfest Pop-Up 2022

Chicago Winter Pop-Up

We Love Pop Ups’ winter experience, Jack Frost Winterfest, is my favorite winter pop-up that occurs in the city each year. Full of festive backdrops and holiday inspiration, it’s the perfect outing if you’re looking for something different to do in the winter time. The experience includes 2 acres of great photo ops, bars, axe throwing, ice skating, and a Christmas tree field. This is similar to their Fall experience in the same location, Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up. Make sure to get a hot chocolate while you’re there!

Jack Frost Pop-Up Photo Ops

The best part about Jack Frost Winterfest are all the great photo ops! They really can’t be beat if you’re looking for unique backdrops to get content in front of. Each year has a candy cane house, a sleigh, and a variety of holiday aesthetics. My favorites this year included a “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” wall, a poinsettia wall, and a “Candycane Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses” wall.

Jack Frost Pop-Up Food & Drink

This Goose Island event offers multiple drinks for purchase. The bars offer both alcohol and nonalcoholic options. We tried the hot chocolate and loved it! Jack Frost Winterfest is credit card only and does not accept cash. Beers, ciders, and classic cocktails range between $9-$12, with specialty cocktails priced at $14.

Specialty Cocktails

  • Snow-Much-Fun – Eggnog with whiskey
  • Rudolph’s Red Nose Punch – Vodka & peppermint punch
  • The Grinch – Sweet mint vodka with cinnamon

Jack Frost Pop-Up Tickets

Jack Frost Winterfest Pop-Up is open to the public all December. General admission starts at $22. Add-ons include drink tickets, axe throwing, and ice skating. Tickets are offered for time slots throughout the day and evening. Make sure to buy online ahead of time!

Harry Potter Magic at Play Chicago

Harry Potter Magic at Play Chicago
Harry Potter Magic at Play Chicago

Harry Potter Magic at Play

Calling all witches, wizards, and muggles! Harry Potter Magic at Play, a Wizarding World pop-up, will be in downtown Chicago November 2022 through September 4, 2023. Located at the Water Tower Place on Michigan Ave, the pop-up itself is on the second floor with an associated store on the first floor. The experience includes photo ops, interactive activities, merchandise, a Butterbeer Bar, and more. Read below for my favorite moments and things to know before you go!

Harry Potter Magic at Play Chicago Platform 9 3/4
Harry Potter Magic at Play Chicago Hogwarts boatride

The Photo Ops

The flow of the Magic at Play experience coincides with the flow of the Harry Potter movies. Your first stop; the Dursley’s house filled with Hogwarts acceptance letters. This is followed by Platform 9 3/4 and the first year’s boat ride to the castle. Next? The Great Hall where you can read about each of the four Hogwarts houses. Each room in the pop-up was detailed and matched the series we know and love. Scattered spots have a Magic at Play staff member taking professional photos that you can latter view and buy in the pop-up’s gift shop. Don’t worry, you can take pictures and videos with your phone anywhere!

Harry Potter Magic at Play Chicago
Harry Potter Magic at Play Chicago LEGO

Interactive Experiences

Aside from many photo ops, Harry Potter Magic at Play offers a variety of interactive experiences. My favorites were a Wingdardium Leviosa station and a LEGO avatar station. Here you’re able to choose your avatar’s Hogwarts house, skin and hair choice, and a Hogwarts-themed backdrop to then view on a large screen. It was a fun, quick activity that I enjoyed very much! In Snape’s potions class you’ll find items that you can both see and touch. In the Quidditch room you’ll test your throwing and quick response skills. Lastly, the Triwizard Tournament maze awaits you at the end of the experience.

Harry Potter Magic at Play Chicago Butterbeer Bar
Harry Potter Magic at Play Chicago Butterbeer Bar menu

The Butterbeer Bar

One of the best things about the Harry Potter Magic at Play pop-up is the Butterbeer Bar, located in the first floor store. It offered not only Butterbeer, but also popular Harry Potter treats such as a Chocolate Frog and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans. I got a 4-pack of Butterbeer and the Niffler’s Bounty Cupcake to-go. The space is a very small pick-up setup and does not have any seating. I’ve included the menu and pricing for reference.

Thing to Know Before You Go

  • Located at Water Tower Place, 2nd floor (835 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611)
  • General admission is $42.50 for Adults and $32 for Children (ages 3-9)
  • Allow yourself time to wait in line to get in (we had tickets and had to wait 20 minutes)
  • Coat and stroller check is available for $3 per item
  • Cash is not accepted, only credit or debit cards
  • Pets: only service animals are allowed
  • The experience is ADA accessible
  • Packages are available for private parties and events
  • The Magic at Play gift shop offers clothing and items for each House, pins, wands, and more

Which Hogwarts House Are You?

Slytherin: Ambitious, adaptable, clever. Many are misunderstood, hence the need for self-preservation, and can be fiercely loyal to a select few. Notable characters: Severus Snape, Leta LeStrange, Draco & Narcissa Malfoy. Mascot: serpent. Colors: green and silver.

Ravenclaw: Intelligent, curious, creative. They have a strong sense of identity, a desire to explore, like being seen as smart, and can enjoy isolation. Notable characters: Luna Lovegood, Cho Chang, Moaning Myrtle. Mascot: eagle. Colors: blue and bronze.

Gryffindor: Brave, daring, charismatic. They have a strong moral compass and their passion can sometimes cause recklessness. Notable characters: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom. Mascot: lion. Colors: scarlet red and gold.

Hufflepuff: Empathetic, trustworthy, humble. They are dependable, known to put others first, and can be overly optimistic. Notable characters: Cedric Diggory, Newt Scamander, Nymphadora Tonks. Mascot: badger. Colors: canary yellow and black.

Don’t know which house you’re in and want to find out? Take the official Wizarding World sorting hat quiz here. If you don’t want to make an account and do that, this house percentage quiz and this Wizardmore sorting quiz are some good ones!

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up 2022

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

My favorite pop-up is back this fall! Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is 2 acres of festive photo ops, carnival games, a large corn maze, bars, axe throwing, gemstone mining, and pumpkins for sale. Open now through October 31, the pop-up’s Insta-worthy backdrops are a can’t-miss experience! I’ve enjoyed the annual event very much. View my favorites from this year below!

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up Photo Ops

The best part about Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up are all the great photo ops! They really can’t be beat if you’re looking for unique fall and Halloween backdrops. There’s so many different options! Each year has an ode to Jack Skeleton, a pumpkin house, and a variety of spooky aesthetic. My favorites this year included a Jack’s Pumpkin barn house, Hocus Pocus with Winafred’s spell book, “Happy Fall Y’all” with a colorful leaf umbrella, an annual height meter, and a sugar skull display found in the middle of the pop-up’s corn maze.

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up Food & Drink

This Goose Island event offers multiple bars and a food truck for purchase. When we went it was a taco truck. The bars offer both alcohol and nonalcoholic drink options. We tried the apple cider (cold) and loved it! Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is credit card only and does not accept cash. Beers and ciders range between $9-$11 with specialty cocktails priced at $14.

Specialty Cocktails

  • Fall in Love – Spellbinding potion of Whipped Vodka, Cardamon & Cranberry
  • Jack’s Midnight Moonshine – Batched in-house with a hint of Cranberry & Peach
  • Hocus Pocus – Magical concoction of Vodka infused with Fireball, Fig & Peach

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up Tickets

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up will be open to the public now through October 31, 2022. General admission starts at $22, and $20 for kids 5-11 years old. Add-ons include drink tickets, orange pumpkins, apple cider donuts, carnival games, axe throwing, and gemstone mining. Tickets are offered for time slots throughout the day and evening.

Chef BBQ: Presented by Green City Market

Chef BBQ 2022

Give me all the food, please! I attended Chef BBQ, presented by Green City Market, in Lincoln Park for the first time this year. This one-day food festival featured over 100 of Chicago’s top restaurants, brewers, winemakers, and mixologists by offering sample-size tastings. Contrary to the event’s name, the food at Chef BBQ was not just barbecue cuisine, but rather a variety of different dishes. Sustainability was highlighted throughout the entire event and its’ vendors. Attendance benefited Green City Market’s nonprofit mission to secure the future of food by deepening support for sustainable farmers, educating our community about where food comes from and why it matters, and expanding access to locally-grown food. Below were my favorite dishes of the night!

My Favorite Dishes From Chef BBQ

Dell’ Rooster

Cuban Style Braised Ox Tail on Sweet Corn Bread (Ropa Pal Viejo)

Inspiro Tequila

Luna Blanco with a lavender garnish

NoMI Chicago

Grilled Beef Brochette (Sauce vert, kaffir lime, herb salad)

Roasted Peach Corn Cake (hot honey, sweet cream ice cream)

Carnivale Chicago

Braised Short Rib on Grits

Big Delicious Planet

Mezze Plate (BDP zucchini, squash mama ganoush, feta, glow peppers, Bennison’s Bakery crostini)

Girl & The Goat

Chili Crunch Noodles

Hoosier Mama Pie Company

Lemon cream with raspberry topping

North Pond Restaurant

Cannoli (corn infused chocolate, hazelnuts, Nichol’s Farm corn mousse, and Joe’s blueberry compote)

List of Chef BBQ 2022 Participants

  • Adorn Bar & Restaurant
  • Avec
  • Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
  • Bazaar Meat & Bar Mar by José Andrés
  • Bell’s Brewery
  • Big Delicious Planet
  • Big Jones
  • Bistronomic
  • BLVD Steakhouse
  • Cafe Robey
  • Carnivale
  • Chilam Balam
  • Coda di Volpe
  • Cruz Blanca Brewery
  • Cultivate by Forbidden Root
  • Dablon Vineyards & Winery
  • Daisies
  • Dell’Rooster
  • Duck Sel
  • Dusek’s Tavern
  • Dutchbag Brew Co.
  • El Che
  • Eli’s Cheesecake
  • Floriole
  • Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery
  • Formento’s
  • Frontera Grill
  • Gaijin
  • Gayle V’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese
  • Gemini
  • Gioia
  • Girl and the Goat
  • Goose Island Beer Company
  • Half Past
  • Haymarket Beer Company
  • Honey Butter Fried Chicken
  • Hoosier Mama Pie Co.
  • Hopewell Brewing Company
  • Inspiro Tequila
  • Jaleo
  • Kikwetu Kenya Coffee Company
  • Kite String Cantina
  • KOVAL Distillery
  • Lake Shore Beverage
  • Lardon
  • Lillie’s Q
  • Longman & Eagle
  • Luna Bay Booch
  • Lure Fishbar Chicago
  • Metropolitan Brewing
  • Middle Brow Beer & Wine Co.
  • Momotaro Restaurant
  • Moody Tongue Brewing Company
  • Mordecai Chicago
  • Niteglow
  • Noble Fat
  • NoMI at Park Hyatt Chicago
  • North Pond Restaurant
  • Nude Dude Food
  • Odious Cellars
  • Off Color Brewing
  • Old Pueblo Cantina
  • Osteria Langhe
  • Piece Pizzeria & Brewery
  • Prairie Grass Cafe
  • Present Tense
  • Pretty Cool Ice Cream
  • Proxi
  • Recess
  • + many, many more

Chef BBQ Event Details

Chef BBQ was a well-organized event! It was easy to check in and get the appropriate GA or VIP wristbands. The size of each tasting was the perfect amount, and we were really able to discover a variety of restaurants and cuisine. I definitely recommend the festival and will be attending again next year!

Stan’s Donuts 5k: 2022

Stan’s Donut 5k

One of my favorite 5k events in the city is the Stan’s Donut 5k! This was my second year participating in the Adrenaline Special Events race, and it was just as fun as the first time. Held at Solider Field, participants took in Chicago’s beautiful skyline while tasting Stan’s glazed and cinnamon donuts. These were given upon each mile marker. Talk about a great way to wake up in the morning! This year I did the 5k with my family and it was a lot of fun. Keep reading to learn more about the 5k course and registration perks.

The 5k Course

The Stan’s Donut 5k course is held at Solider Field each year, which gives a very scenic route! My favorite part is the curve that opens up to a view of the skyline (see above). This 5k is a “fun run”, which means you don’t have to run, which is good for bad hip people like me. A lot of people choose to do a brisk walk so it wasn’t awkward to choose to.

One improvement suggestion: for placement in the race, our pace kept us at the front of the middle grouping. However, mini donuts at the first mile marker were already gone by then. This means that they only accounted for about half of the participants for mile 1 and is something that should be improved upon next year. Everyone deserves the same amount of donut incentive! 🙂

5k Registration Perks

Registration for the Stan’s Donut 5k includes a race shirt, race bib, photo ops, mini donuts on the course, a medal, and a post-race full size donut and bottled coffee. For the price of $39.99 per person, you get a lot for your money compared to other event prices. Plus, the race shirts are always cute. Make sure to stay updated with future events from Adrenaline Special Events and Stan’s Donut 5k events!

Things To Do In Chicago: Fall 2022

Upcoming Fall Events in Chicago

Hello, spooky season! Chicago is never scare with events, no matter what the season is. Fall is my favorite second to summer! There’s plenty of options to keep your calendar full. I’ve compiled a list of things to do in Chicago this Fall below for your viewing. While it doesn’t include everything, I made sure to include some of my favorite festival and events and those on my to-do list!

NOTE: this post will be updated as events arise.

September 2022 Events

Fireworks at Navy Pier

  • Date: Through September 3, 2022
  • Location: Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Avenue)
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Features: Firework show
  • Photo: navypier.org

Sundays on State

  • Date: Through September 4, 2022
  • Location: State & Lake (190 N State Street)
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Features: Food, shopping, arts
  • Photo: starevents.com

Rooftop Cinema Club

  • Date: Through September 5, 2022
  • Location: The Emily Hotel (311 N Morgan St.)
  • Cost: $18.75–$27.75 per ticket
  • Features: Outdoor cinema, personal headphones, drinks + food for purchase
  • Photo: taken by yours truly

Museum of Ice Cream

  • Date: Through September 5, 2022
  • Location: Tribune Tower (435 North Michigan Ave.)
  • Cost: $36-$44 per ticket
  • Features: 14 installations, ice cream treats, ice cream history, retail shop
  • Photo: instagram.com/museumoficecream

JoJo’s Retro Summer

  • Date: Through September 5, 2022
  • Location: JoJo’s Shake Bar River North
  • Cost: reservations, dining
  • Features: 90’s themed patio, retro cocktails, shakes, regular & Retro Summer food menu
  • Photo: facebook.com/jojosshakebar

Riot Fest

  • Date: September 16-18, 2022
  • Location: Douglas Park
  • Cost: $99-$300
  • Features: Headliner artists, food & drinks
  • Photo: riotfest.org

Chicago SummerDance

  • Date: Through September 17, 2022
  • Location: Varies per event
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Features: Live entertainment
  • Photo: chicago.gov/city

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

  • Date: Opens September 22, 2022
  • Location: Goose Island (1465 N. Elston Ave.)
  • Cost: TBD
  • Features: Festive photo backdrops, food, drink, corn maze, axe throwing, carnival games
  • Photo: taken by yours truly

Chicago Gourmet

  • Date: September 22-25, 2022
    • September 22: Taco’s & Tequila
    • September 23: Hamburger Hop
    • September 24: Grand Cru
    • September 25: Prost! In the Park
  • Location: Harris Theater rooftop in Millennium Park
  • Cost: Varies between $60-$255
  • Features: A variety of drinks & food samples from local restaurants
  • Photo: secretchicago.com/chicago-gourmet/

Chicago Water Lantern Festival

  • Date: September 24, 2022
  • Location: Lincoln Park South Lagoon (2341 N Cannon Dr.)
  • Cost: $25.99-$55.99 (price increases as it gets closer)
  • Features: Lantern design and launch, food trucks, music
  • Photo: instagram.com/waterlanternfestival

Hyde Park Jazz Festival

  • Date: September 24-25, 2022
  • Location: Midway Plaisance Park
  • Cost: Free admission, suggested $10 donation
  • Features: More than 34 performances, food & beverage vendors, shopping
  • Photo: hydeparkjazzfestival.org

October 2022 Events

Wings of Mexico

  • Date: Through October 1, 2022
  • Location: Plaza of the Americas (410 N. Michigan Ave.)
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Features: Photo opportunity
  • Photo: taken by yours truly

Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest

  • Date: October 1-2, 2022
  • Location: Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Wilson
  • Cost: Free entry
  • Features: Food & drinks, live entertainment, vendors, family fun
  • Photo: lincolnsquare.org/apple-fest

Wing Out Chicago

  • Date: October 1-2, 2022
  • Location: St. Michael’s parking lot (1633 N. Cleveland)
  • Cost: $14 (GA) or $79 (VIP) per ticket
  • Features: Food & drinks, live entertainment
  • Photo: wingoutchicago.com

Chicago Latina Expo

  • Date: October 1-2, 2022
  • Location: Macy’s (111 N State St.)
  • Cost: $20-$250 per pass
  • Features: Speakers, career fair, vendors
  • Photo: eventbrite.com

Prince: The Immersive Experience

  • Date: Through October 7, 2022
  • Location: 540 N. Michigan Avenue (corner Michigan Ave. and Ohio St.)
  • Cost: $39.50+ per ticket
  • Features: 10 multidimensional spaces, all things Prince!
  • Photo: timeout.com

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k

  • Date: October 15, 2022
  • Location: Solider Field Stadium Green (1410 Special Olympics Drive)
  • Cost: Free to sign up
  • Features: 5k walk
  • Photo: facebook.com/Strides/photos

Adults-Night-Out: Howl-o-ween

  • Date: October 27, 2022
  • Location: Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 North Clark Street)
  • Cost: $15-$25
  • Features: For 18+, live DJ, bars
  • Photo: eventbrite.com

Halloween Weekend

November 2022 Events

Harry Potter: Magic at Play

  • Date: November 11, 2022-May 14, 2023
  • Location: Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan Ave)
  • Cost: $42.50-$67.50 per ticket
  • Features: Three floors of Harry Potter magic, souvenir shop
  • Photo: fever.com

Windy City Smokeout: Chicago’s Country Festival

Windy City Smokeout Chicago 2022

Yee haw, y’all! I attended my third Windy City Smokeout this past weekend and experienced new photo ops, new food, and live music. As expected, the country music and food festival was a blast! It never disappoints. Windy City Smokeout, in my opinion, is always the most organized, best layout, affordably-priced music festival I attend each year. The past couple years have been held in the United Center parking lot, which provides easy access to inside bathrooms and air conditioning. View some of my pictures below for a recap on this year.

The Photo Ops

Aside from all of the other great features of Windy City Smokeout, the photo ops are always BOMB. The festival, and many brands there, time a lot of time in their Instagrammable backdrops. Above are shots from Casamigos and Three Dots and a Dash. If you go, I highly recommend making time to take photos with them and find all of them throughout the grounds. There’s always a lot! My favorite this year was the wall of gold cowboy boots, pictured at the top of this post.

The Food & Drinks

Windy City Smokeout Chicago is not only known for their big country headliners, but also their abundance of food and drink vendors. Most feature BBQ choices. Our favorite drink stop each year is always Casamigos for their watermelon margaritas. There were many great food options this year including Bub City, Against the Grain, Lillie’s Q, and Smoque BBQ. This year I decided to try cheesy hominy from Hoodoo Brown Barbeque!

The Music

The artists at Windy City Smokeout are always top notch. I’m talking Sam Hunt, Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, Lily Rose, Mckenzie Porter, Miranda Lambert. We stayed for Jordan Davis, who was awesome! The crowd was a fun atmosphere and the songs were perfect to dance to. Tickets higher than GA have access to bleachers for a higher view, which I’m not opposed to trying one year. Who’s your favorite country artist?

More to Know

General admission for Windy City Smokeout is usually under $60 per one-day, which is cheaper than other popular events in Chicago! The festival is usually held around the first weekend in August each year. Make sure to keep a look out for announcements on their Instagram! Can’t wait until next year!

If interested, my top can be found here & my denim skirt can be found here!