We Kicked Up Our Boots at the Lone Star Smokeout with Shaboozey, Koe Wetzel, and D’Andra Simmons
By Lori Sapio
Year two of the Lone Star Smokeout—Chicago’s Windy City Smokeout “little sister” came back twice as big as its debut. With that growth came more food, bigger acts, and an even stronger energy throughout the grounds at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The expanded footprint made a noticeable difference, giving both the crowd and performers more room to bring the energy. And the food? Some of the best bites I’ve had since last July’s Windy City Smokeout.
Night one closed with Shaboozey, who took the stage to a roaring crowd. I knew his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, and hearing it live—twice to close his set—sent the audience into a frenzy. Watching from stage right, the energy was unreal.
Night two, unfortunately, was cut short due to lightning and a tornado warning. Koe Wetzel’s set was moved up because of the weather, and as soon as I heard, I sprinted across the festival grounds to catch the start. Just three songs in, evacuation began. It was disappointing, especially with the momentum building and the crowd fully locked in.
Later that night, I ended up at a hotel with D’Andra Simmons, Kevin Bludso, Rasheed Phillips, and the M&M BBQ crew, along with other pitmasters, when we heard Koe was continuing his set across the street at Texas Live!. By the time we got there, it was packed with fans standing on tables and chairs and the room was absolutely electric.
We can’t wait to see what next year’s Lone Star Smokeout cooks up next year! 2027’s date is to be announced, but we’re already looking forward to what it will bring.
