Visit Fort Worth Blows Away the Windy City

Last weekend, Visit Fort Worth hosted an interactive experience at the iconic Windy City Smokeout, showcasing the nation’s fastest-growing city at Chicago’s premier BBQ and music festival. Over four days, festival attendees had the opportunity to experience the unexpected flavors, sounds, and culture of Fort Worth.

Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Worth

“We’re so excited to bring a taste of the Modern West to the Windy City Smokeout, showcasing a sample of what Fort Worth has to offer visitors,” said Bob Jameson, president and CEO of Visit Fort Worth. “Outside of Texas, Chicago is a top ten visitor market for our city. This activation is an opportunity to educate and engage Chicago travelers even more.”

Chicago is one of the fastest growing visitor and relocation markets for Fort Worth, already the 13th largest U.S. city. Visit Fort Worth has a regional sales director based in Chicago to recruit Midwest meetings and convention business. A new consumer marketing campaign, The Unexpected City, is running in Chicago this year.

Fort Worth-based Panther City BBQ, who participated in the BBQ competition, heated up the experience with mouthwatering smoked tri-tip with chimichurri sauce and their famous brisket elote. Texas Monthly named Panther City BBQ as the number 10 best BBQ in Texas. Visit Fort Worth hosted a “Meet the Pitmaster” event on Friday July 14.

Photo courtesy of Visit Fort WorthV

Celebrated Fort Worth band Grady Spencer & the Work performed on the Main Stage on Saturday, July 15. After the performance, Visit Fort Worth hosted a meet & greet with the band members.

In addition to BBQ and music, the Visit Fort Worth activation offered attendees a chance to experience the culture and hospitality of the Modern West, including free chainstitching from Fort Worth’s own Fowl and Maker, daily boot giveaways from Justin Boots, and an Ultimate Fort Worth Getaway to one Grand Prize winner.