This Week in West Loop: A United Center Doubleheader

Your week-ahead guide to the West Loop — 4 picks worth planning around

By Raj Singh · Published July 12, 2026.

It's a United Center week in the West Loop — pop on Wednesday, classic rock on Thursday, and a smoke-soaked BBQ festival closing out Sunday. Randolph and Fulton Market are stacked with pre-show tables, so plan to eat well before the arena. The concerts are indoors and climate-controlled if the midweek heat sticks around.

SUNDAY 7/12

Windy City Smokeout @ United Center

The final day of Chicago's biggest BBQ-and-country-music weekend — pitmasters, headliners, and a whole lot of brisket in the United Center lots, afternoon on. If you somehow want more smoked meat, Green Street Smoked Meats does burnt ends a few blocks east in Fulton Market.

WEDNESDAY 7/15

Meghan Trainor @ United Center

Meghan Trainor brings the Get In Girl Tour to the United Center for a full-scale pop night. Fuel up first with the cheeseburger at Au Cheval on Randolph — worth the wait, but go early.

THURSDAY 7/16

Rush @ United Center

Rush returns to the UC on the Fifty Something Tour, 7:30pm — a marquee night for Chicago's rock faithful. Toast it with a pint at Haymarket Pub & Brewery on Randolph, an easy walk from the arena.

THURSDAY 7/16

Morgan's Laugh Lounge @ Morgan's on Fulton

Not chasing an arena crowd? Morgan's on Fulton hosts a stand-up night in Fulton Market. Make it dinner and a show — the porchetta at The Publican is a block away on Fulton.

Hungry for more? See more West Loop events on the neighborhood page.