Severe thunderstorm warnings popped off in the greater Chicago area through the evening Thursday, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from the Windy City Smokeout.

The Windy City Smokeout Country Music and BBQ Festival began Thursday outside the United Center, and is set to run through Sunday. On Thursday evening, everyone had to leave as severe storms blew in.

Around the area in the next few days, Chicago Gospel Music Festival is in Millennium Park, Chance the Rapper hosts Chicago Got Sole, G-Fest descends on Rosemont and Alabama Shakes comes to Salt