Guide to the Chicago Air and Water Show

Over one million spectators are expected to gather along the lakefront on Saturday and Sunday for the Chicago Air and Water Show. The event features demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, and various civilian and military aircraft. Here’s everything you need to know about the show.

Admission and Location

The show is free to attend. North Avenue Beach is the center of the event. For viewing, you can also consider Ohio Street Beach and the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street Beach. These areas can provide excellent sightlines. Parks and fields nearby are less crowded options.

Event Schedule

Events take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Rehearsals are scheduled for Friday but may change with weather conditions. The beaches open at 6 a.m., but there are no public seating areas. North Avenue Beach does not offer parking.

Performers

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will present formation flying and solo routines with their F-16 Fighting Falcons. The U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team has been part of the show since the 1960s. They have collaborated with celebrities like David Ross and Bill Murray.

Additional performances include demonstrations by:

• U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard
• U.S. Marine Corps with the F-35B Lightning II
• U.S. Coast Guard’s air and sea rescue
• Illinois Air National Guard’s KC-135 Stratotanker
• Civilian aerobatic pilots like Kevin Coleman and Ed Hamill

Transportation Options

There are several ways to reach the event:

• Walking: Use bridges and underpasses at Fullerton, Division, Scott, Chicago Avenue, North Avenue Beach, and Oak Street Beach.
• Public Transit: The CTA offers extra service. Consider buying transit tickets in advance using the Ventra app. The Red Line stations at Chicago/State or Clark/Division are close to the event. Alternatively, take the Blue, Green, Orange, Brown, or Pink lines to downtown and walk east. Metra also offers expanded services over the weekend.
• Bikes: Bikes are allowed, and Divvy stations provide rental options nearby.
• Parking: No parking at the center. Consider parking options through Millennium Garages or Spothero with shuttle services to North Avenue Beach.

What to Bring

Bags will be checked on entry. You can bring:

• Binoculars
• Bottled water
• Chairs
• Coolers
• Earplugs
• Blankets
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

Leave these items at home:

• Alcohol
• Balloons and kites
• Drones and fireworks
• Pets (except service animals)
• Tents and weapons

Weather and Rain Plans

Expect hot and humid weather with highs in the upper 70s and a chance of showers. If severe weather occurs, temporary shelters are available at underpasses and pedway locations.

Additional Information

For those interested in start and finish of flights, parking at Gary/Chicago International Airport allows viewing of aircraft taking off and landing.

Show announcements are broadcasted on WBBM-AM 780 and 105.9 FM. For the visually impaired, there will be audio descriptions via Zoom.

Safety Measures

If you encounter an issue, look for pole markers with green signs and white text along the lakefront for assistance. Call 911 if needed and provide the marker details to help responders locate you.