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Those deafening roars from above are nothing to be afraid of—it’s just the annual Chicago Air and Water Show.
This weekend, the roaring spectacle returns to the skies of Chicago for two days (well, three if you count Friday’s rehearsal) of high-flying stunts, daring tricks and spectacular maneuvers for a crowd of nearly 2 million people.
The festivities kick off with a practice on Friday, August 14, followed by the official show on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, from 10:30am to 3pm. As always, the show is free to watch—all you have to do is look up.
North Avenue Beach is the central hub, but you’ll still be able to see the show from plenty of other spots along the lakeshore.
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This year’s air show will look a little different as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds return for a second year in a row, rather than the typically alternating U.S. Navy Blue Angels due to a scheduling conflict. We’re still in for a remarkable show featuring a lineup of military and civilian performers, including the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.
Legendary moderator and retired Air Force pilot Herb Hunter will once again voice the show, which you can hear from Oak Street Beach to Fullerton Beach.
Read on for all of the essential information about this year’s Chicago Air and Water Show.
Who are the military performers in the Chicago Air and Water Show 2026?
- U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
- U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights
- U.S Air Force C-17 Demo - 15th Airlift Squadron
- Illinois Air National Guard KC-135 - 126th Air Refueling Wing
- U.S Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo
- F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team
- USMC F-35B Lightning II Demonstration Team
- Four F-16s
Who are the civilian performers in the Chicago Air and Water Show 2026?
- Coleman Aerosports – Kevin Coleman
- Super Stearman "Big Red" – Susan Dacy
- Folds of Honor Biplane – Ed Hamill
- Trojan Phlyers Flight Demonstration Team
- Chicago Police Department Helicopters
- Chicago Fire Department Air / Sea Rescue
What’s the schedule?
The official schedule of events will be decided by the pilots each morning. This weekend’s forecast predicts rain, so there might be last-minute changes on show days.
How to get there:
Pick-up and drop-off zones are located at the intersection of LaSalle Drive and Inner Lake Shore Drive. There is no beach parking during the weekend, but there is very limited parking at the Lincoln Park Zoo. You can also park at the Millennium Park Garage and take a free shuttle to and from the beach, with shuttles running every 20 minutes between 9am and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The best way to get there, though, is via public transit on routes like the CTA #72 North Avenue bus or the #151 Sheridan bus. Check out the city’s info page for additional transportation details and promo codes for discounted parking.
Where to watch:
North Avenue Beach is where the largest number of spectators set up their chairs and blankets, but if you want to avoid the crowd, head to any other spot along the lake between Fullerton Avenue and Oak Street. To make things a little easier, we’ve rounded up the best places to watch the Air and Water Show, from restaurants, bars and rooftops to beaches and boats.
Other things to know:
WBBM Newsradio 780 / 105.9 will broadcast the show live on the radio and on the Audacy app for free.
Audio description is also available via Zoom for blind and low-vision spectators. Visit the Chicago Air and Water Show website to learn more.