Air & Water Show Sunday, August 21, 2016 — Photograph: Neal O'Bryan

Where to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show 2022

Get the best views of the Chicago Air and Water Show from rooftop bars, restaurants, tall buildings and boats.

Written by

Zach Long

Emma Krupp

Tuesday August 2 2022

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The Chicago Air and Water Show is officially set to return to the city's skies this summer, presenting a series of death-defying jet flyovers above the lakefront on August 20 and 21 (in addition to practice runs earlier in the week). Want a front-row seat to the aerial action? You can't go wrong finding a spot at Chicago beaches—especially those locate between Fullerton Avenue and Oak Street, where the show is centered—but those looking for an enhanced experience can also attend viewing parties at waterfront restaurants and rooftop bars, or even get out on the water for a boat tour. Find your preferred vantage point with our guide to where to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show.

RECOMMENDED: Your complete guide to the Chicago Air and Water Show

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Restaurants and bars

Photograph: Courtesy Offshore

Offshore

Bars
Cocktail bars
Streeterville

The world's largest rooftop (as certified by Guinness World Records) provides panoramic views of the lakefront perfect for sipping drinks and watching the planes go by. No cover, reservations recommended via Offshore

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Photograph: Neal O'Bryan

Shore Club at North Avenue Beach

Restaurants
Lincoln Park

Sip cocktails and graze from a breakfast buffet while you stare up at the Blue Angels during Shore Club's Air and Water Show bash, which features an open bar and plenty of snacks. Seating is first-come, first-served, but you can reserve a table or VIP cabana if you're feeling extra ritzy. $150–$2,000

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Photograph: Neal O'Bryan

Castaways Bar & Grill

Bars
Beer bars
Lincoln Park
price 1 of 4

This cruise ship-shaped North Avenue Beach bar throws an all-inclusive party for the Air and Water Show—including an open bar and lunch buffet—in a sandy area appropriately dubbed "The Sand Bar." $95–$115

Photograph: Courtesy Theatre on the Lake

Theater on the Lake

Theater
Lincoln Park
price 1 of 4

The Chicago Park District's lakefront venue hosts a party on its Lakefront Green area, providing prime views, lunch from Smoque BBQ and an open bar during the Air and Water Show. Looking for a more budget-friendly viewing option? Opt for the $10 general admission ticket, which gives you access to a separate area stocked with concessions available for purchase. $10–$100

Beaches

Photograph: Neal O'Bryan

North Avenue Beach

Things to do
Lincoln Park

North Avenue Beach is the official viewing area for the Chicago Air and Water Show, which means that it gets packed with people (and their chairs and coolers). If you want to watch the action from this stretch of sand, arrive early and take public transportation so you don't waste time parking your car.

Photograph: Courtesy Chicago Park District

Northerly Island

Things to do
Museum Campus

This is the spot for some of the best crowd-free views of the city and planes flying by overhead. You can watch from near the Adler Planetarium or venture out into the park, where there's plenty of space to spread out as you crane your neck.

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Montrose Beach

Things to do
Uptown

Don't want to deal with the hordes of people gathered on North Avenue Beach? Head north to Montrose Beach where you can take in the aerial sights while still enjoying the feel to sand beneath your toes.

Photograph: Max Herman

Oak Street Beach

Things to do
Gold Coast

Oak Street Beach isn't too far from North Avenue Beach, which means that plenty of people have figured out that it's a good alternative for Air and Water Show watching. It's worth a try to scope out a spot here if the sand at North Avenue is already covered with chairs and coolers.

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Photograph: Courtesy Chicago Parks District

31st Street Beach

Things to do
Bronzeville/Oakland

You don't have to be on the North Side to enjoy a stellar view of the planes zooming by the skyline. Lay out a blanket on 31st Street Beach and look past Navy Pier to observe all the high-flying stunts.

Boats

Photograph: Courtesy Entertainment Cruises

Odyssey Cruises Chicago

Restaurants
Eclectic
Streeterville

Step on board the Odyssey at Navy Pier and enjoy a brunch or lunch buffet while you snap photos of the Air and Water Show from just below the action. The Odyssey will offer a preview cruise on Friday, August 19 as well as trips on Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21. Starting at $70

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Viator

Spirit of Chicago

Things to do
Streeterville
price 2 of 4

Launching from Navy Pier, Spirit of Chicago is hosting early brunch and afternoon lunch cruises on Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21 during the Air and Water Show, plus a preview cruise on Friday, August 19. Tickets include a three-course buffet, a DJ, entertainment and games. Starting at $65

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Photograph: Chuck Eckert

Chicago Skyline Sail

Catch stunning views of planes overhead aboard the Tall Ship Windy—a four-masted, 148-foot topsail schooner—which is offering three-hour cruises on Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21. $79–$119

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