Chicago Air & Water Show

Name: Chicago Air & Water Show
Start: 2026-08-15
End: 2026-08-16
Location: Chicago

The Chicago Air & Water Show is an annual cultural event held on Saturday and Sunday, August 15-16, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. It features military aircraft demonstrations over Lake Michigan's Chicago beaches, with additional public viewing events hosted at the Gary/Chicago International Airport.

Date: Aug 15-16, 2026
Location: Chicago

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Chicago Air & Water Show

Date: Aug 15-16, 2026
Location: Chicago

Air Show Water Show Military Aircraft

Event summary

Highlights

Military aircraft demonstrations over Lake Michigan
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team
F-22 Raptor stealth jet

The Chicago Air & Water Show is a prominent cultural event taking place over two days, Saturday and Sunday, August 15-16, 2026. The primary air demonstrations are performed by military aircraft over Lake Michigan’s Chicago beaches, specifically near Lake Shore Drive.

Public viewing events associated with the show are also hosted at the Gary/Chicago International Airport, which serves as a staging area for the aircraft. These airport viewing events run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, offering designated parking for a fee and on-site food vendors.

Key attractions include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the F-22 Raptor stealth jet, a C-17 transport aircraft, the USMC F-35B Lightning II, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team. The show features a diverse array of historic and modern military aircraft, establishing itself as one of the Midwest’s most anticipated summer traditions.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Lake Michigan’s Chicago beaches; www.chicagotribune.com
Area for browsing nearby events: Chicago

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.