Chicago Air and Water Show

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

The Chicago Air and Water Show is a massive annual aviation event held along the city's Lake Michigan waterfront. Centered at North Avenue Beach, it features high-speed maneuvers from military jets, precision parachute jumps, and water-based rescue demonstrations.

Date: Aug 15-16, 2026
Location: Chicago

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Event summary

Highlights

Aerial maneuvers by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
Precision jumps by the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team
Search and rescue demonstrations by the U.S. Coast Guard
High-speed displays featuring the F-22 Raptor and F-16 jets

This premier lakeside event showcases a diverse mix of military and civilian aerial talent. Headliners for the 2026 edition included the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team. In addition to fast-paced jet demonstrations from aircraft like the F-22 Raptor and F-16, the show features search and rescue simulations performed by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Chicago Fire Department.

Spectators gather at various points along the shoreline, with North Avenue Beach serving as the primary focal point and Montrose Harbor providing additional viewing areas. Despite potential weather challenges like cloud cover or rain, the event remains a signature summer tradition, drawing thousands of people to the Chicago lakefront to witness specialized maneuvers and formation flying.

Practical details

Location described by the source: North Avenue Beach; 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.