The 66th show takes place on Saturday and Sunday along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as the show center from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
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Looking back at ABC7 at the Chicago Air & Water Show
Headliners include the iconic U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.
"This show captures the heart of summertime in Chicago - free, accessible, and thrilling for people of all ages," DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth said. "We're excited to welcome back world-class performers like the Golden Knights who have an unforgettable weekend of entertainment planned for those taking in the show along our iconic skyline."
This year's show will also recognize the 250th anniversary of the United States Army and United States Marine Corps.
"The Chicago Air & Water Show is one of our city's most beloved summer traditions, bringing together residents and visitors from around the world to enjoy an exciting, family-friendly experience on our beautiful lakefront," Mayor Brandon Johnson said. "We are proud to celebrate the incredible skill and dedication of our servicemen and women, while showcasing the very best of Chicago."
Chicago Air & Water Show 2025 featuring Thunderbirds, Golden Knights
The headliners, the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbird F-16 jets, course over the skyline at more than 500 miles per hour.
"This is like a video game," U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Cmdr. Leader Nathan Malafa said. "This is every pilot's dream that plays a video game; you're flying in and around the buildings, obviously giving it enough breathing room for safety. But it is so cool to be flying by these skyscrapers and seeing people looking down is amazing."
Malafa will be leading the way this weekend when audiences see the Thunderbirds lining up in formation over the city.
Beach lunch options
He said the Air and Water shows are the main reason he's in this career, as he first discovered his passion for flying when he saw these fighter jets flying over his home state of Michigan at just 8 years old.
"I saw an F-15 eagle ripping across the skies doing its passes and afterburner, and that was pretty neat. But what really caught me off guard was when it taxi back and the canopy opened and someone came out of the jet. Then I realized this is a real job," Malafa said.
The U.S. Army Golden Knights will also be showing off their skills this weekend as the parachute team leaps out of a massive plane.
"Mostly just want to put on a safe cool show for the public. We shoot accuracy. So, we have a target we want to land on; I want to hit that target, then grab the microphone and narrate the rest of my jumpers coming down," said Sgt. Sloan Kanat, who is in their first year demonstrating with the Golden Knights. "Put on amazing show and meet all the people that watched us jump."
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It's not just military service members coursing through the air this weekend. Some local residents will get to be a part of the action, too. Unique planes with decades of history will be flown by civilian pilots, who will get to take in the atmosphere in front of their friends and family.
"It is really exciting and special; I've got family showing up. My wife and kids will be down there; it's really special to do the show in front of the crowd of Chicago," said Bob Richards, a civilian pilot from Downers Grove.
"I've gotten to see him a few times; it's really cool. It's the first time he's flying the Chicago air show, so excited to see him for years to come hopefully," niece Hannah Koth said.
Large crowds started gathering at North Avenue Beach for day one of this year's show early Saturday morning, looking for the perfect viewing spot.
Crowds gather for 1st day of 2025 Chicago Air & Water Show
There were practice runs on Friday.
It was a hot day, and a hot weekend is expected.
"It is my favorite time of year; I grew up blocks from here. I live out in the suburbs now, and I come every year. I never miss it; this is my end of the summer. I absolute love it," Patricia Collazo said.
Friday's practice drew Chicago residents, too.
"I love it; I come here every year, and this is part of my summer. This is what I do," George Kaczmarek said.
"I look forward to the exciting atmosphere every year, just being around the people, but also having another appreciation for our armed forces, getting to see them in a different light, something positive," Woodridge resident Shantell Clinton said.
The event even brings some in from out of state.
"So proud to see, especially the United States aircraft, and I'm a firefighter from New Jersey. So, to see those guys in action, it gives you goosebumps, truthfully," Tony Barzelatto said.
Chicago Air & Water Show 2025 | What to expect
Featured military performers for the 2025 event include:
-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
-Maryland Air National Guard A-10's - 104th Fighter Squadron
-U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo
-U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 (Osprey) Demo
-Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365
Civilian performers:
-Bill Stein Airshows
-Coleman Aerosports - Kevin Coleman
-Folds of Honor Biplane - Ed Hamill
-Mini Jet Airshows - Tom Larkin
-Muscle Biplane Machaira - Bob Richards
-Super Stearman "Big Red" - Susan Dacy
-Warbird Thunder Airshows
Additional performers and support include:
-Chicago Police Department Helicopters
-Chicago Fire Department Air / Sea Rescue
-Arresting Gear
-AFOPS, MWSS-272
-MACG-28, 2d MAW
-Marine Corps Air Station New River
-Indiana Air National Guard - 122nd Fighter Wing
-Illinois Air National Guard - 182nd Airlift Wing
-U.S. Air Force Reserve - 434th Air Refueling Wing
ABC7 is a sponsor of the the Chicago Air & Water Show