Here's everything you need to know before you go.
The event began in 1959 and is one of the largest free events of its kind, with over a million spectators coming to watch the show ever year.
Here's what you need to know before you go.
LOCATION, ADMISSION, TRANSPORTATION
WHEN: The Chicago Air and Water Show will be held along the lakefront from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 10, and Sunday, August 11.
ADMISSION: Free
HOW TO WATCH: The show can be viewed at North Avenue Beach and along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street.
PARKING: There is no public parking at the beach over the Chicago Air and Water Show weekend. Millennium Garages offers reservations for special event parking.
HOW TO GET THERE: The city encourages using CTA to attend the Air and Water Show. You can use the CTA Trip Planner to get your best route.
If you are driving or using rideshare, pickup and drop off is typically at the North Avenue northbound entrance to DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
The city encourages attendees to arrive early and stay through the end of the event if you need pick up and drop off.
CAN I WATCH ON THE WATER? Boaters can typically watch the show from Lake Michigan, in the "Playpen" or out on the lake as long as they avoid the show's restricted zone. That zone is typically delineated by orange "Do Not Enter" buoys and patrolled by the Coast Guard, CPD and CFD.
FULL LINEUP OF PERFORMERS
Headliners include the iconic U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights this year.
Featured military performers include:
- 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
Civilian stunt performers include:
- 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 SHOULD I BRING?
FOOD AND DRINK: Food vendors are located up and down the lakefront.
Attendees are welcome to bring personal coolers with water and ice, as well as their own food and drink. Bags and coolers will be subject to search.
AMENITIES: Restroom facilities are available in the North Avenue Beach House. There are also port-a-pottys throughout the beach area.
A first aid tent is typically located in the parking lot west of the North Avenue Beach House. A lost child tent typically located in the center of the LaSalle Street turnaround.
Free cooling stations are typically set up at the entrance to North Avenue Beach.
OTHER: Portable radios/listening devices, hats, binoculars, chairs, sunscreen and earplugs are all allowed and encouraged. Parents are especially encouraged to bring sunscreen and earplugs for children.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Normal beach security rules apply during the Chicago Air and Water Show. As such, the following items are prohibited: