LIVE Updates on 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show

Saturday's Chicago Air and Water Show has been delayed until noon due to weather conditions, city officials said.

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events said producers are working with the Federal Aviation Administration to assess flight conditions and ensure the safety of performing acts, attendees and event staff.

The performances were initially set to begin at 10:30 a.m.

ABC7 AccuWeather Meteorologist Jaisol Martinez expressed optimism about a noon start, saying there were still showers in the area, along with a low cloud deck, at 9:30 a.m. Martinez added that most of the afternoon is expected to be dry.

DCASE said the show is expected to continue through 5 p.m. to allow for the full schedule.

A system that was forecast to bring heavy rain to Chicago on Saturday is mainly missing the area, according to ABC7 AccuWeather Meteorologist Jaisol Martinez.

There was rain south of Interstate 80 on the radar around 5 a.m., and more light to moderate rain is expected throughout Saturday morning, mainly south, Martinez said.

Patchy drizzle could pop up anywhere around the Chicago area in the morning hours, and an isolated downpour cannot be ruled out on Saturday afternoon.

On Friday, the low ceilings cut some Chicago Air and Water Show practices short. The U.S. Army Golden Knights were forced to scrap their jump with ABC7 AccuWeather Meteorologist Greg Dutra.

People gathered to watch the groups do practice runs ahead of Saturday. This year's show will feature the return of the thunderbirds, which organizers say they can adjust their show based on the weather.

However, Tuesday's storms led to the cancellation of next weekend's Gary Air Show. The organizers say the need for first responders to assist in the cleanup is more important than the show happening this year. They hope to be back next summer.

Back in Chicago, Saturday's show is expected to get started at 10:30 a.m.

Saturday is expected to remain humid with highs in the low 80s in the city.

Both shows this weekend run until 3 p.m., stretching along the lakefront beginning at Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street.

North Avenue Beach serves as the center of the show, which draws more than 1 million people every year. The event is free to the public.

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As the U.S. Air Force thunderbirds went up for their practice Friday, they took a hometown hero with them.

Ashley Huizar was able to take flight Friday afternoon.

She's a nurse who is credited with helping to save another person's life after a crash.

Hometown hero Ashley Huizar flew with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds ahead of the 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show.

Cloudy conditions limited some practice runs ahead of this weekend's Chicago Air and Water Show, but thousands of spectators still turned out to watch a preview at North Avenue Beach.

"The weekends (are) crazy. Coming out and trying to get here is crazy," Raymond Souchet said. "And this way, you get a chance to sit. Look at the beach; you can sit anywhere and get a comfortable space and get a chance to watch everybody."

Cloudy conditions limited some practice runs ahead of this weekend's Chicago Air and Water Show.

For much of the day, clouds hung low over the lakefront.

Still, many beachgoers enjoyed the day.

"I do like the fighter jets; I'm partial to those," Adam Brown said.

He traveled from downstate Illinois with his wife and children.

"Aerobatics are fun to watch, as well; so if small planes get up there and have a chance to show us what they can do, that would be awesome," he said.