CHICAGO (WLS) -- The 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show is set for this weekend.
The Air and Water Show will be held along the lakefront from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Rehearsals will be held on Friday.
Follow along as ABC7 Chicago shares live updates for the weekend's festivities.
The US Air Force Thunderbirds and US Army Parachute Team Golden Knights will headline this year's show.
The schedule is decided the morning of the show by the pilots.
Visit www.chicago.gov for the full lineup.
Some families started securing their spots on North Avenue beach as early as 6:30 a.m. on Sunday.
ABC7 meteorologists say skies should begin to clear up as soon as the show is scheduled to begin.
Chicago's Air and Water Show returned to the lakefront Saturday, drawing thousands of spectators to North Avenue Beach despite a weather delay that pushed the start of the show back by about 90 minutes.
"We were like 15 minutes away before we got the notification it will be moved to 12," Alyssandra Chavez said. "But it's not going to rain anymore. We're still going. The dedication's still there. We're all packed up."
Low clouds prompted organizers to postpone the start of the 67th annual event until noon. Throughout the afternoon, crowds filled the beach and shoreline to watch performances from 13 demonstration teams.
"It's a great time so far. Can't complain," spectator Nick Khimoian said.
One of the day's biggest draws came when the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds took to the skies over Lake Michigan. The roar of the fighter jets turned heads across the beachfront as spectators looked skyward to catch a glimpse of the low-flying maneuvers.
Not every scheduled performance went as planned.
The Army Golden Knights remained grounded for part of the afternoon because of weather conditions and low cloud ceilings that hovered around 1,200 feet, just above the minimum needed for many performers.
Organizers had said earlier this week that weather conditions could force adjustments to the schedule.
Still, that did little to dampen the atmosphere among attendees.
"I'm with my girlfriend and my girlfriend's mom, having a good time," spectator Carlos Colon said.
Colon spent part of the day grilling near the lakefront and said he plans to return for the second and final day.
"I can feel the vibe and the love for this country. I love it," Colon said.
The Chicago Air and Water Show is scheduled to continue Sunday beginning at 10:30 a.m. Organizers said weather could once again affect the schedule and that any adjustments will be announced Sunday morning.
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.
