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.
The Chicago Air & Water Show was delayed Sunday, again, due to weather conditions, the city said.
The show will no begin at noon and continue through 5 p.m. to allow for the full show schedule.
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.
