2026 Chicago Air and Water Show thrills spectators despite weather delays

The weather forced Sunday's Chicago Air and Water Show to start about an hour and a half later than planned along the lakefront.

But the crowds waited patiently and they got the payoff. The sun came out, and the aerobatics set up the skies.

It is a singular thrill that draws the fans year after year. The show continues to draw fans to see the amazing air and watercrafts, from sleek fighter jets to old time propeller planes. It is a visual and audio feast.

"To me, it's the thrill of hearing the thrust. It just comes up on you and I love it," said Tammy Wilson.

Thanks to a lower ceiling because of clouds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights were unable to do a freefall, but still managed to get a jump in.

Wilson and her family arrived near Fullerton bright and early to stake out this prime piece of real estate on the lakefront. They brought the tent and several grills for a big group of family and friends.

Mom handled the cooking, which included burgers, chicken wings, and baked beans. Her son was in charge of logistics.

"Putting everything together. Tables, the tent, and the muscles," said Laderian Casey.

The Chicago Fire Department rescue crews were well represented, demonstrating a water rescue with a boat and a couple of jet skis. The show draws an estimated crowd of about 1 million people every year. The weather delay may have kept a few at home on Sunday, but there are few open spots on the lakefront.

"I don't mind waiting. The kids love it so," said Bart Kulaga.

It was family entertainment, for sure. Brian Suchacz has been to the show before, but this was the first time with his 1-year-old son, Luka.

"It's a great time. Not often you get to see fight jets flying by," Suchacz said.

James Konopka brought his family from Plainfield, and his camera.

The show started 67 years ago in 1959. There are now several generations of fans here continuing what has become a family tradition for many.

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.

Families began to secure a spot for the last day of Chicago Air and Water Show by 6:30 a.m. 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.

The 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show kicked off after weather delay Saturday, drawing thousands to North Avenue Beach.

"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.