The 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III made an impressive flight across the Chicago skyline on August 15, 2026. This impressive display was captured by Arthur Maiorella of the Chicago Tribune.

Over Lake Michigan, the F-22 Raptor created a striking ‘shock collar’ on the same day. This phenomenon, also known as ‘Vapor Cones’, occurs due to a sudden drop in air pressure around the aircraft during high-speed maneuvers. Arthur Maiorella of the Chicago Tribune documented this event.

Stunt pilots dazzled crowds at North Avenue Beach with their aerial feats, as captured by Maiorella on August 15, 2026. Meanwhile, spectators crowded around the Montrose Harbor Observation Point to catch a glimpse of the show. Their eagerness was evident in the photos taken by Maiorella on the same day.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds navigated dense cloud cover over Lake Michigan’s waterfront on August 15, 2026. Unfortunately, worsening weather led to a shortened performance. This performance was another moment captured by Arthur Maiorella for the Chicago Tribune.

On August 14, 2026, a day ahead of the main events, the Chicago Fire Department helicopter and boat practiced maneuvers near Oak Street Beach. These preparations for the Chicago Air and Water Show, scheduled to run the next day, were photographed by Antonio Perez of the Chicago Tribune.

The day before the show, military jets conducted practice flights over Lake Michigan, displaying remarkable speed and skill. These preparations included a U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds jet, and Antonio Perez captured these moments as anticipation grew among onlookers at Oak Street Beach.