Chicago Air and Water Show Overview

Anticipate over one million spectators gathering along the lakefront this weekend to witness performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, and a variety of other military and civilian aircraft. Here’s all the essential information you need, from getting to the venue to performer details.

Event Details

Admission: Free.
Location: North Avenue Beach is the main viewing area. However, good sightlines are also available at Ohio Street Beach and along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue south to Oak Street Beach. Less crowded viewing spots can be found in nearby parks and playing fields.
Event Timing: Activities take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Rehearsals are scheduled for Friday but could change due to weather conditions. Beaches open at 6 a.m., with no public seating areas and no parking available at North Avenue Beach.

Who Are the Performers?

The schedule, subject to change, features the following performers:

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds: Performing since 1960, the team includes over 120 enlisted members servicing F-16 Fighting Falcons. Demonstrations feature formation flying and solo routines.
U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights: Appearing since the 1960s, they have collaborated with celebrities like David Ross, Vince Vaughn, and Bill Murray.
Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard: Performances include the C-17 Globemaster and F-22 Raptor demonstrations.
U.S. Marine Corps: Featuring the F-35B Lightning II demonstration.
U.S. Coast Guard: Air and Sea Rescue Demonstration.
Civilian demonstrations: Include performances by the Chicago Fire Department, Chicago Police helicopters, Kevin Coleman, Susan Dacy, Ed “Hamster” Hamill, and Trojan Phlyers.

Transportation and Access

Several options are available for reaching the event:

Pedestrians: Access the lakefront via bridges, tunnels, or underpasses at Fullerton Avenue, Division Street, Scott Street, Chicago Avenue, North Avenue Beach, and Oak Street Beach.
Public Transportation: Extra service and capacity will be provided. Use the Regional Transportation Authority’s Trip Planner. Purchase tickets in advance via the Ventra app to avoid long lines. Take the Red Line to stations at Chicago/State or Clark/Division, or use alternate lines to reach downtown and walk east. The closest station to North Avenue Beach is the Brown Line’s Sedgwick station.
Metra: Offers extra service on four lines. Disembark at Union Station or Millennium Park Station and take CTA No. 151 buses to the beaches. Bicycles may not be allowed, and alcohol is prohibited on Metra trains this weekend.
Bicycle: Park your bike on the beach or rent one from Divvy, with the nearest station at DuSable Lake Shore Drive and North Boulevard.
Parking: No parking on-site. Purchase online parking packages at Millennium Garages. Shuttles are available to North Avenue Beach. Nearby parking options are available through Spothero.

What to Bring

Essential items for the event include:

Binoculars
Bottled Water
Chairs
Coolers
Earplugs
Blankets
Sunglasses
Sunscreen

Avoid bringing alcohol, balloons, kites, drones, fireworks, flag poles, grills, illegal substances, pets (unless service animals), tents, canopies, and weapons.

Weather and Safety Precautions

The weather is predicted to be hot and humid with highs in the upper 70s. Showers are possible. If severe weather strikes, temporary shelters are accessible at various locations. In emergencies or if you encounter safety issues, use pole markers along the lakefront to guide first responders to your location by providing the marker’s letter and number to 911 operators.

Audio and Additional Information

Herb Hunter, former military pilot and United Airlines captain, will announce the show from North Avenue Beach. Tune in to WBBM-AM 780 and 105.9 FM for live coverage. Audio descriptions are available via Zoom for those who are visually impaired. For up-close viewing, pay-per-vehicle parking is available at Gary/Chicago International Airport to see aircraft take off and land.

Gauthier