Aug. 15 – 16, 2026
Free admission • Chicago lakefront
The Chicago Air and Water Show has been an iconic Chicago event since 1959. The annual summer spectacle is the largest and oldest free-admission air and water exhibition in the United States.
The two-day event draws an audience of over one million to the city’s stunning lakefront to see pilots perform astonishing stunts above the waters of Lake Michigan.
Chicago Air and Water Show guide
Learn more about the 67th annual Chicago Air and Water Show, find the best spots to watch, and start planning your visit.
When is the Chicago Air and Water Show?
The Chicago Air and Water Show 2026 will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16. There will be a rehearsal on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.
Where to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show
The Chicago Air and Water Show can be viewed along the Lake Michigan waterfront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street. Here are a couple of the most popular places to see the show.
On the beach
The prime viewing location for the Chicago Air and Water Show is near the water. If you want to be in the center of the action, bring chairs or a blanket and stake out a spot on the sand or grass anywhere on North Avenue Beach.
Waterfront restaurants
Reserve a cabana space at Caffè Oliva for breezy, unobstructed views from Ohio Street Beach. A little further north, check out Theater on the Lake’s waterfront patio. Or grab a seat at Castaways, a beach bar and grill with cool drinks, live music, and excellent views of the water and skyline. Keep in mind that most restaurants will be hosting ticketed events this weekend.
@choosechicago The Chicago Air and Water Show is the largest and oldest FREE air and water exhibition in the US. ✈️ It can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point. TIP: Look up to catch views of the rehearsal on 8/15 — the day before the event officially begins. 📅 8/16 & 17, 10:30am – 3pm #NeverOutdoneChi♬ original sound – Choose Chicago
Rooftop bars
If you prefer an elevated view, carve out a spot on a rooftop bar, like at The J. Parker atop Hotel Lincoln or Cindy’s at the Chicago Athletic Association. You can also see the show from the iconic lakefront Navy Pier and its many outdoor patios, like Offshore Rooftop (the largest rooftop bar in the world).
Boat cruises
If you’d rather get out on the water, hop aboard one of Chicago’s many lakefront boat cruises. There are a variety of tour boat companies that offer special cruises with incredible views of the Air and Water Show — explore cruise options with City Cruises, Mercury Cruises, Tall Ship Windy, Wendella Boats, Shoreline Sightseeing Company, Chicago’s First Lady, and more.
Check out our full guide on where to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show.
Chicago Air and Water Show 2026 lineup
Check out the elite military and civilian performers coming to this year’s Chicago Air and Water Show:
Headliners
- U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds: Showcasing the elite skills every Air Force pilot must possess, the Thunderbirds excite and inspire audiences around the world with the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
- U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights: Competition parachute teams are drawn from all branches of the U.S. Army to demonstrate the skill and daring of America’s top parachutists.
Military performers
- U.S Air Force C-17 Demo– 15th Airlift Squadron: Capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo to main operating bases, this is the most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force.
- Illinois Air National Guard KC-135– 126th Air Refueling Wing: The Stratotanker has successfully provided the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force for more than 60 years.
- U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demonstration: One flight mechanic and one rescue swimmer demonstrate their dedication to the Coast Guard’s motto “Semper Paratus,” which means “Always Ready.”
- F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team: The Raptor combines stealth, speed, and advanced technology to dominate both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, making it the most capable fighter aircraft in the world.
- USMC F-35B Lightning II Demonstration Team: This aircraft is a stealth fighter that can take off and land almost anywhere, giving Marines air power outside of traditional runways.
Civilian performers
- Coleman Aerosports: Flying since childhood and mentored by legends, Kevin Coleman became one of the youngest faces in the Red Bull Air Race team, now thrilling global crowds with his aerobatic flying.
- Super Stearman “Big Red”: Susan Dacy takes audiences back to aviation’s barnstorming era in her WWII-era trainer, Big Red, being one of the few women performing airshows in a biplane and the only one flying exhibition in a Super Stearman.
- Folds of Honor Biplane: Ed Hamill is a veteran airshow pilot, performing in his biplane for over 42 million at airshows across North America since 1999. Hamill now partners with Folds of Honor Foundation which provides scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled military and first responders.
- Trojan Phlyers Flight Demonstration Team: This Dallas-area team flies two vintage T-28B Trojan aircrafts in formation and solo aerobatics, preserving the legacy of the North American Aviation Company at air shows nationwide.
- Chicago Police Department Helicopters: The Chicago Police Department’s Marine & Helicopter Unit is a specially trained team that uses advanced equipment across both water and air operations to keep the city safe.
- Chicago Fire Department Air / Sea Rescue: Established in 1965, this unit handles water rescues, boat emergencies, and air search missions across 37 miles of lakefront and the nation’s largest harbor system.
Chicago Air and Water Show tips and FAQs
Planning to go to the Chicago Air and Water Show? Here are a few things to know before you go.
What accessibility amenities are available during the Chicago Air and Water Show?
Audio description will be available for those who are blind/low vision during both days of the event. Learn more about accessibility at the Air and Water Show.
Is the Chicago Air and Water Show free?
Yes, entrance to the Chicago Air and Water Show is completely free. No tickets or reservations are required.
Are there bathrooms at the Chicago Air and Water Show?
Yes, there are plenty of restrooms on the lakefront, including at the North Avenue Beach House, along with portable facilities throughout the waterfront area.
Is there seating at the Chicago Air and Water Show?
There are no public seating areas provided in the lakefront viewing areas. Spectators are welcome to sit or stand on the sand or grass areas in the park. You can also bring your own chairs and/or blankets.
How can I get to the Chicago Air and Water Show?
The best way to get to the lakefront during the Air and Water Show is via public transit. Learn more about CTA bus and train options.
There is no public parking at North Avenue Beach during the Air and Water Show weekend. Millennium Park Garages offers parking near the lakefront. Pick-up and drop-off will be available at the northbound entrance of the DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
About the Chicago Air and Water Show
For more than 60 years, the Chicago Air and Water Show has taken to the skies above Lake Michigan, with North Avenue Beach as the center point.
The city’s first Air and Water Show was held on the lakefront in 1959 and featured a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration, water skiers, a water ballet, and a diving competition. The next year brought the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and an even bigger crowd, and a new Chicago summer tradition was born.
Today, the Chicago Air and Water Show is known as a thrilling, bucket list experience, drawing more than one million spectators to soak up the sun, breathe in the crisp lake breezes, and feel the rumble of jet engines soaring overhead. Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot and catch the spectacular demonstrations by aircraft, boats, and diving and parachute teams.
