Chicago Air and Water Show 2025: What to Know
Event Overview
Over one million people are expected to gather this Saturday and Sunday to view the Chicago Air and Water Show. The event features performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, along with other aircraft demonstrations.
Key Details
Entry Fee
You won’t need to pay to enjoy the show; admission is free.
Location
The main venue is North Avenue Beach, but you can also catch great views from Ohio Street Beach and the lakefront between Fullerton Avenue and Oak Street Beach. Parks and playing fields nearby might be less crowded.
Event Schedule
The show lasts from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Rehearsals are set for Friday but may be adjusted due to weather conditions. Beaches open at 6 a.m. but do not offer public seating, and parking at North Avenue Beach is unavailable.
Performers
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will showcase thrilling aerial displays with their team of eight F-16 Fighting Falcons. The U.S. Army Golden Knights will demonstrate parachuting skills. Other military displays include the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, and Illinois Air National Guard.
Civilian participants are the Chicago Fire Department Air and Sea Rescue, Chicago Police Department helicopters, Kevin Coleman, Susan Dacy, Ed “Hamster” Hamill, and Trojan Phlyers.
Transportation and Accessibility
Walking
Access pathways include bridges, tunnels, or underpasses at major routes to North Avenue Beach.
Public Transport
Extra services will be provided over the weekend. Plan your route using the Regional Transportation Authority’s Trip Planner. Use the CTA for extra service on certain lines. The Red Line has stations at Chicago/State or Clark/Division within walking distance. Metra offers increased service on four lines, connecting you to CTA buses.
Bicycling
You can bring your bike to the beach. Rent with Divvy; its nearest station is at DuSable Lake Shore Drive and North Boulevard.
Parking
There is no parking at the event site. Millennium Garages offer online pre-purchase parking packages, with shuttles to North Avenue Beach. Spothero provides additional nearby parking options.
What to Bring
Packing List:
- Binoculars
- Bottled water
- Chairs
- Coolers
- Earplugs
- Blankets
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Leave These Items at Home:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Balloons and kites
- Drones
- Fireworks
- Flag poles
- Grills
- Illegal substances
- Pets (except service animals)
- Tents and canopies
- Weapons
Weather and Contingencies
Forecast
Expect hot and humid conditions, with temperatures in the upper 70s and possible showers.
Weather Interruption
Performances may be delayed or canceled due to adverse weather. Nearby underpasses and pedestrian walkways can serve as temporary shelters.
Additional Information
Observation at Airport
You have the opportunity to watch aircraft take off and land at the Gary/Chicago International Airport parking lot for a fee.
Show Announcements
Listen to live announcements by show announcer Herb Hunter on WBBM-AM 780 and 105.9 FM. An audio description is available via Zoom for those with low vision or blindness.
Emergency Protocols
Look for green pole markers along the lakefront to identify your location in case of emergencies. Call 911 and provide the pole’s identification to assist responders. You can also use this to inform friends and family of your position.