Chicago Air and Water Show 2025: Schedule, performers, best viewing spots and more
Chicago's Air and Water Show returns this weekend for its 66th year.
The show will be held on Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17, along the lakefront, with North Avenue Beach serving as the show center.
Air and Water Show performers
This year, the Air Force Thunderbirds will return to the show along with the US Army Golden Knights parachute team, the Maryland Air National Guard A-10s, and the U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue.
The civilian performers include Bill Stein Airshows, Kevin Coleman Aerosports, and Folds of Honor Biplane with Ed Hamill.
The show will also feature the Chicago Police Department helicopters, the Chicago Fire Department air and sea rescue, and the Indiana Air National Guard – 122nd Fighter Wing.
Taylor Iman will also be the voice behind the national anthem for both days.
She said being asked to sing by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events was one of her dreams.
"I'm super excited. I literally grew up watching both the Air and Water Show in both Gary and Chicago, So I'm excited to do it. I've literally made it my goal to sing at all of the sporting events of the national anthem here in Chicago," she said.
Find a full list of performers here.
Air and Water Show weather
The Air Show is coming as Chicago faces the threat of extreme heat and storms this weekend.
Crowds braved temperatures of nearly 90° along the lakefront on Thursday to watch Air Show practice sessions, with some of those people wanting to avoid either possible storms that could hit on Saturday or the much larger crowds that will be watching the main event.
Pat and MaryAn Quinnett have made the trip to the beach on the Friday before the Air & Water Show for 25 years, a tradition built around beating the crowds but always enjoying the show.
"When we worked, we would take Friday off to come down here," MaryAn said. "Of course, we come for the Thunderbirds or the Blue Angels."
"Good variety. Good show," Pat said.
Some chose to head to the lakefront ahead of thunderstorms expected for Saturday, when temperatures again could hit the 90s.
Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford said people going to the Air & Water Show should take precautions against the heat.
"Making sure you that have the capability to take breaks in the shade, that you have hydration with you. Nobody should be heading to the show this weekend without at least some bottles of water," he said. "The good news is is that, if there are storms, they are likely going to be isolated, kind of the pop-up stuff, so hopefully any kind of delays or a change in schedule, if they do arise from, it won't be just a pure cancelation."
Best viewing spots of the Air and Water Show
North Avenue Beach will be the center of the show from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The voice of the show, Herb Hunter, will announce from North Avenue Beach.
You can watch the show from along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street.
Air and Water Show transportation
Access to pick-up and drop-off will be available at the northbound entrance of the DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The size of the crowd could impact access to the entrances.
CTA Red Line trains from stations at Chicago/State or Clark/Division are within walking distance of Oak Street Beach.
There will be an increased capacity of service on the CTA due to the show.
On both days, extra bus service will be provided on the No. 72 North Avenue and No. 151 Sheridan bus routes, which operate close to the lakefront.
For anyone taking public transportation, the CTA No. 72 bus will be rerouted and will travel as far east as North Avenue and Clark.
Check your bus and train times on the CTA website.