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The U.S. Navy has provided an additional F-35C Legacy II to its Legacy Flight to incorporate a “Missing Man” dedication to Rudy Malnati Jr.
Other appearances include the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team, U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II Demo Team, U.S. Coast Guard Air/Sea Rescue, Maryland Air National Guard A-10C Thunderbolt II, Illinois Air National Guard KC-135R Stratotanker, the Illinois National Guard 183rd Security Forces, U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey and U.S. Air Force Red Horse Mobile Aircraft Arresting Gear Team.
The Chicago Fire Department Air/Sea Rescue and Chicago Police Department Helicopter will also be part of the show.
The schedule is decided the morning of the show by the pilots, and performers are subject to change.
WBBM Newsradio 780 / 105.9 will broadcast the show live Saturday and Sunday, on both the radio and the free Audacy app. For more information, visit chicagoairandwatershow.us.
What Are The Costs Of Chicagos Air And Water Show
Whether you are eager to watch the dozens of air acts in amazement or are among those already loathing the decibel hike, heres what you need to know.
When is this happening? The festivities kick off on Friday with practice flights and will continue through Sunday afternoon at North Avenue Beach. The show will start at 10 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Where can I watch? The center of the show is North Avenue Beach, but the viewing area stretches from Oak Street all the way to Fullerton Avenue. For a prime seat, viewers should arrive early in order to beat the crowds the viewing area opens to the public at 6 a.m. on both days of the show.
How do I get there? Public transit is the way to go, mostly because there is no public parking at the beach over the weekend and limited parking at nearby Lincoln Park Zoo. Extended routes and additional buses and trains will be added to accommodate the crowds see detailed plans here. If you must drive, park in the Millennium Park garages, which will have free shuttle buses running to and from North Avenue Beach.
What should I bring? Regardless of weather, Washington encourages attendees to plan for a day at the beach: Pack plenty of water and wear sunscreen, even if its cloudy. Ear plugs and binoculars are recommended, but these items are prohibited: Pets , grills, alcohol, drones, fireworks, tents or canopies, balloons, kites and flagpoles.
More information can be found on the official event website.
How To Watch On The Water And On Land
One of the best viewing venues is right under the airplanes and on the waterfrom the deck of a boat. Hop onboard and get out on Lake Michigan. Dont have a boat? Thats where we come in. You can find a long list of available boats for rent right here on Boatsetterrent for a few hours or a full day.
There are many unique boats in Chicago to choose from. Find small and large powerboats and sailboats that are offered with or without a captain. Theres no better summer outing than being on the water, and you cant beat the front row seats.
Other shoreside spots for great viewing of the Chicago Air and Water Show include:
- Waterfront destinations include the Shore Club and Castaways.
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Chicago Air And Water Show 2023
Where: Along the lakefront between Oak Street and Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, United StatesWhen:
Every year, on the second half of August, an air and water show is held in Chicago. This is an impressive event with the participation of the best civil and military pilots who fly civil planes side by side with military planes in aerobatic shows, free fall demonstrations, marine and airy rescue exercises, etc
Due to the numerous visitors during the festival days and the high demand for accommodations it is recommended to check hotel rates and book rooms well in advance.
The two days event shows can be watched, for free, along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street when the main activity takes place in North Avenue Beach.
FREE CANCELLATIONNO PREPAYMENT NEEDED PAY AT THE PROPERTY
For your attention !
IMPORTANT !Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and for various unexpected reasons, the details of the event are subject to change. We strongly recommended that you check with the organizers before making any travel arrangements.
Event Related Information
City Information
Chicago Air And Water Show Times

The 2022 Chicago Air and Water Show is set for this Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21. The show is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. both days.
If you’re around the lakefront on Thursday, you may hear jets doing practice runs. Official practice will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.
The jets take off from Gary International Airport in northwest Indiana, then fly north along the lakefront to North Avenue Beach before returning to Gary.
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Air & Water Show Performers
Royal Air Force Red Arrows: The Royal Air Force Red Arrows will joining the show this year for the first time. For over a hundred years the Royal Air Force has defended the skies of Britain and projected Britains power and influence around the world. Today the RAF is engaged in 15 missions on 4 continents in 22 countries.
U.S. Navy Blue Angels: The U.S. Navy Blue Angels have been astounding audiences since 1946 with their commanding presence and aerial maneuvers in their F/A-18 Hornet. The team has thrilled more than 427 million fans choreographed aerobatic and high altitude performance maneuvers.
U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights: Jumping out of an aircraft 12,500 feet above the earths surface, racing to North Avenue Beach at speeds exceeding 120 mph and landing with smiles, ready to do it all again all in a days work for the Golden Knights. For more than 50 years, the U.S. Army Parachute team has amazed and thrilled audiences with their precision parachute demonstrations in more than 14,000 shows in all 50 states and 48 countries.
U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs: A typical Leap Frogs performance consists of fourteen jumpers leaping out of an aircraft at an altitude of 12,500 feet. The jumpers typically open their parachutes at around 5,000 feet, then fly their canopies together to build dramatic canopy-relative work formations.
How Do I Get To North Avenue Beach
Pedestrians: Bridges, tunnels or underpasses at Fullerton Avenue, Division Street, Scott Street, Chicago Avenue, North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach provide easy access to the lakefront and North Avenue Beach.
Public transportation: Extra service and capacity will be provided throughout the weekend. Use Regional Transportation Authoritys Trip Planner tool to map your route. Its recommended passengers purchase tickets ahead of time or through the Ventra app to avoid long lines.
Chicago Transit Authority and getting there by L: The CTA will provide extra service on some lines as well as No. 72 North Avenue and No. 151 Sheridan bus routes. Take the Red Line to stations at Chicago/State or Clark/Division, which are within walking distance of show center. Or, take the Blue, Green, Orange, Brown or Pink lines to the downtown area and walk east. The closest CTA station to the North Avenue Beach entrance is the Brown Lines Sedgwick station.
Metra: Extra service will be provided on four of Metras 11 lines with expanded passenger capacity, too, during the weekend. Customers disembarking at Metras Union Station or Millennium Park Station can board CTAs No. 151 buses to Oak Street and North Avenue beaches. Alcohol is prohibited and bicycles might not be accommodated all day Saturday and Sunday.
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Whats The Weather Forecast
A mostly dry and seasonable Friday before rain chances increase tonight. The best chances for storms will be Saturday PM where a few storms could become strong to severe with a threat of gusty winds. Rain chances ease Sunday PM with dry weather to start next week. #ilwx#INwx
Expect highs in the 70s to mid-80s this weekend with a chance of scattered thunderstorms.
In case of severe weather: Temporary shelter from rain, high winds, lightning or hail is available at various nearby underpass and pedway locations .
Water skiers wow the crowd at the second annual Water Show sponsored by Lake Shore Park, Chicago Avenue and Lake Shore Drive, on Lake Michigan on Aug. 7, 1960.
The Wbez Guide To Chicagos Air And Water Show
Its back!
Love it or hate it, the full-scale Chicago Air and Water Show is back this weekend for the first time since 2019.
Two million people are expected to gather by the lakefront for the free event. And, even though the weekends forecast is calling for rain, organizers say the show will go on.
We have every intention of the full show taking place, said Jennifer Johnson Washington, a deputy commissioner at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Should we have severe weather, the show could pause while we wait for a front to move through if were just talking about cloud cover, they can adjust the show in terms of altitude.
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What Does The Forecast Look Like
The city of Chicago has had measurable precipitation exactly once so far in the month of August, but it appears that may change during the Air and Water Show weekend.
Saturday could see several rounds of thunderstorms, with scattered storms in the morning and more widespread precipitation in the afternoon and evening, according to forecast models.
Sunday could see showers in the morning, and although models are still being dialed in, there is at least a chance that the rain could exit the area by the early afternoon hours.
Watch: Herb Hunter Is The Voice Of The Air And Water Show
While the show looks like it will get off to a dry start around 10 a.m. Saturday, shower and thunderstorm chances increase in the afternoon.
Scattered rain and showers are also possible on Sunday afternoon. Before you head to the lakefront, check the latest ABC7 AccuWeather forecast here.
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Getting To The Air And Water Show
Pick-up and drop-off is at the North Avenue northbound entrance to Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
The CTA 72 bus that usually stops at North Avenue Beach will be rerouted.
Millennium Park Garages has discounted pre-purchase parking and a shuttle from the garage to inner Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
There is no public parking at the beach over Air and Water weekend.
Visit chicago.gov for more information on the show.
Chicago Air And Water Show 202: Guide

The Chicago Air and Water Show is returning this year for its first full-scale show since the pandemic. The show was canceled in 2020 and scaled down in 2021.
Here is everything you need to know about this year’s show, how to get there, where to stay and more.
When is the show? What time is it?
The Chicago Air and Water Show will be held on Aug. 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
Where can I see the show?
The best place to view the show is from along the lakefront between Oak Street and Fullerton Avenue. North Avenue Beach, located at 1600 N. Lake Shore Dr., is the focal point of the show.
Who will be performing?
This year’s headliners will include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team the Golden Knights. The show will also include many military and civilian performers, including the Chicago Police Department helicopter, F-18 Super Hornets and many more.
For the first time, the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight and U.S. Navy Legacy Flights will be in this year’s Air and Water Show. The U.S. Navy has provided an additional F-35C Legacy II to its Legacy Flight to incorporate a dedication to the late Rudy Malnati Jr.
Herb Hunter will return as “the voice” of the Chicago Air and Water Show.
How do I get there?
Anyone wishing to attend can take the CTA. Bus #72 goes to North Avenue Beach. For more information, visit transitchicago.com.
What if I’m coming from out of town?
WBBM’s coverage
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What Tips Do City Officials Have For Attendees
Pick up and drop off for the event will take place at the North Avenue Beach entrance on the northbound side of DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
OEMC officials say that traffic could cause that pick-up lane to be shut down if the beach reaches capacity.
Millennium Park garages will offer discounted pre-purchased parking and a shuttle service from their garage to the beach, according to officials.
Which Acts Will Be Performing
The United States Navys Blue Angels will soar above the crowd at this years event, performing their remarkable acrobatic routines for hundreds of thousands of spectators.
They will share headlining duties with the U.S. Armys Golden Knights parachute team, according to city officials.
Numerous ships and planes from other branches of the military will also take to the skies and the waters of Lake Michigan during the performance, and a full list can be found on the Air and Water Shows website.
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Whos Performing Each Day
The schedule is subject to change and determined on show days. The lineup includes:
- U.S. Navy Blue Angels: More than 100 crew members including enlisted members of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines pilot and maintain eight F/A-18 Hornets, of which six will perform, and C-130 Fat Albert. The teams signature aerial maneuvers include diamond and delta formations.
- U.S. Army Golden Knights: Appearing here since the 1960s when they would land in Lake Michigan this team of soldiers has jumped with former Cubs catcher and current manager David Ross, actor Vince Vaughn and comedian Bill Murray.
- Other military performers: U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight with P-51 Mustang U.S. Air Force Red Horse Mobile Aircraft Arresting Gear Team U.S. Coast Guard Air and Sea Rescue Demo U.S. Marines MV-22 Osprey U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II Demo Team U.S. Navy Legacy Flight with FG-1D Corsair and A-4B Skyhawk Illinois Air National Guard KC-135R Stratotanker Illinois National Guard 183rd Security Forces and Maryland Air National Guard A-10C Thunderbolt II.
- Civilians: Chicago Fire Department Air and Sea Rescue Unit Chicago Police Department helicopter Kevin Coleman Susan Dacy Rob Holland Bill Stein and Triple Time Team.
Whats Notable This Year
Fan favorites returning this year include the Army parachute team floating down to earth from thousands of feet above. A rare joint appearance of the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight and U.S. Navy Legacy Flights is new this year
One person who will be notably absent is Rudy Malnati Jr., a member of the famous pizza family who served as the shows air boss for more than 30 years. Malnati, who died of cancer last December, had attended every Air and Water Show since it began in 1959, his wife told theSun-Times. Performances this weekend will be dedicated in his memory, including a special missing man dedication from the Navy.
He was such a critical part of the show, Washington said. Were excited to continue in his memory and try to make him proud.
This years show will feature a wide variety of both vintage and modern aircrafts. While the specifics of the schedule is determined the morning of the show, here are some of the 18 military and eight civilian acts slated to appear this year:
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Air And Water Show Weekend 2022
Tickets Include Entry to Shore Clubs Patio & Restaurant. Guests Will Enjoy a Premium Open Bar, Frozen Cocktails, a Bloody Mary Bar and Shore Clubs Signature BeachSide Brunch.General Admission Tickets Do Not Guarantee Seating, Which Is First Come, First Served. Reserved Seating & VIP Cabanas Are Available As An Upgrade In Addition To The GeneralAdmission Tickets.This Ticket is for Friday Only. Tickets Are Non-Refundable & Cannot Be Used For ADifferent Date.Restaurant Will Open To The PublicAt 2PM.
Extreme Winter Storm Sabotages Power Imperils Travelers Across Us
The fearsome winter storm that forecasters likened to a hurricane within a blizzard tore through the United States on Friday, knocking out power for at least 1.5 million people while exposing nearly two-thirds of Americans to extreme weather: Pounding snow. Freezing rain. Floods. Tree-snapping wind. Frigid air that could inflict frostbite in ten minutes.
The Arctic blast sent temperatures tumbling, some at record-breaking speeds, as blizzards throttled the Great Lakes region and western New York. Even winter-tested cities like Chicago and Detroit shuttered holiday attractions and urged people to stay inside. The air was so chilly that vapor rose from the waters of Ohio River and Lake Michigan.
The storm that the National Weather Service described as once in a generation began Thursday and is expected to last through Christmas weekend, ultimately carving a 2,000-mile path across much of the country. By Friday evening, the blitz of elements had intensified into a bomb cyclone, which forms when cold, dry air from the north slams into warm, moist air from the tropics. The danger zone extended from Canada to Mexico, and from Washington state to Florida.
In the United States, where almost half of the Lower 48 states were subject to powerful winds, 12 governors declared states of emergency. Outages caused by storm gusts zapped power along the East Coast and in Texas, with the worst impacts in Virginia and North Carolina.
Ill have to mentally prepare, he replied.
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