The Chicago Air And Water Show Soars Back Into Town August 20 And 21
U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights Return
U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight & U.S. Navy Legacy Flight join forces to commemorate their departed comrade Rudy Malnati Jr., Director of the Air and Water Show for more than 30 years
The City of Chicago and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events proudly present the 2022 Chicago Air and Water Show, August 20 and 21 along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as show center from 10am to 2pm daily. Established in 1959 and one of the largest free admission events of its kind, headliners of the 2022 show include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, who are dedicating their performances to the memory of Rudy Malnati Jr.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels have been astounding audiences since 1946 with their gravity-defying flying, commanding presence and precision maneuvers now performed in their brand-new F/A18E Super Hornets. The brave men and women of the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights will inspire spectators as they jump out of an aircraft 12,000 feet above the earths surface to a perfect target landing on North Avenue Beach.
Show announcer Herb Hunter, the Voice of the Air and Water Show for more than 35 years returns to narrate and guide the spectators through each performer’s aerial choreography.
DCASE programming is supported by the Chicago Transit Authority and Millennium Garages.
Attending The Chicago Air And Water Show
The Chicago Air and Water Show takes place over Lake Michigan each August, and draws over 2 million spectators to the event, which is the largest free event of its kind in the US. 2008 marked the 50th anniversary of the Air and Water show. This years event -the 53rd will be held August 20 and 21, 2011.
What is the Air and Water Show?The Chicago Air and Water Show appeals to kids and adults. Kids, of course, will be amazed by the planes, which swoop across the sky over the lake, circle over the city, and buzz past the skyscrapers of downtown.
But even adults will enjoy the show, and be impressed with the acrobatic skills of the high-tech planes. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights will both make appearances at the show, which runs from 11am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
Is there a schedule of performances?There is no set schedule the order of the planes is determined the day of the show but you can count on the headliners going on last, so if you can only make it for a portion of the show, plan on at least being there from 2pm to 4pm.
Where can I eat nearby?Most people just pack a lunch, but if you want to grab some food before or after, or just need to escape the heat, here are some easy options for places to eat near the Air and Water Show.
Do I Have To Enter And Exit At Exactly The Time Listed On My Reservation
Similar to how a hotel reservation works, you can enter at any time after the start time listed on your SpotHero reservation, and you can depart at any time prior to the end time listed on your reservation.
For example, if your reservation goes from 8 am to 8 pm, you can enter any time after 8 am, and must leave anytime before 8 pm. Please be aware that any time spent parked outside of your reservation is subject to a ticket, tow, or an additional charge from the parking facility.
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Chicago On The Cheap Tips:
- If youre just interested in the Air part of the show skip the crowds at the beach. Most of the planes flying in the show take off and land at the Gary International Airport in Gary, Indiana.
- This flight path requires them to fly in from the south. They wont be performing their routines but they will be flying in formation as they pass over downtown, buzzing buildings and flying low over the lake before they head north to North Avenue.
- Find a friend who lives in a high rise along the lakefront or who has an office along the lakefront.
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While SpotHero does not own or operate any of these locations, we do work very closely with the operators we partner with to ensure you have a seamless parking experience every time you park!
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Chicago Air And Water Show Returns In August With Blue Angels Golden Knights And Other Performers
This will be the first full-scale Chicago Air and Water Show since 2019. It will include a dedication to Rudy Malnati Jr., a member of the famed pizza family who helped coordinate the shows in years past.
- Credibility:
- As a news piece, this article cites verifiable, third-party sources which have all been thoroughly fact-checked and deemed credible by the Newsroom.×closeSources Cited
CHICAGO The Chicago Air and Water Show is returning next month after being canceled in 2020 and scaled back last year.
This years show, happening 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 20-21, will feature the Navy Blue Angels, who put on a solo demonstration last year, and the return of the Golden Knights Army Parachute Team.
People can view the show along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue beach serving as the shows center.
After the absence of the show in 2020 and a scaled-down version in 2021, this summer we are honored to be able to bring back in full force Chicagos storied tradition, the Air and Water Show, Erin Harkey, commissioner for the citys events department, said in a news release.
Civilian performers include Susan Dacy, Bill Stein, Kevin Coleman, Rob Holland, Triple Time Team, the Fire Department Air/Sea Rescue team and the Police Department helicopter.
Herb Hunter, known as the Voice of the Air and Water Show, will return as the announcer, according to DCASE.
More information can be found on the citys website.
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.
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Chicago Air And Water Show Returns In August With Us Navy Blue Angels Performing
Best viewing locations along Chicago lakefront from Oak Street to Fullerton
The Chicago Air and Water Show returns August 20, 21 with the U.S. Navy Blue Angles and U.S. Army Golden Knights scheduled to perform.
CHICAGO — The Chicago Air and Water Show is officially coming back.
It’s happening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 20 and 21 along the lakefront.
The Blue Angels and U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team will both perform.
“After the absence of the show in 2020 and a scaled down version in 2021, this summer we are honored to be able to bring back in full force Chicago’s storied tradition – the Air and Water Show. Celebrating more than 60 years, the free event showcases incredible feats from world-class military and civilian teams over an exhilarating two days,” shares DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey.
The best place to see the show will be along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street. And as always, the show is free.
Parking Near Chicago Air And Water Show
With the help of SpotHero, enjoy the convenience of booking a parking spot ahead of time, ensuring you have a space waiting for you when you get to Chicago Air and Water Show.
Pick the day of your event, and search our listings for the most convenient location for you.
Not looking for event parking? Switch over to the hourly tab, select the timeframe you wish to book parking for, find your ideal spot on the map, and head to checkout to complete your reservation!
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Where To Watch The Chicago Air And Water Show
On the beachThe 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 from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street. You can also see the show from iconic lakefront attraction Navy Pier and the Miller Lite Beer Garden.
Reserve a cabana space at Caffe Oliva for breezy, unobstructed views from Ohio Street Beach. A little further north, grab a seat at Theater on the Lakes waterfront patio.
For the VIP treatment, head to Shore Club. Enjoy the show from the beachfront bars sand-covered patio, dotted with private cabanas. Or grab a seat at Castaways, a beach bar and grill with cool drinks, live music, and excellent views of the water and skyline.
Cruise the watersIf youd rather get on the water yourself, hop aboard one of Chicagos 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 enjoy a lunch buffet aboard the Spirit of Chicago, experience a piece of local history with Chicago Fireboat Tours, or explore cruise options with Wendella Boats, Shoreline Sightseeing Company, Seadog Cruises, Chicagos First Lady and Chicago Line Cruises.
If you prefer an open-air environment, carve out a spot on a rooftop bar, like at The J. Parker atop Hotel Lincoln, Devereaux at The Viceroy, or Offshore Rooftop at Navy Pier .
What If The Event I’m Attending Runs Late
We set up special rates for events with our partner operators, and the preset times should give you enough time on either end. If the event does last longer than expected, theres no need to worry about leaving early. The attendants will know and will let you out without a problem as soon as the event is over.
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Chicago Air And Water Show
Starting in the summer of 1959, the Chicago Air and Water Show has grown to be the largest and oldest free admission air and water exhibition in the United States. The spectacular two-day event draws an audience of over two million to the citys stunning beachfront to see military and pilots perform astonishing stunts above the waters of Lake Michigan.
For more than 60 years, the multi-day show has taken to the skies above Lake Michigan, with North Avenue Beach as the center point. Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot and catch the spectacular demonstrations by aircrafts, boats, and diving and parachute teams. Its a thrilling, bucket list experience soak up the sun, breathe in the crisp lake breezes, and feel the rumble of jet engines soaring overhead.
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.
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Chicago Air And Water Show 2022
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 COVID-19 !
IMPORTANT !Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic , the details of the event are subject to change. We strongly recommended that you check with the organizers before making any travel arrangements.
City Information
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Best Air And Water Show 2022 Chicago Pampering And Viewing Experience
We aim high to provide priceless yachting experiences which is why we offer the best Air and Water Show 2022 Chicago pampering and viewing experience aboard our 68-foot luxury Chris Craft yacht, Adelines Sea Moose.
Your Chicago Private Yacht Rentals Personal Assistant will take care of your charter details, and the crew of Adelines Sea Moose will take care of the pampering. So you and your guests can enjoy food and beverages with the Adelines Sea Moose spectacular vantage points, especially the flybridge, for a priceless Air and Water Show yachting experience!
Our Adelines Chicago Air and Water Show pampering package for the practice show Friday, August 19, time to be announced and regular shows Saturday, August 20 Sunday, August 21, 10 am to 2 pm provides you and your guests a private viewing venue. At the same time, an attentive crew serves a selection of beverages and food for the occasion to make it a priceless Chicago Air and Water Show experience.
The 59th Annual Chicago Air And Water Show
Enjoy aviation’s finest civilian and military pilots as they thrill millions along Chicago’s lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as show center and several great viewing spots around The Magnificent Mile!
The 59th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show is one of the largest and longest running events of its kind in the U.S. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels have been astounding audiences since 1946 with their gravity-defying flying, commanding presence and supersonic maneuvers in their F/A-18 Hornets. The brave men and women of the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs will inspire spectators as they jump out of an aircraft 12,500 feet above the earths surface to a perfect beach landing on North Avenue Beach.
This year ABC 7 is creating Air and Water Show Week on Eyewitness News, with special features starting Monday, August 14, and leading up to coverage on Eyewitness News on Saturday, August 19, and Sunday, August 20, as the thrilling, high-powered tradition takes to the skies.
The Air and Water Show is a top Chicago attraction and one of the most anticipated events of the summer!
The 59th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show
- Mon-Fri Closed
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