Chicago Air and Water Show 2025 Takes Over the Lakefront

Chicago Air and Water Show 2025 Takes Over the Lakefront

Chicago Air and Water Show 2025 Takes Over the Lakefront


Hey everyone, get ready to look up this weekend because the skies over Chicago are about to come alive! The Chicago Air and Water Show is back for 2025, and it’s shaping up to be an incredible spectacle. If you’ve never been, this is the largest free air and water show in the country, and it’s expected to draw over a million spectators along the lakefront this Saturday and Sunday, August 16th and 17th.

The centerpiece of the show is North Avenue Beach, but really, you can catch the action from anywhere along the lakefront—from Fullerton Avenue down to Oak Street Beach. And if you want a unique view, plenty of rooftop bars and waterfront restaurants have unobstructed vantage points. Some cruise companies even offer special cruises so you can watch the performances from the water.

The schedule runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, with a rehearsal on Friday. Keep in mind that the full lineup is decided each morning by the pilots, but here’s what we know so far: The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are headlining this year, and they’ve been thrilling crowds here since 1960. You’ll also see the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team performing jaw-dropping jumps, and a host of other military aircraft demonstrations including the A-10 Thunderbolt II, C-17 Globemaster III, and the MV-22 Osprey. Civilian performers like Kevin Coleman, Ed “Hamster” Hamill, and Susan Dacy will also show off some daring aerobatics.

Also Read:

Getting there is made easier with public transportation. Extra service will be provided on the CTA and Metra, and there are helpful tips for walking or biking to the show. Parking at North Avenue Beach won’t be available, but nearby garages and Spothero options have been suggested. Just remember, alcohol is prohibited, and bags will be searched at entry.

Weather-wise, it’s going to be hot and humid, with highs in the upper 80s and lower 90s. A slight chance of a Sunday afternoon thunderstorm has been noted, so plan accordingly. Temporary shelters are available at underpasses if needed.

The show will be narrated by Herb Hunter, who’s been the voice of the show for over twenty years, giving live commentary so you won’t miss a single twist, loop, or dive. And if you can’t make it to the lakefront, you can still listen along on WBBM-AM 780 and 105.9 FM.

So pack your sunscreen, binoculars, and maybe a blanket or chair, and get ready for a weekend full of daredevil thrills over Chicago’s iconic skyline. This is a show you don’t want to miss!


If you want, I can also create a slightly shorter, punchier 3-minute spoken version that feels like a live “on-air” script. Do you want me to do that?

Read More:

Post a Comment

0 Comments