What to know about the 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show
The roar of fighter jets will once again fill the skies over Lake Michigan this weekend, as Chicago’s annual Air and Water Show will return to the city this year — with another appearance from the U.S Air Force Thunderbirds.How to watch the showThe free city-wide spectacle, which usually draws upwards of 1 million people every year, will run shows on Aug. 15 and 16, taking place from 10:30 a.m.
Reported by 1 outlet — Chicago Sun-Times. See all sources ↓
The roar of fighter jets will once again fill the skies over Lake Michigan this weekend, as Chicago’s annual Air and Water Show will return to the city this year — with another appearance from the U.S Air Force Thunderbirds.How to watch the showThe free city-wide spectacle, which usually draws upwards of 1 million people every year, will run shows on Aug. 15 and 16, taking place from 10:30 a.m. The show will stretch along the lakefront, beginning at Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue beach serving as the center of the show.What’s special about this year?While the nation’s independence day was last month, the Air and Water Show will celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement."The Chicago Air and Water Show is one of Chicago’s defining summer traditions, bringing families, visitors and aviation enthusiasts together along our extraordinary lakefront," Johnson said. "As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, we are proud to celebrate the spirit of innovation, service and patriotism that has inspired generations, while showcasing the very best our city has to offer."American Airlines, who is the presenting sponsor of the event, will open each day with a ceremonial flyover.
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- The roar of fighter jets will once again fill the skies over Lake Michigan this weekend, as Chicago’s annual Air and Water Show will return to the city this year — with another appearance from the U.S Air Force Thunderbirds.How to watch the showThe free city-wide spectacle, which usually draws upwards of 1 million people every year, will run shows on Aug. 15 and 16, taking place from 10:30 a.m.
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- 1 outlet, average source rating 6.0/10.
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- 13m ago.
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What to know about the 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show
Sources1TypeCoverageChicago Sun-Times