The 2026 Chicago Air & Water Show is scheduled to return to the city’s lakefront on Saturday and Sunday, August 15–16, bringing military jet teams and civilian aerobatic acts to North Avenue Beach, according to the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Ahead of the weekend performances, pilots began rehearsal flights on Thursday, departing from Gary, Indiana, though a persistent weather threat hung over the early schedule.
Event Schedule and Headliners for the 67th Anniversary
The free admission event runs from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, marking the 67th year of the Chicago tradition. According to city organizers, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights will headline the weekend lineup. For aviation enthusiasts looking to avoid weekend crowds, rehearsal flights are slated for Friday, August 14. Planes will also utilize the Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary, Indiana, for takeoffs and landings, as observed during Thursday’s practice runs.
Military and Civilian Performers Scheduled
The flight schedule features a diverse roster of military demonstrations and civilian stunt flyers. According to the city’s event disclosures, military acts include the U.S. Air Force C-17 Demo team from the 15th Airlift Squadron, the Illinois Air National Guard KC-135 from the 126th Air Refueling Wing, and a U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demonstration. Additional military participants feature the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, the USMC F-35B Lightning II Demonstration Team, and a formation of four F-16s.
Civilian performers round out the program with acts from Coleman Aerosports featuring Kevin Coleman, Susan Dacy flying the Super Stearman “Big Red,” Ed Hamill in the Folds of Honor Biplane, and the Trojan Phlyers Flight Demonstration Team. Local public safety units will also participate, including Chicago Police Department helicopters and Chicago Fire Department Air / Sea Rescue units.
Lakefront Viewing Areas and Public Transit
Spectators can view the performances along the lakefront, stretching from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with the main focal point centered around North Avenue Beach. According to event logistics, the lakefront opens to the public at 6 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
To accommodate an expected two million spectators, the Chicago Transit Authority will run additional trains and buses with extended routes. City officials note that no parking is available at the beach, and parking near the Lincoln Park Zoo is limited. The Millennium Park Garage is offering a discount code for online checkout, paired with free shuttle buses running directly from the garage to the lakefront. Organizers advise rideshare users to arrange drop-offs away from the immediate beach entrances to mitigate traffic congestion.
Related reading