How to watch Chicago's Air and Water Show
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Chicago Air & Water Show. Photo: Jay Capodanno, courtesy of 360 CHICAGO
Get ready for the rumbling, wheezing, thrilling sights and sounds of the Chicago Air and Water Show this weekend.
The big picture: U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headline with the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs also performing.
- 10:30am-3pm Saturday and Sunday with views along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street.
- The Blue Angels are not performing this year.
Flashback: The first show was held in 1959 with a budget of $88, featuring a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration, water skiers, a water ballet, games and a diving competition.
Reality check: If the crowded lakefront isn't your scene, there are plenty of other spots to check out the action.
Watch parties
- Escape the heat and observe the show from the 94th-floor observation deck of 175 E. Delaware (the Hancock).
- 9am-11pm Friday-Sunday.
- Tickets start at $35.
- Enjoy the outdoors as entertainment unfolds in the sky at the theater and eatery.
- 11am-4pm Saturday-Sunday at Fullerton and the Lakefront.
- Tickets start at $55 for kids and $129 for adults.
- Cruise the lake for two hours with brunch, music and a show.
- Times vary, Saturday-Sunday at Navy Pier.
- Tickets start at $129.
- Grab a paddle and take in the sights as the show roars overhead.
- Tickets start at $85.
Food and Drink Specials
- Be in the center of the action at the North Avenue viewing party with breakfast and lunch buffets and an open bar.
- 9am-3pm Sunday at North Avenue Beach.
- Tickets start at $199.
- Watch the festivities at this outdoor party for giveaways, cocktails, a beach barbecue buffet, and photo ops.
- 10:30am-3:30pm Saturday-Sunday at Oak Street Beach.
- Tickets start at $25.
- Experience Japanese-inspired brunch from the restaurant's 11th-floor terrace.
- Times vary, Saturday-Sunday at the St. Regis Hotel in Lakeshore East.
- Make a reservation.
- Planning an outdoor picnic? Pick up a to-go package that includes pizza, a bottle of wine, apps and salads from the restaurant that regularly ranks as the best pizza in the U.S.
- Packages start at $110.
- Make an order (look under Yacht Provisioning).
👩🏽✈️ Go Deeper: I'll be going behind the scenes to capture footage of the U.S. Army Golden Knights. If you want to see some exclusive content, check our Instagram!