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 city’s stunning lakefront 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. It’s a thrilling, bucket list experience — soak up the sun, breathe in the crisp lake breezes, and feel the rumble of jet engines soaring overhead.