Editor’s note: The video in this story is from a previous report.
Chicago’s summer skies will once again be filled with aircraft and awe as the Chicago Air and Water Show returns, with organizers predicting more than a million spectators. The free, city-backed event along the lakefront—famed for its dramatic skyline backdrop—continues to be the country’s largest of its kind.
Key details to know
– When: August 16–17, 2025; rehearsals are scheduled for August 15.
– Time: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days (the exact full schedule is decided the morning of the show by the pilots).
– Where to watch: The main focus is North Avenue Beach, but viewing is possible anywhere along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street.
– Viewing tips: Rooftop bars and waterfront restaurants offer clear sightlines, and several cruise companies run special show-day cruises. Choose Chicago has recommendations for prime vantage points.
Where the flights originate
– Planes take off and land at Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary, Indiana.
Safety and organization
– City officials emphasize that the event is conducted in a safe and conscientious manner. Pilots perform stunts over a designated safety area, and any over-building flyovers are part of the flight path back to the show area or the airport.
Headliners and lineup
– The 2025 show features top military and civilian acts. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights headline the event. Other participants include the U.S. Air Force C-17 Demo, Illinois Air National Guard KC-135 refueling, A-10s, Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo, MV-22 Osprey, and a range of civilian acts such as Bill Stein Airshows, Coleman Aerosports, Folds of Honor Biplane, and more.
– Note: Last year’s lineup included the Navy Blue Angels; this year’s roster highlights the Thunderbirds and Golden Knights, with other acts rotating in and out.
A look back and what to expect
– The Chicago Air and Water Show began in 1959 and has grown into a celebrated summer tradition with water and air stunts framed by Chicago’s iconic skyline.
– The event will be narrated by Herb Hunter, a longtime voice of the show.
Practical takeaways for attendees
– Arrive early to secure vantage points along the lakefront; consider public transit or rideshares to avoid parking bottlenecks.
– Check the morning-of-show schedule for the day’s exact lineup and timing.
– Bring sunscreen, water, and hearing protection, and be mindful of weather conditions which can influence flight times.
Summary
The Chicago Air and Water Show returns August 16–17, 2025, with the Thunderbirds and Golden Knights headlining a lineup of military and civilian aerial displays. Rehearsals are on August 15, and spectators can view from the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as the focal point. The event emphasizes safety and draws more than a million spectators, continuing Chicago’s legacy of free, family-friendly summer spectacle.
If you’d like, I can add a concise sidebar with travel tips, parking alternatives, and weather outlook for the weekend.