The 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show will feature performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.
The 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show will take place along the lakefront on August 15 and 16, featuring performances from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. The free public event, which began in 1959, attracts over a million spectators annually. This year's lineup includes various military and civilian aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team and the Chicago Police Department helicopters. Weather conditions have impacted the schedule, with rain and clouds causing delays on both Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced that programming would begin at noon to accommodate low-lying clouds. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will attend the event along the lakefront. Spectators can view the show from North Avenue Beach and the lakefront between Fullerton Avenue and Oak Street. The city encourages the use of CTA to reach the venue, while GEICO sponsors a shuttle service from Millennium Garages to North Avenue Beach.