Chicago Air & Water Show

The Chicago Air and Water Show is the largest free-admission air and water exhibition in the United States, first held in 1959 and presented by the City of Chicago and its Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) with presenting sponsor American Airlines. The show is staged along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as show center, typically on a mid-August weekend from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with free admission. The 2026 edition (August 15-16, with rehearsal on August 14) featured the return of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as headliners together with the U.S. Army Golden Knights, military demonstrations and civilian aerobatic performers; the FAA issued a UAS temporary flight restriction within a five-nautical-mile radius of North Avenue Beach for August 14-16, 2026. The event draws millions of spectators annually and was one of Chicago's signature celebrations of America's 250th anniversary. As of the September 2026 verification, no 2027 edition dates had been announced on the official City of Chicago page.