Air and Water Show takes over Chicago skies this weekend
CHICAGO - The Chicago Air and Water Show will be flying over the city Saturday and Sunday.
This is the largest free show in the United States and can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.
Performers have been taking to the skies this week prior to the event to celebrate its return.
Rehearsal for the event will last from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.
The Chicago Air & Water Show is just one of many fun-filled events taking place across the city this weekend.
Ribfest kicked off Friday in North Center. It will continue on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.
"This is my very first time coming here, so I’m excited," said Antoinette Escamilla, who attended the festival.
Returning for its 23rd year, the festival takes place on Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park Road and Berteau Avenue.
"We just came to eat, have a good time, beautiful weather, Chicago!" said Lisa Rojas.
There, festival-goers had their eyes on the prize.
"Definitely ribs, mac and cheese and some cornbread," said Tresor Ngizwenayo. "We’re just here to enjoy the last few days of summer, eat some good BBQ, and enjoy the weekend."
Smokers are filled and grills are sizzling – with something for everyone.
"We do baby back ribs, we also got brisket, rib tips and the sampler ribs as well," said Charlie Robinson, owner, Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs. "It is an art."
Also taking place this weekend is Taylor Street’s Little Italy Fest, which kicked off Thursday. It will continue from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Authentic Italian food and finds will be featured on Taylor Street from Racine Avenue to Ashland Avenue.
Meanwhile, Pilsen Fest is also taking place on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. on Blue Island Avenue between 16th Street and 18th Street. The outdoor festival will feature musical acts and art installations.
Bulls Fest is taking place this weekend, too, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, and is free to attend. It includes a 3v3 basketball tournament, food trucks, dunking competitions, live music, an art show, and more on the United Center campus.
Plus, Chance the Rapper will take center stage at the United Center on Saturday at 8 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Here's a rundown on all the must-know details for the Air & Water Show:
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds | Air and Water Show
Who is performing?
Top performers at the 2023 show are the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds return to Chicago after their last appearance in 2018.
Other must-see performances are:
Military Performers
- US Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team
- US Air Force Heritage Flight Demo Team
- US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III Demo Team
- US Air Force/Air National Guard A-10 Thunderbolt II (x4)
- US Air Force/Air National Guard KC-135E Stratotanker
- US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet "Rhino" Demo Team
- US Navy Legacy Flight Demo Team
- US Coast Guard MH-65D Dolphin Search & Rescue Demo
Civilian Performers
- Susan Dacy
- Bill Stein
- Kevin Coleman
- Rob Holland
- Edward Hamill
- Triple Time Team: Bill Stein, Kevin Coleman & Rob Holland
- Chicago Fire Department Air/Sea Rescue
- Chicago Police Department Helicopter
Chicago Air and Water Show | City of Chicago
Where should I go for the show?
The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street on North Avenue Beach.
People are welcome to sit or stand on the sand or grass areas in the park.
Beach mats will be set up for sand accessibility between the Castaways Beach seating footprint and the event. There will be an accessibility symbol to mark the beach mat entrance.
The pickup and drop off will be at North Avenue that is northbound entrance to DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
How can I get to the show?
Attendees can plan their trip using the CTA service at transitchicago.com/planatrip. The CTA 72 bus that usually stops at North Avenue beach will be rerouted.
Millennium Park Garages has been discounted for pre-purchase parking and offers a shuttle with Lyft from the garage to inner DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
There is no public parking at the beach for the show.
For more information and the latest updates, visit ChicagoAirandWaterShow.us.