It’s that time of year again—the annual Chicago Air & Water Show is racing back to the lakefront from August 16-17.
Presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), the exhibition is the largest of its kind, showcasing a variety of military and civilian performers.
Here’s the full lineup and everything to know.
2025 Air and Water Show Lineup
The 2025 Air & Water Show marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, and will feature special tributes to their contributions.
This year’s event will highlight returning acts including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.
The full lineup of military performers is as follows:
- U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
- U.S. Army Parachute Team – Golden Knights
- U.S. Air Force C-17 Demo – 15th Airlift Squadron
- Illinois Air National Guard KC-135 – 126th Air Refueling Wing
- Maryland Air National Guard A-10’s – 104th Fighter Squadron
- U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo
- U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 (Osprey) Demo
- Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365
Civilian performers include the following:
- Bill Stein Airshows
- Coleman Aerosports – Kevin Coleman
- Folds of Honor Biplane – Ed Hamill
- Mini Jet Airshows – Tom Larkin
- Muscle Biplane Machaira – Bob Richards
- Super Stearman “Big Red” – Susan Dacy
- Warbird Thunder Airshows
“The Chicago Air & Water Show is one of our city’s most beloved summer traditions, bringing together residents and visitors from around the world to enjoy an exciting, family-friendly experience on our beautiful lakefront,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement.
“We are proud to celebrate the incredible skill and dedication of our servicemen and women, while showcasing the very best of Chicago.”
Know before you go
The Air & Water Show is free and open to the public. The show will take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.
Spectators can view the show from the primary observation area at North Avenue Beach, or anywhere along the lakefront between Fullerton Avenue and Oak Street Beach.
Learn more information here.