Having first debuted back in the summer of 1959, the Chicago Air and Water Show is today the largest free show of its kind in the United States. One of the most popular summer experiences in Chicago, the two-day event sees millions line up along North Avenue Beach and the Lakefront to watch incredible aeronautic spectacles performed by both civilian and military pilots.
The show usually take place across Saturday and Sunday on the third weekend of August every year but this coming summer we’ll be treated to the exhibition of daredevil feats a little earlier.
With Chicago hosting the Democratic National Convention at the United Center and McCormick Place from August 19th through August 22nd this year, the Air and Water Show has been forward a week and will instead take place on Saturday, August 10th, and Sunday, August 11th.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will again coheadline this year’s Chicago Air & Water Show along with the Royal Air Force Red Arrows and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.
It is the first time that the Democratic National Convention, one of the biggest political events of the year, has taken place in Chicago since 1996. Despite the date change, over two million spectators are expected to flood the lakefront to see the astonishing stunts in the skies and waters of Lake Michigan.
The show is expected to take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. with a rehearsal on Friday, August 9
Details on performers, times, and closures will be announced nearer to the date but for now more information can be found at Chicago.gov.