Photos courtesy of DCASE (Dept of Cultural Affairs and Special Events) and the City of Chicago)
Figure now where you want to watch Chicago’s famed Air and Water Show, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 10 and 11, but also Aug. 9 in 2024.
The extra day isn’t a misprint or a rescheduling of the show. It is the Friday before the big weekend when pilots practice and check out the territory and weather.
North Avenue Beach is ground zero but the planes will be seen zooming overhead up and down Chicago’s lakefront. This year features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.
Tip: Looked forward to every year, the experienced visitors know that Friday is good because the beach venue is the least crowded and many of the performers, including those featured, will be around.
Typically, the Blue Angels perform towards the end of the afternoon, but crowds gather early on the beach, so plan to spend the day watching all the action (bring sunscreen and hat protection).
Crowds is an understatement. Begun in 1959, the Chicago Air and Water Show, has become the largest and oldest, free admission exhibition of its kind in the United States, attracting more than two million viewers during its two-day event.
Among this year’s showstoppers are military performers from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U. S. Air Force and the National Guard.
In addition, are aerobatics by such civilian pilots as Bill Stein and Kevin Coleman plus barnstormer Susan Dacy.
For more information and the schedule visit City of Chicago :: Chicago Air and Water Show
Jodie Jacobs