- This page was last modified on 9 August 2025, at 06:39. Suggest an edit.
Chicago Air & Water Show facts for kids
| Chicago Air & Water Show | |
|---|---|
Military aircraft perform over Lake Michigan
|
|
| Genre | Air show |
| Dates | every August |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Location(s) | Chicago, Illinois |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1959 |
| Organized by | Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events |
The Chicago Air & Water Show is a super exciting yearly event. It takes place on the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago. This amazing show has been happening since 1959. It is the biggest free show of its kind in the United States. The most recent show was held on August 10–11, 2024. The 2025 show took place on August 16-17, with a full practice day on August 15.
This free event shows off brave pilots and amazing parachute teams. You can also see cool jet formations. Plus, there are water-skiing and boat-jumping demonstrations! The show is easy to see from almost anywhere along Chicago's lakefront. This is because it is so close to the city beaches and skyline. Both civilian and military pilots take part. Famous teams like the U.S. Army Golden Knights often participate. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds take turns being the main performers each year.
.jpg)
The Blue Angels fly over the city in 2019.
History of the Chicago Air & Water Show
The show first started in 1959. It was called the Lakeshore Park Air & Water Show back then. It began with a small budget. The first show included a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration. There were also water skiers, a water ballet, games, and a diving contest. The next year, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Golden Knights Parachute Team joined in.
Since 1989, companies have helped pay for the show. This helps keep it free for everyone. The Mayor's Office of Special Events has managed the show since 1994.
In 2020, the show was canceled. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2008, the show celebrated its 50th year. It was made longer, from two days to three days. Friday, which was usually just a practice day, became part of the main performances. Famous actress Florence Henderson sang the American national anthem. Actor Bill Murray parachuted into the event with the Golden Knights. He was there to support the United Service Organization. Also, Gary Sinise played a live concert with his Lt. Dan Band. The concert ended with a B-1 bomber flying by and fireworks. Many people came to see the show that year.
Safety at the Air & Water Show
Planes for the show take off and land at Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary, Indiana. All pilots do their amazing stunts over the water. They fly in a special area called a "safety box." This area goes from the lakefront out into Lake Michigan. Boats and kayaks often gather outside this area to watch the show.
The people who organize the show work closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They also work with city departments to make sure everyone is safe. Every day, before flying, all pilots and air crew must go to morning meetings. They get updates on the weather and safety rules. The event even has its own air traffic controller. This person watches over the downtown airspace during the show hours.
Many performers use the Gary Airport for their ground support.
In 2005, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds stopped their show early. During a special formation, one plane's wing touched another plane. A part of the wing broke off and fell into the safety box. The other plane got a scratch. No one was hurt, but the show was stopped right away. All the planes went back to Gary International Airport. The Thunderbirds did not perform on the second day.
For people watching the show, there are rules about what you can bring. You can bring picnic blankets, chairs, and coolers. But you are not allowed to bring grills, fireworks, alcohol, tents, balloons, weapons, kites, flagpoles, or pets. Service animals are allowed.
See also
- Milwaukee Air and Water Show
- List of air shows