CHICAGO — The 2025 Chicago Air & Water Show is set to return to the city’s lakefront on Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. A full rehearsal is scheduled for Friday, August 15.

The free event, which draws more than one million spectators annually, takes place along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with the best views at North Avenue Beach. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and use public transportation due to heavy crowds and limited parking.

This year’s show is headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and includes a lineup of military and civilian performers. Key military participants include the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, a C-17 demonstration from the 15th Airlift Squadron, A-10s from the Maryland Air National Guard, and a KC-135 refueling demo by the Illinois Air National Guard. The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Marine Corps will also participate with search and rescue and MV-22 Osprey demonstrations.

Civilian performers include aerobatic pilots like Bill Stein, Kevin Coleman, Tom Larkin, Ed Hamill, Bob Richards, and Susan Dacy, as well as performances by Warbird Thunder Airshows and Mini Jet Airshows.

The 2025 edition of the show will honor the 250th anniversaries of both the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps with special tributes integrated into the weekend’s programming.

No seating is provided, and visitors should bring their own blankets or chairs. Alcohol, grills, and drones are prohibited. The CTA will run extra service during the weekend, and the #72 North Avenue bus will be rerouted to accommodate the event. Parking is not available at North Avenue Beach; nearby options include the Lincoln Park Zoo lot and Millennium Park Garage with shuttle access.

Attendees are advised to use the green-and-white pole markers along the lakefront for navigation and safety. For the best experience, spectators are encouraged to plan ahead and travel light.

The Chicago Air & Water Show is one of the city’s largest summer events and remains entirely free to the public.