The City of Chicago and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) proudly present the 2024 Chicago Air and Water Show, on August 10 and 11 2024 along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street,
The spectacular two-day event draws an audience of over two million to the city’s stunning beachfront to see military and pilots perform astonishing stunts above the waters of Lake Michigan. For more than 60 years, the multi-day show has taken to the skies above Lake Michigan, with North Avenue Beach as the center point. Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot and catch the spectacular demonstrations by aircrafts, boats, and diving and parachute teams. It’s a thrilling, bucket list experience — soak up the sun, breathe in the crisp lake breezes, and feel the rumble of jet engines soaring overhead.
Where to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show
- On the beach
The prime viewing location for the Chicago Air and Water Show is near the water. If you want to be in the center of the action, bring chairs or a blanket and stake out a spot on the sand or grass anywhere on North Avenue Beach from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street. You can also see the show from the iconic lakefront attraction Navy Pier and its many outdoor patios.
Reserve a cabana space at Caffe Oliva for breezy, unobstructed views from Ohio Street Beach. A little further north, grab a seat at Theater on the Lake’s waterfront patio.
- Cruise the waters
If you’d rather get on the water yourself, hop aboard one of Chicago’s many lakefront boat cruises. There are a variety of tour boat companies that offer special cruises with incredible views of the Air and Water Show — enjoy a lunch buffet and unobstructed views with City Cruises, experience a piece of local history with Chicago Fireboat Tours, or explore cruise options with Mercury Cruises, Wendella Boats, Shoreline Sightseeing Company, Seadog Cruises, Chicago’s First Lady.
- Get a sky-high view
For a bird’s eye view, head up to 360 CHICAGO observation deck, where you’ll be blown away by the 360-degree panoramas and the vastness of Lake Michigan below. Enjoy drinks from 1,000 feet up at Cloud Bar for unbeatable city views. In the iconic Willis Tower, enjoy watching the jets fly by at eye level from the 103rd-floor Skydeck Chicago.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Lakefront Trail, Lakefront Trl, Chicago, IL, United States
