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Thunderbirds and Golden Knights to Headline Chicago Air & Water Show This Weekend

City prepares for over one million spectators through flight restrictions, transit reroutes, parking bans, safety protocols.

A pair of U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcons taxi from the Gary Chicago International Airport runway during a preview event for the upcoming Gary Air Show on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform during the Chicago Air and Water show near North Avenue Beach on Aug. 20, 2023 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
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Chicago Air and Water show 2025

Overview

  • Rehearsals at North Avenue Beach begin Friday, Aug. 15, with the main show running 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
  • The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Golden Knights will lead a multi-branch military and civilian roster of performers.
  • The FAA’s temporary flight restrictions are in effect from Friday through Sunday, prohibiting unauthorized drones around Lake Michigan.
  • Organizers anticipate more than one million attendees and have implemented no-parking zones, CTA route adjustments, shuttle services and designated pick-up/drop-off points.
  • Pilots finalize each day’s performance order on show mornings and weather contingencies include safety zones over water and nearby public shelter points.