The Chicago Air and Water Show, one of the most iconic summer events in the city, has released its list of performers for 2025 — and while one fan-favorite won’t be there, another is set to headline.
The free event, in its 66th year, takes place over Lake Michigan, is set for Aug. 16 and 17, organizers said, with more than one million spectators expected to attend. According the city, the Chicago Air and Water Show, with the skyline as the backdrop, is the largest free admission air and water exhibition of its kind in the country.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights are set to headline the show for 2025. Last year, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels were in the lineup, with the Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlining biannually.
Here’s the full lineup for the 2025 show, which includes military performers and civilian performers. Performers are subject to change, and the schedule is decided the morning of the show by the pilots:
- U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
- U.S. Army Parachute team Golden Knights
- U.S. Air Force C-17 Demo – 15th Airlift Squadron
- Illinois Air National Guard KC-135-126th Air Refueling Wing
- Maryland Air National Guard A-10’s-104th Fighter Squadron
- U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo
- U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 (Osprey) Demo-Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365
- Bill Stein Airshows
- Coleman Aerosports – Kevin Coleman
- Folds of Honor Biplane – Ed Hamill
- Mini Jet Airshows – Tom Larkin
- Muscle Biplane Machaira – Bob Richards
- Super Stearman “Big Red” – Susan Dacy
- Warbird Thunder Airshows
- Chicago Police Department Helicopters
- Chicago Fire Department Air / Sea Rescue
- Marine Corps Air Station New River
- Indiana Air National Guard – 122nd Fighter Wing
- Indiana Air National Guard – 182nd Airlift Wing
- U.S. Air Force Reserve – 434th Air Refueling Wing
As the event comes up, where’s what to know.
What and where is the Chicago Air and Water show?
The Chicago Air and Water Show first started in 1959. The multi-day event has since evolved to be a mainstay of summer in Chicago.
The event features “daredevil thrills in the air and on the water” at North Avenue Beach and along Chicago’s lakefront.
The show will be narrated by Herb Hunter, who has served as “the voice of the show” for over two decades.
“The Chicago Air & Water Show is conducted in an extremely safe and conscientious way,” the city says. “Safety precautions are taken at all times before, during and after the show. Planes take off and land at the Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary, Indiana. All pilots perform stunts over the water in a set safety area. When a plane does fly over buildings, it is merely doing so in its flight path to return to the show area or the airport.”
When is the 2025 Chicago Air and Water Show?
The Chicago Air and Water Show will take place over the weekend of Aug. 16-17. An additional rehearsal will be held on Aug. 15, and can be heard and seen all throughout the city.
Specific start and end times have not yet been announced. In previous years, the show lasted from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
How much does the Chicago Air and Water Show cost?
The Chicago Air and Water Show is free to attend.
Where can the show be seen from?
The show is visible along the waterfront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.
Many rooftop bars and waterfront restaurants have unobstructed views, and several cruise companies offer special cruises on the day of the Air and Water Show. Choose Chicago has several recommendations for those looking for unique vantage points.