Established in 1959, the Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest free admission event of its kind.
The 2026 Chicago Air & Water Show will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as show center from 10:30am to 3pm daily. Headliners of the 2026 show include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo.
Showcasing the elite skills every Air Force pilot must possess, the Thunderbirds excite and inspire audiences around the world with the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Also returning this year are the men and women of the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, who will jump out of an aircraft 12,000 feet above the earth’s surface to a perfect target landing on North Avenue Beach.
The popular lakefront event features a wide variety of military and civilian performers and aerial demonstration teams with world-class pilots performing their aerobatic maneuvers along Chicago’s lakefront.
Featured military performers for the 2026 event include:
U.S Air Force C-17 Demo– 15th Airlift Squadron: Capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo to main operating bases, this is the most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force.
Illinois Air National Guard KC-135– 126th Air Refueling Wing: The Stratotanker has successfully provided the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force for more than 60 years.
U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demonstration: One flight mechanic and one rescue swimmer demonstrate their dedication to the Coast Guard’s motto “Semper Paratus,” which means “Always Ready.”
F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team: The Raptor combines stealth, speed, and advanced technology to dominate both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, making it the most capable fighter aircraft in the world.
USMC F-35B Lightning II Demonstration Team: This aircraft is a stealth fighter that can take off and land almost anywhere, giving Marines air power outside of traditional runways.
