What to Know About the 2015 Chicago Air and Water Show

Daredevil pilots will take to the skies Aug. 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and thousands of spectators are expected to attend

The 57th annual Chicago Air and Water Show will take flight off North Avenue Beach this weekend with both new performances and classic favorites.

Daredevil pilots will take to the skies Aug. 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and thousands of spectators are expected to attend.

Here's what you need to know about this year's event:

  • This year's headliners include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs. 
  • The seven-plane Breitling Jet Team from France will make its Chicago debut during its U.S. tour.
  • Spectators will also see several military and civilian aerial demonstration teams.
  • The show can be viewed from Fullerton Beach all the way to Oak Street Beach and beyond, but the best viewing area is North Avenue Beach, if you don't mind the crowds. For more places to watch click here.
  • The event is free and open to the public, but the beaches get crowded fast.
  • There will be parking restrictions and reroutes for some public transportation services. Click here for details on how to get around. 
  • The Blue Angels were scheduled to make two flyovers the week before the Air and Water Show. The first flyover took place near the lake Wednesday afternoon, and the second was scheduled to take place over Wrigley Field on Thursday afternoon.
  • Air and Water Show veteran Herb Hunter will serve as announcer of the show, a role he has taken for more than 20 years.
  • The weather is forecast to be clear and warm, with temperatures in the 80s and possibly even 90s. 
  • Green and white locator signs will be attached to poles along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street to help attendees reference their location to friends, family and first responders if there is an emergency.
  • Certain items are prohibited from being brought onto North Avenue Beach, including alcohol, barbecue grills, fireworks, pop-up tents, balloons, kites, flag poles and all pets (except service animals).
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