Saturday’s Chicago Air and Water Show was delayed due to inclement weather amid fog and rounds of rain in the region.
Performances will begin at 12 p.m., instead of the originally scheduled time of 10:30 a.m.
During the show, tunning feats in aviation will soar over Chicago’s lakefront this weekend, wowing crowds below, from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team descending from the skies.
For 67 years now, large crowds have packed the beaches along Lake Michigan to witness incredible aviation precision and gravity-defying stunts at the Chicago Air and Water Show.
Thinking about heading out to see the action?
Here’s what the forecast is showing, the full lineup of performers and other key details:
Latest weather updates
The Chicago Air and Water Show has already dealt with one impact from the weather – the Golden Knights canceled their planned practice on Friday because of a low ceiling.
Then on Saturday morning, with the threat of additional severe weather in the forecast, organizers announced the show would take place from 12 p.m. through 5 p.m.
“Due to inclement weather, the Chicago Air and Water Show is delayed until noon today,” Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events said in a social media post. “Show producers are working directly with the FAA to assess flight conditions and ensure the safety of performing acts, attendees and event staff.”
Clear conditions are largely expected in the afternoon as the show gets underway.
On Sunday, some rain is expected – but it may move out shortly after developing.
Sack said not to expect completely clear skies, but higher cloud ceilings may allow for more upper air maneuvers.
When is the show?
The Chicago Air and Water Show takes place on Saturday and Sunday along the Chicago lakefront. The show was scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Due to inclement weather, Saturday’s performances were shift to between 12 and 5 p.m.
How much is admission?
The Chicago Air and Water Show is free to attend.
Where are some prime viewing spots?
The show can be seen along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.
Many rooftop bars and waterfront restaurants offer clear views of the action, and several cruise companies are planning special cruises.
Who is performing this year?
Full lineup:
Headliners
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights
Military performers
U.S. Air Force C-17 Demo – 15th Airlift Squadron
Illinois Air National Guard KC-135 – 126th Air Refueling Wing
U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue demo
F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team
USMC F-35B Lightning II Demonstration Team
Four F-16s
Civilian performers
Coleman Aerosports – Kevin Coleman
Super Stearman “Big Red” – Susan Dacy
Folds of Honor Biplane – Ed Hamill
Trojan Phlyers Flight Demonstration Team
Chicago Police Department helicopters
Chicago Fire Department Air / Sea Rescue
What about the Blue Angels?
The fan-favorite U.S. Navy Blue Angels won’t be performing this year, in what may come as a disappointment to some fans.
The Thunderbirds headlined the 2025 show alongside U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, traditionally signaling the following year’s event would be headlined by the Blue Angels.
However, the Blue Angels will be at the Oregon International Air Show in McMinnville, Oregon, this year, according to their schedule.
“Our annual schedule is developed through a variety of operational and logistical considerations, and unfortunately we are unable to support every request each year,” Captain Danielle Cribb, a spokesperson for the Blue Angels, previously told NBC Chicago.
Saturday's Chicago Air and Water Show was delayed due to inclement weather amid fog and rounds of rain in the region.
Performances will begin at 12 p.m., instead of the originally scheduled time of 10:30 a.m.
During the show, tunning feats in aviation will soar over Chicago's lakefront this weekend, wowing crowds below, from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team descending from the skies.
For 67 years now, large crowds have packed the beaches along Lake Michigan to witness incredible aviation precision and gravity-defying stunts at the Chicago Air and Water Show.
Thinking about heading out to see the action?
Here's what the forecast is showing, the full lineup of performers and other key details:
Latest weather updatesThe Chicago Air and Water Show has already dealt with one impact from the weather - the Golden Knights canceled their planned practice on Friday because of a low ceiling.
Then on Saturday morning, with the threat of additional severe weather in the forecast, organizers announced the show would take place from 12 p.m. through 5 p.m.
"Due to inclement weather, the Chicago Air and Water Show is delayed until noon today," Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events said in a social media post. "Show producers are working directly with the FAA to assess flight conditions and ensure the safety of performing acts, attendees and event staff."
Clear conditions are largely expected in the afternoon as the show gets underway.
On Sunday, some rain is expected - but it may move out shortly after developing.
Sack said not to expect completely clear skies, but higher cloud ceilings may allow for more upper air maneuvers.
When is the show?The Chicago Air and Water Show takes place on Saturday and Sunday along the Chicago lakefront. The show was scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Due to inclement weather, Saturday's performances were shift to between 12 and 5 p.m.
How much is admission?The Chicago Air and Water Show is free to attend.
Where are some prime viewing spots?The show can be seen along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.
Many rooftop bars and waterfront restaurants offer clear views of the action, and several cruise companies are planning special cruises.
Who is performing this year?Full lineup:
Headliners
Military performers
Civilian performers
The fan-favorite U.S. Navy Blue Angels won't be performing this year, in what may come as a disappointment to some fans.
The Thunderbirds headlined the 2025 show alongside U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, traditionally signaling the following year's event would be headlined by the Blue Angels.
However, the Blue Angels will be at the Oregon International Air Show in McMinnville, Oregon, this year, according to their schedule.
"Our annual schedule is developed through a variety of operational and logistical considerations, and unfortunately we are unable to support every request each year," Captain Danielle Cribb, a spokesperson for the Blue Angels, previously told NBC Chicago.
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