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Military, Civic and Civilian Performers Showcase Skills in Air and On Land at North Avenue Beach

CHICAGO – The City of Chicago and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) will present the 2025 Chicago Air & Water Show on Aug. 16 and 17 along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as the show center from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. First held in 1959, the 66th Chicago Air & Water Show remains the largest free-admission event of its kind. This year’s headliners include the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

“This show captures the heart of summertime in Chicago — free, accessible, and thrilling for people of all ages,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “We’re excited to welcome back world-class performers like the Golden Knights who have an unforgettable weekend of entertainment planned for those taking in the show along our iconic skyline.”

Warbird Thunder Airshows will fly the SNJ-2 and SNJ-3, a World War II-era aircraft once used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to train combat pilots for missions in World War II and the Korean War. Known for its deep, throaty roar, “Ol Growler” leads a fast-paced formation routine featuring loops, rolls, Cuban Eights and thrilling moves. Nearly every pilot who served in World War II and Korea trained in a variant of this historic aircraft.

This year’s show will also recognize the 250th anniversary of the United States Army and United States Marine Corps, honoring their historic contributions to the nation as well as with the Chicago Air & Water Show. While the U.S. Navy will not participate in this year’s lineup, the city acknowledges its longstanding role in the event’s history as one of its founding participants. First held in 1959, the 66th Chicago Air & Water Show remains the largest free-admission event of its kind. This year’s headliners include the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

“The Chicago Air & Water Show is one of our city’s most beloved summer traditions, bringing together residents and visitors from around the world to enjoy an exciting, family-friendly experience on our beautiful lakefront,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We are proud to celebrate the incredible skill and dedication of our servicemen and women, while showcasing the very best of Chicago.”

Taking place along Chicago’s iconic lakefront, the Chicago Air & Water Show brings together military and civilian performers, presenting world-class aerial demonstration teams and pilots.

Featured military performers for the 2025 event include:

• 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

Civilian performers:

• 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

Additional performers and support include:

• Chicago Police Department Helicopters
• Chicago Fire Department Air / Sea Rescue
• Arresting Gear
• AFOPS, MWSS-272
• MACG-28, 2d MAW
• Marine Corps Air Station New River
• Indiana Air National Guard - 122nd Fighter Wing
• Illinois Air National Guard - 182nd Airlift Wing
• U.S. Air Force Reserve - 434th Air Refueling Wing

For more information and to view the full list of performers, visit chicagoairandwatershow.us, join the conversation on Facebook (Chicago Air & Water Show), follow on X and Instagram @ChicagoDCASE and use #ChicagoAirandWater.

Public parking is not available at North Avenue Beach and attendees are encouraged to use public transportation. Pick-up and drop-off will be available at the northbound entrance of the DuSable Lake Shore Drive, depending on crowd size. The CTA 72 bus will be rerouted, and trip planning is available at transitchicago.com/planatrip. Guests may sit or stand on the sand or grass areas, with a beach mat providing accessible viewing near Castaways.

The Chicago Air and Water Show is presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The Chicago Air & Water Show is supported by ABC 7 Chicago, American Airlines, BUBBL’r, Capital One, Chicago Transit Authority, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Millennium Garages, Reser’s Fine Foods, The Boeing Company and WBBM Newsradio.

Audio description will be available online for those who are blind or low vision both days of the event.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: Credential requests for the Chicago Air & Water Show and other DCASE events can be made online.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.