The 49th annual Chicago Air & Water Show swoops into town this weekend, promising death-defying aerial stunts. With more than 2 million people competing for prime lakefront seating, finding the right vantage point can be tough. Lucky for you, we’ve scouted out five great ways to view the airborne action.
1. Kayak Chicago
Glide south from Montrose and watch the action from the open water during a Saturday lake paddle. “Planes fly right over your head,” says Kayak Chicago owner Dave Olson. “It’s quite an experience.”
Pro: From the prow of a kayak, there’s nothing to block your view of the action.
Con: Not for the faint of heart. You’ll feel like Frogger dodging all the boats mobbing the lake.
Make it happen: Three-hour return trip splashes off from Montrose Beach at 1 p.m. Bring water and a snack and wear clothes you wouldn’t mind getting wet. $50 per person. Book: 630-336-7245.
2. Oak Street Beachstro
The popular Air & Water Show package at Castaways already is sold out, so head south to its beachfront rival. Beachstro’s restaurant package gets you a coveted patio seat and a three-course lunch. A cheaper tent option features all-day tent access, a guaranteed outdoor seat and an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch (noon to 2 p.m.).
Pro: So close to the action, you’ll be inhaling jet fuel from the F-16s.
Con: A hefty price tag — enough to make standing elbow-to-elbow with the sweaty masses on North Avenue Beach sound a little more appealing.
Make it happen: Packages available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Patio seating $125 per person; tent seating $65 — plus tax and gratuity. Cash bar; tent package includes two drink tickets. Oak Street at Lake Michigan. Book: 312-915-4100.
3. Navy Pier
The Sunday party package on Navy Pier’s third-floor rooftop features an all-you-can-eat buffet (barbecued chicken breasts, burgers, brats and salads), an open bar serving mimosas and bloody marys in the morning, and a selection of wine, bottled beers and cocktails in the afternoon. A DJ spins while you gawk at the action overhead.
Pro: If you tire of all the “Team U.S.A.” boosterism, you can always chill out with a ride on the ferris wheel.
Con: With 300 to 400 people packing the rooftop and thousands more crowding the pier, expect longer-than-usual lines for the facility’s few restrooms.
Make it happen: Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Buffet offered 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; open bar 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets $75 ($5 discount per person for groups of 8 or more). 600 E. Grand Ave. Book: 312-595-5130.
4. Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub
You won’t find any party packages or buffets at this Streeterville Irish pub — just flowing Guinness, typical pub grub and a prime perch along the Chicago River for watching the B-52s and F-22 Raptor round the bend toward the lake.
Pro: Cheap.
Con: You’ll be farther from the action, so you’ll miss the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights’ beach landing — but at this price, who’s complaining?
Make it happen: Bar and kitchen open at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 400 N. McClurg Ct. 312-467-1992.
5. Spirit of Chicago
View the aerial antics from the four-level cruise ship. Between trips to the buffet, head up to the top-floor patio deck for a bird’s-eye view of the action.
Make it happen: Saturday and Sunday early lunch cruises board at 10 a.m. and return at 12:30; $45 per person. Later lunch cruises board at 1:45 p.m. and return at 4:45 p.m.; $75 per person. Book: 866-211-3804.
Pro: You’ll be in the lap of luxury with linen tablecloths, attentive servers and air conditioning.
Con: About as much of an adrenaline boost as tea with grandma.
49th annual Chicago Air & Water Show
When: Saturday-Sunday. The water show sets off at 9 a.m., and the air show takes flight from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Catch it as far north as Montrose Avenue and as far south as Burnham Harbor. Most of the action takes place along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with the best views from North Avenue Beach.
Cost: Free. [H.M.]
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