The Chicago Air and Water Show is back from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday after being canceled in 2020 and running a scaled-back event in 2021.
The free spectacle running along the lakefront features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels showing off precise maneuvers, and the U.S. Army Parachute Golden Knights jumping out of planes from 12,000 feet to land on North Avenue Beach. You’ll also see a variety of other military and civilian pilots flying jets, tankers and search and rescue vehicles.
The action runs from Fullerton Beach to Oak Street Beach, with North Avenue Beach serving as the focal point. You can arrive early, or even check out the preview on Friday, to try to secure a spot to watch, but if you plan ahead you can get a really spectacular view. (We’ve got a full guide to the lineup, schedule and how to get there.)
Lakefront restaurants and bars are offering special packages with food and drinks during the show, and you can also get an up-close look from a skyscraper or a boat on Lake Michigan.
Caffe Oliva
The restaurant on Ohio Street Beach offers a party package including a buffet, cooked-to-order grilled fare, a sundae bar and an open bar plus a view of the action from their deck. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 550 E. Grand Ave.; tickets $124 at caffeoliva.com
City Cruises Chicago
Watch the spectacle from Lake Michigan by boarding a Spirit or Odyssey ship and hanging out on the rooftop deck. Choose from a brunch during the preview show Friday, brunch or lunch Saturday or brunch Sunday. All of the trips include a buffet, and a DJ will be providing the music. 600 E. Grand Ave.; tickets $65-$125 at cityexperiences.com
Mon Ami Gabi
The French bistro opens its patio early and offers a special menu including chicken liver mousse pate ($16), shrimp cocktail ($20) and mussels with frites ($31). You’ll also find themed cocktails like the Low Flying Plane, a blend Slow & Low rye, lillet blanc and lemon juice ($13) and Oceans 75 made with Augier l’Oceanique cognac, lemon juice and sparkling brut ($15). 1-4 p.m. Saturday at 2300 N. Lincoln Park West; RSVP at 773-348-8886
North Avenue Beach Sand Bar
Feast on a lunch buffet with fare inspired by Castaways and Avli along with unlimited beer, wine, select cocktails and soft drinks at this adults-only bash. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday at 1603 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; $95-$115 at castawayschicago.com/airshow
ROOF on theWit
Take in the show from 27 stories up while enjoying cocktails, small plates, pizza and sushi. The venue’s retractable roof means you’ll be able to enjoy the spectacle no matter the weather. 201 N. State St.; RSVP at 312-239-9502 or roofonthewit.com/reservations
Shore Club Chicago
Party on the beach with a brunch or lunch buffet plus a premium open bar featuring frozen cocktails and bloody marys. Tickets don’t guarantee seating, so you’ll want to get there early or pay extra to reserve a table or cabana. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1603 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; tickets $128-$150 at 312-635-8058 and shoreclubtickets.com
Skydeck Chicago
See the planes fly by from the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, where you’ll also be able to learn about Chicago history and test your fear of heights by stepping out onto the Ledge — a glass box suspended 1,353 feet in the air. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 233 S. Wacker Drive; tickets $35 at theskydeck.com
Tall Ship Windy
Step aboard the 148-foot ship as it gets up close to the action. The ship may leave the dock and motor to center stage for the best viewing of the air show — if waves allow. A full bar and light snacks are available. 11 a.m. Sunday at 600 E. Grand Ave.; tickets $99-$119 at 312-451-2700 and tallshipwindy.com
Theater on the Lake
Reserve a spot on the 3-acre field on the shores of Lake Michigan for $10 or splurge for a $100 package including brisket, pulled pork and macaroni and cheese from Smoque BBQ plus an open bar with beer, wine and mixed drinks. There’s plenty of seating provided, though you can also bring a folding chair. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2401 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; tickets at 312-414-1313 and theateronthelake.com
Whispers at Oak Street Beach
An all-ages bash includes a brunch buffet, nonalcoholic drinks for the kids, and premium cocktails, frozen drinks, wine and beer for adults. Seating is first come, first served, though you can book a table, daybed or cabana for an extra fee. Stick around after the show ends for an adults only “Catch flights not feelings” party featuring giveaways and guest DJs until 9 p.m. You can also access the venue without buying the package for $10. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1001 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; tickets $150 at eventbrite.com
Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.
Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here.
