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53rd Annual Chicago Air & Water Show

Monday, August 15, 2011

The Chicago Air & Water Show is a longstanding Chicago summer tradition, and is the largest free air and water exhibition in the country, with 2.2 million visitors every year. A crowd like this might sound daunting for a family outing, but we've got the inside scoop for making this a fun and memorable family day.

The show takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21. You'll begin to see (and hear) planes in the area as early as Thursday. And on Friday, there's a practice run that's essentially a run-through of the entire show. It's a great time to take in the show without dealing with the crowds!

THE BASICS

Hours:
10 am - 3 pm, starting off with the National Anthem at 10 am

Location:
Lakefront at North Avenue Beach

Admission:
FREE

WHERE TO WATCH

The epicenter of the event is right at North Avenue Beach, but you can still get a great spot almost anywhere up and down the lakefront. Best viewing spots include:

North Ave Beach
From North Ave Beach south to Oak Street Beach and Navy Pier
From North Ave Beach north to Fullerton or up to Diversey

GETTING THERE

Public transportation will absolutely be your best bet, as parking will be hard to find. The North Avenue Bus will bring you directly to the show from any points due west, and there are many other options depending on where you're coming from. Visit www.transitchicago.com for more details.

If you must drive, you can scour the area for parking garage spots, or look for some friendly locals turning a profit on their own personal parking spots. Or, take advantage of the free shuttles running between the Millennium Garages and North Avenue Beach - visit www.millenniumgarages.com for more information.

TIPS

Plan ahead - map out your parking/travel ahead of time so you can get right to the show.
Stake out your spot early. You can bring a blanket and cooler and claim your space before it gets too crowded.
Bring water! There will be places where you can purchase water, but it's easiest (and less expensive) to bring your own. Make sure you have snacks too - hunger in the heat can be dangerous too!
Pack your sunscreen. Protect your family's skin, and don't forget to re-apply! Also consider bringing sunhats and sunglasses for all family members.
Bring hearing protection for kids who might not like - or might be scared of - the noise.
Come prepared... you can't count on a diaper changing area!
Know that you'll likely end up taking kids to a port-o-let if they've got to go.
Pick a meeting spot for your family in case you get separated.
Think about bringing some portable activities for your really little ones in case they get a little bored between acts.
Considering attending the practice run on Friday - it's the full show, without the crowds!
Don't forget the camera!

PERFORMERS

Performers this year include spectacular headliners as well as civilian and military aircraft.

Headlining performers include:

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds: The Thunderbirds represent all Airmen across the globe and the team is made up of over 120 personnel.
U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights: The Golden Knights will parachute down to North Avenue Beach, jumping out of an aircraft 12,500 and reaching speeds over 120 mph as they descend.
U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs: Fourteen jumpers will "leap" out of a plane at 12,500 and then make their descent.

For more information, click here.

Civilian Aircraft performers include: