Overview
- The free Air and Water Show is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. along the lakefront at North Avenue Beach with rehearsals planned Friday and spectators welcome at the waterfront if weather permits.
- Forecasters and the National Weather Service predict showers and thunderstorms through the weekend with the highest likelihood on Saturday, including an 80 percent overall chance of rain reported for that day.
- Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications says it will monitor conditions from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources while advising residents to stay vigilant.
- The program includes major military demonstrations such as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, F-22 and F-35B flyovers, C-17 displays, Coast Guard rescue demos, and local fire and police air-sea units.
- Beaches will open at 6 a.m. and viewing on sand is first-come, first-served, so officials and outlets recommend alternatives like rooftop bars, beachside restaurants, or boat rentals if weather alters performances or crowds shift.