The Chicago Water and Air Show is returning this weekend to the Chicago lakefront Aug. 10-11 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
This event started in 1959, and has grown to be the largest and oldest free admission air show in the United States. Each year, the show sees over two million people on the city’s lakefront to the military and its pilots perform stunts above Lake Michigan.
The first Chicago Water and Air Show was held in 1959 as the Lakeshore Park Air and Water Show, and had a budget of $88. The show featured water skiers, water ballet, diving competition, and a U.S. Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue Mission.
In 1960, the show featured the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Golden Knights Parachute Team, which led the event to become a Chicago Summer staple.
This year, the event is featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the U.S. Coast Guard MH- 65 Dolphin Search and Rescue demonstration, and much more. Alongside these aircrafts, attendees can see the Trojan Plyers, RJ Gritter Decathlon Aerobatics, and Ed “Hamster” Hamill, as part of the civilian stunt performer’s portion of the show.
To learn more about the event, or plan your visit, click here.