Chicago’s 58th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show this Weekend Attracts Crowds to Lakefront
OEMC plans for safe and enjoyable event, with North Avenue Beach as the Center of Festivities
Chicago’s action packed summer is coming to a close. And not to disappoint the annual end-of-summer Air and Water Show which dazzles millions at the City’s lakefront on Saturday, August 20, and Sunday, August 21, promises to be spectacular visual exhibition.
Pack your poncho and be prepared for on and off rain throughout the day Saturday but there will be clear skies Sunday.
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) reminds spectators, residents, and motorists in the area of North Avenue Beach to plan for weather conditions, to anticipate crowds and traffic impacts and to be aware of surroundings for the safety of all.
The 58th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show, which is one of the largest free events of its kind in the country, can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue as the focal point.
On both Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the show features thrilling entertainment by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs and Charles Tillman (retired Chicago Bear) jumping in tandem with the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.
OEMC and event organizers have coordinated planning efforts in advance of this weekend and urges those attending the event to heed any warnings given on site, as well as encourage spectators be aware of surroundings and report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1 or on-site security. As always, city officials will be monitoring the event and traffic control aides are deployed to facilitate traffic.
Weather Conditions
Weather reports predict the possibility of thunderstorms or showers exists, as well as temperatures in mid-upper 70s. Pack your poncho and be prepared for on and off rain throughout the day Saturday but there will be clear skies Sunday.
OEMC urges attendees to prepare for the weather conditions and check forecasts before heading to any outdoor activities. To get free real-time traffic and weather alerts, subscribe to the city of Chicago’s emergency alert notifications at www.notifychicago.org.
Weather Shelters
In the event of extreme weather, OEMC reminds spectators to follow directions from public safety officials on site and move to shelter.
Pole Markers
For public safety, attendees are reminded of the green and white locator signs attached to the poles along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street and Montrose to Foster to help them reference their location to friends, family and first responders if there is an emergency or to report criminal activity.
Security & Prohibited Items
Several federal, state and city agencies work together in advance to coordinate security measures for this show every year. Attendees should be aware of prohibited items including alcoholic beverages, pop-up tents, illegal substances and weapons, and pets (excluding service animals).
If You See Something, Say Something: As always, it is the responsibility of all to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. Call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity or packages or notify security personnel on site.
Public Transportation
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra provide additional service for the event. For more details, visit the CTA website at www.transitchicago.com or call 1.888.YOUR.CTA. For Metra, visit www.metrarail.com. Also, consider biking to the venue, with Divvy will be offering its valet service at select stations on Saturday and Sunday.
Parking
There will be parking restrictions posted in the area and motorists are advised to read signage before parking on streets. If your vehicle has been towed, call 3-1-1 for assistance to locate your vehicle. Parking is available at Millennium Garages, which offer free shuttles to and from North Avenue Beach. For more details, visit https://www.millenniumgarages.com
Accessibility
Primary accessible seating is available during show hours for people with disabilities at the north end of the North Avenue Beach House viewing stands.
For more information on the show, visit www.chicagoairandwatershow.us or www.choosechicago.com
Event organizers expect a crowd of more than two million over the two-day event. Other major events planned for this weekend include Chicago White Sox vs. Oakland Athletics series at U.S. Cellular Field; Festa Italiana on Taylor Street, Pearl Jam concert on Saturday at Wrigley Field, Mad Decent Block Party on Sunday at Northerly Island and Fireworks at Navy Pier on Saturday.