CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The 64th annual Chicago Air and Water Show is happening this weekend. Here's everything you need to know in advance, including: who’s performing, how to get there and how to listen to WBBM Newsradio’s live broadcast from North Avenue Beach.
When is the Chicago Air and Water Show?
This year's show will be held Aug. 10 – 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. A rehearsal will also take place on Aug. 9.
Where can I see the Chicago Air and Water Show?
The show will be best viewed from North Avenue Beach and all along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street. There are no public seating areas provided, but attendees can sit or stand on the sand or grass areas in the park.
Will the Chicago Air and Water Show be broadcast? How do I listen?
WBBM Newsradio will broadcast the Chicago Air and Water Show live from North Avenue Beach, with commentary on each performer’s aircraft and the stunts they’re performing. Saturday’s broadcast team will be Kris Habermehl and Cisco Cotto, and on Sunday it will be Habermehl and Mai Martinez.
You can listen to WBBM Newsradio’s broadcast on 780 AM and stream it on the Audacy app, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store and Google Play.
Is the Chicago Air and Water Show free?
As always, the show is free to enjoy for anyone who makes their way over to the lakefront.
Who’s headlining the Chicago Air and Water Show?
Headliners of the 2024 show include: The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. The Blue Angels haven’t performed at the Chicago Air and Water Show since 2022.
Are there other military performers at the Chicago Air and Water Show?
In addition to the headliners, nine other performers are scheduled to take the skies: The U.S. Navy F-35C; the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B; the U.S. Air Force C-17; the U.S. Air Force KC-135; the U.S. Air Force KC 46-Pegasus’ the U.S. Air Force B-1B; the U.S. Army AH-64; the U.S. Air Force/Maryland Air National Guard A-10; and the U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin Search and Rescue.
Which civilian performers will be at the Chicago Air and Water Show?
The Chicago Air and Water Show will again feature Susan Dacy flying Big Red — a World War II-era trainer for naval pilots. Other performers will include: RJ Gritter, the Trojan Phlyers, Bill Stein, Kevin Coleman and Ed “Hamster” Hamill.
How do I get to the Chicago Air and Water Show using public transit?
Public transportation is highly-recommended for those attending the show, especially because parking will be unavailable at the North Avenue Beach lot.
The CTA’s #72 bus, which runs along North Avenue and normally stops at the beach, will be rerouted — but the transit agency has said it will have extended routes and additional buses and trains to get people to the show. The easiest way to plan your trip is to use the CTA’s “Plan A Trip” tool on its website.
Metra also announced that it will provide extra trains on the Union Pacific North and Union Pacific West lines for both days of the show. The Union Pacific Northwest Line will only have extra service on Sunday.
Where should I park for the Chicago Air and Water Show?
Although the North Avenue Beach lot will be closed to the public, the Millennium Park Garages are offering discounted pre-purchase parking. The garages will also provide free shuttle service between the garage and the North Avenue Beach drop-off point, which is located near the northbound entrance to DuSable Lake Shore Drive from North Avenue. The shuttles will have a lift for those who need one.
The Lincoln Park Zoo will also offer parking for those attending the Chicago Air and Water Show. Zoo parking will cost $60 per day for those who buy ahead of time and $70 on event days. The discounted Millennium Park Garage fee, meanwhile, will range from $18 – $32 for the day. The non-discounted Millennium Park Garage rates range from $30 – $51.
Street parking in nearby neighborhoods will be available, but be aware that availability may be very limited over the weekend.
How accessible is the show for people with visual disabilities?
Audio descriptions for those who are visually impaired will be available both days of the show via Zoom.
WBBM Newsradio will have live coverage of the Air and Water Show. Visit wbbmnewsradio.com/airshow for all of our online coverage.
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