U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to Headline Chicago Air and Water Show Amid Scheduling Changes
The Chicago Air and Water Show, a major summer event, is set to take place over Lake Michigan on August 15 and 16, 2026. This year, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the event, replacing the U.S. Navy Blue Angels due to a scheduling conflict. The Thunderbirds, known for their high-speed precision flying and daring maneuvers, will perform with their F-16 Fighting Falcons. The show will also feature performances by the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs, and elite civilian aerobatic pilots. The event, which is the largest free-admission air and water display in the nation, attracts over a million spectators annually. It will run from late morning to mid-afternoon, with North Avenue Beach serving as the central hub for the performances. 
