Chicago Air & Water Show: What to know if you go

CHICAGO — The Chicago Air and Water show is slated to take the skies and shores of the Windy City this weekend. Here’s what to know if you plan to go.

When is the Air & Water Show?

Rehearsals begin Friday August 15 while the show itself is Saturday August 16 and Sunday August 17. Festivities start at 10:30 a.m. and wrap up at 3 p.m.

class="wp-block-heading">Where can you see it?

While many of the flight shows can be seen from many places in the city, the best viewing for both the sky and lake activities is at North Avenue Beach at 1600 North Lake Shore Drive.

What is the best way to get there?

The is no public parking at the beach. The CTA 72 bus that normally stops at the beach will be rerouted.

“Pick up and drop off is at the North Ave. north bound entrance to Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Use of the N. Lasalle turn around is limited to Emergency Management’s discretion. All drop off and pick up traffic may be cut off due to crowd density or Emergency Management’s discretion. Please arrive early and plan to stay through the end of the event if you need pick up and drop off at this point,” according to the website.

How much does it cost to attend?

Admission is free. The City of Chicago heralds it as the largest free show of its kind in the U.S.

What can you see at the Air and Water Show?

The Thunderbirds are once again set to headline along with the  United States Army Parachute Team, also known as the Golden Knights.

The Military performers include a C-17 Globemaster, the KC-135 Stratotanker and the 104th Fighter Squadron. The Coast Guard will also hold demonstration on search and rescues.

Civilian performers include bi planes pilots, aerobatic and formation flights and more.

City of Chicago police and fire departments will also be on hand.

Full performer details here.

Some Restrictions Apply

According to the website, “the FAA has issued flight restrictions for the airspace around the Air and Water Show. The restrictions will take place on Thursday from 10 a.m. until noon and then again from 1:30-5 p.m.

Then from Friday through Sunday, they will be in effect from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. each day.

Unauthorized drones or unmanned aircraft systems will be prohibited to fly within the TFR without an approved FAA Waiver.”