Chicago Air and Water Show
About this event
The Chicago Air and Water Show is a family event in Chicago, Illinois, at North Avenue Beach. The 2026 event takes place Aug 15–16, 2026. The largest free show of its kind in the United States, with military and civilian aircraft, parachute teams, and water stunts along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, centered on North Avenue Beach.
Annual, third weekend of August
Location & directions
North Avenue Beach, North Avenue east of Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
Frequently asked questions
When is Chicago Air and Water Show 2026?
Chicago Air and Water Show takes place Aug 15–16, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Annual, third weekend of August
Where is Chicago Air and Water Show held?
Chicago Air and Water Show is held in Chicago, Illinois, at North Avenue Beach, North Avenue east of Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60614.
What is Chicago Air and Water Show?
The largest free show of its kind in the United States, with military and civilian aircraft, parachute teams, and water stunts along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, centered on North Avenue Beach.
More family fairs in Illinois
See all 26 →
Recurring Happening nowLollapalooza
Four days of major-label music in historic Grant Park on the Lake Michigan shore, with more than 170 artists across eight stages, Chicago restaurant food vendors, and one of the world's premier city-based music festivals.
4.4(152)In 5 daysMcHenry County Fair
This fair will feature open class exhibits, livestock shows and sale, entertainment, draft horse pull, professional championship bull riders, monster trucks, demolition derby, queen contest, talent show, lumber jack show, mother daughter contest, father son contest, petting zoo, hay bale throwing contest, commercial vendors, beer garden, delicious food, and more.
Recurring4.6(294)In 14 daysIllinois State Fair
One of the country's oldest state fairs, drawing more than 1.5 million visitors to Springfield each August for eleven days of livestock shows, carnival rides, grandstand concerts, and agricultural competitions on 360 acres of fairgrounds.
RecurringDu Quoin State Fair
Southern Illinois' annual state fair on 1,600 acres near Du Quoin, founded in 1923 and known for harness racing, livestock exhibits, carnival rides, and a major country-music grandstand series running eleven days through Labor Day.
RecurringPeoria Irish Fest
A 40-year tradition on the Peoria riverfront, built around Irish music with international and regional acts, step dancing, cultural exhibits, food, and family entertainment along the Illinois River.
RecurringChicago Jazz Festival
A free Labor Day weekend tradition since 1979 showcasing Chicago's vast jazz talent alongside national and international artists, with performances across Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center.
Other fairs & festivals near Cook County
Explore Cook County →
In 2 daysPark Forest First Saturday Community Market
A craft fair in Park Forest.
In 2 daysWilmette Art Fair
An agricultural fair in Wilmette.
In 3 daysGarfield Park 2nd Saturday Neighborhood Market
Local businesses and vendors will be selling a wide variety of items including value-added products, baked goods, hypo-allergenic bath and body products, and delicious foods like traditional African snacks, barbeque sauces, and herb-infused salts.
Are you the organizer, or spot something out of date? Help keep this listing accurate.