The Chicago Air and Water Show is back at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11 from 10:30 am to 3 pm, in addition to rehearsal on Friday, August 9. With over one million annual spectators, the show is the largest free air and water exhibition in the United States. Headlining the show are the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. There will also be plenty of military and civilian performers keeping viewers entertained all day long. Attendees can watch the show at various locations along the lakefront, but there are certain spots in the city with exciting specials and deals to complement your viewing experience. These are some of the best ways to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show this year.
Reunion At Navy Pier
Reunion at Navy Pier (located at 700 E Grand Ave) offers southern-style comfort food from celebrity chef Art Smith. Customers can enjoy classic dishes, creative desserts, and more. This year, Reunion will hold brunch at 11 am, serving dishes like deviled eggs, chicken and waffles, fried chicken, and steak and eggs. Its weekend specials also include $9 Fish Tacos and $10 Buffalo Trace Manhattans on Fridays and live music brunch with bottomless LaMarca Prosecco Mimosas and Tito’s Bloody Marys for $35 per person. Enjoy the show this year on Reunion’s bright and airy patio while eating delicious cuisine.
City Cruises Chicago
City Cruises welcomes all ages aboard to witness the show’s spectacular sights from a brand new vantage point. Guests can enjoy house-made brunch or lunch, carefully curated libations, live DJ entertainment, rooftop games, and more. Weekend highlights include:
- Chicago Early Air & Water Show Preview Premier Lunch Cruise: Friday, August 9, 2024 from 11 am to 1 pm
- Chicago Early Air & Water Show Signature Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan: Saturday, Aug 10, 2024 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
- Chicago Afternoon Air & Water Show Signature Brunch Cruise: Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 12:30 pm to 3 pm
Guests on all cruises can further elevate their experience by upgrading to the Premium Open Bar option, ordering specialty appetizers, or purchasing a commemorative photo to celebrate the festivities. For the full Air & Water Show cruise schedule and more information, click here.
Shore Club Viewing Party
Watch the action unfold right from North Avenue Beach at Shore Club Chicago! Viewing Party tickets include entry to Shore Club’s patio and restaurant. Guests will enjoy a premium open bar from 9 am to 2 pm, frozen cocktails, a Bloody Mary bar and Shore Club’s signature Beachside Brunch. Seating is first come, first served, but reserved seating and VIP cabanas are available as an upgrade in addition to general admission tickets.