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Chicago Air and Water Show: What You Need to Know

By DNAinfo Staff | July 22, 2016 3:22pm | Updated on August 12, 2016 9:53am
 Getty photographer Scott Olson took this photo over Chicago for the Air and Water Show held in 2008.
Getty photographer Scott Olson took this photo over Chicago for the Air and Water Show held in 2008.
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Getty Images/Scott Olson

CHICAGO — Look up in the air! It's a bird, it's a plane...

Well, yes, it is a plane. Lots and lots of 'em.

This year's Chicago Air and Water Show is just days away, August 20 and 21, at North Avenue Beach. The show, first held in 1959, attracts what they city estimates is two million people over two days of excitement.

What time does it start? 10 a.m.

When does it end? 3 p.m.

Where can I park? It's tough. But the city suggests parking at the Millennium Park Garages and take the shuttle to the beach. The cost of parking and the shuttle is $35.

What can you bring? Blankets, chairs and a cooler, says the city.

What can't you bring? Alcoholic beverages, BBQ grills, fireworks, weapons, pop-up tents, balloons, kites, flag poles and pets.

 Flickr user arnieg took this photo during the 2012 Chicago Air & Water Show.
Flickr user arnieg took this photo during the 2012 Chicago Air & Water Show.
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Flickr/arnieg

Who are the headliners? The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Nights, the U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs, and the F-35 Heritage Flight Team. Other military jets include the Air Force's F-16 Fighting Falcon, the twin-engine, supersonic F/A-18 combat jet, and a MH-65D Dolphin Helicopter search and rescue demonstration by the U.S. Coast Guard.

A number of civilian teams will also appear, including the acrobatic demo teams the Aerostars and the Firebirds Delta Team.

What's the best place to see all this? The city says the best sightlines are at North Avenue beach, the lakefront from Oak Street beach to Fullerton Avenue and the Ohio Street beach.

Will there be something to eat and drink? Vendors are stationed along the lakefront.

How do I know what's in the air? WBBM radio (AM-780 and FM-105.9) broadcast descriptions during the show. 

 

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