2014 Chicago Air and Water Show

The annual Chicago Air and Water Show took place Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at North Avenue Beach.  There’s another opportunity to see the show Sunday, same time, same place.  Admission is free!

There are plenty of places to sit and take in all the action.  For those who like to get up close, go right to the lakefront and find a place on the beach or along the Lakefront Trail.  Feel free to bring blankets, chairs, and coolers (no alcoholic beverages though).  Food and nonalcoholic beverages are also available for purchase.  Those who enjoy making a day of it complete with tents, grills, and pets may want to consider finding a nice grassy area in Lincoln Park.

Not close enough to hear Herb Hunter, who has been announcing the show for more than 20 years?  WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9 FM broadcast the show live so everyone can enjoy the play-by-play of the show’s action.

For show attendees parking at Millennium Garages, free shuttle rides between Millennium Park Garage and North Avenue Beach are included with the daily parking fee.

Divvy riders will have access to Divvy’s Valet Service (no additional fee) to guarantee a spot to dock Divvy bikes.  The nearest stations and times of Valet Services are Theater on the Lake, Lake Shore Drive & North Avenue, Michigan Avenue & Oak Street (all from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and Streeter Drive & Illinois Street (at Navy Pier) from 12 noon to 6 p.m.

It was a gorgeous day to enjoy the Chicago Air and Water Show.  Sunscreen was definitely needed (along with a couple reapplications).  My favorite performers included the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and their F/A-18 Hornets, the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, and the Marine MV-22 Osprey.  I had to bring out the earplugs for the Angels and their Hornets.  It was an amazing show!

For complete details, please visit the City of Chicago’s Chicago Air and Water Show website.