PHOTOS: Thunderbirds and Army fighter jets roared at Air and Water Show
Rain slowed down the start of the 2026 Air and Water Show, the annual summer showcase of military and civilian air demonstrations.
The two-day event, which is held along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, started at 12 p.m. Saturday after an hour and a half delay.
The city boasts the show’s spot as the largest free show of its kind in the U.S., and this year, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights are headliners. Here’s a look at photos from the show’s center at North Avenue Beach.
A spectator uses binoculars to see fighter jets and military planes on display during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstrate during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
A member of the U.S. Marines stands during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
Viewers record during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstrate during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
A viewer points during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
The U.S. Air Force demonstrates during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
Community members watch the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
The U.S. Air Force demonstrates during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
The U.S. Air Force demonstrates during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
The U.S. Air Force demonstrates during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
Community members combat the weather during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
The U.S. Air Force demonstrates during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
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