Chicago Air & Water Show

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Flights come as close as 18 inches

Originating in 1959, the Chicago Air & Water Show is the city's second most popular festival.^[1] In 2005, 2,200,000 watched the Chicago Air and Water Show. Strong in tradition and one of the world's premier aviation events, the show also includes a wide array of military and civilian acts.

It is a free event and a favorite of kids and adults alike. There are daredevil pilots, parachute teams, and jets flying in formation, as well as a water-skiing and boat-jumping component for additional thrills. The great thing about this festival is that it's visible from almost everywhere along the Chicago lakefront. Grandstand seats for the water show are located at North Avenue Beach, but some of the best viewing points are farther north, at Montrose Harbor and between Belmont and Addison.

Many of the Air Show performers base their operations at Chicago's third airport, the Gary/Chicago International Airport in nearby Gary, Indiana.

The 2007 Chicago Air and Water Show was held August 18 and 19.

2008 is the 50th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show and will be held for three days instead of the traditional two days on August 15, 16 & 17. Friday, August 15 is a special show day with an afternoon concert, night show and fireworks.