The Air And Water Show Is Happening This Weekend, Whether You Like It Or Not

By Margaret Paulson in News on Aug 13, 2015 8:30PM

Photo via Benjamin Lipsman Flickr

Did the fighter jets flying overhead in unison rattle your windows and stoke your fears of Jade Helm 15 (it’s true!) this morning and afternoon? Whether you want to avoid it altogether or picnic under the airborne spectacle, we’re here to give you a big heads up about the 2015 Chicago Air and Water Show this weekend.

It takes place both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This years’ headliners are the usual suspects—the U.S. Navy Blue Angels—accompanied by the Breitling Jet Team, traveling all the way here from France to make its Chicago Air and Water Show debut.

If you aren’t lucky enough to have a friend with a boat, you can catch a sweet view of the 11 civilian and 5 military performers from North Avenue or Oak Street beaches.

Keep in mind that these beaches will be packed with tourists. If you don’t care whether you see the whole show, but also don’t mind witnessing the spectacle, pack for a beach picnic and head up to Foster or Montrose beaches or the “secret” beach by the Adler Planetarium. Any rooftop downtown will do, too—you may not see the flips and tricks, but it’s pretty cool watching jets zoom in over the the skyscrapers in formation. Don't forget your sunscreen, earplugs, and binoculars.

And if you hate everything about the Chicago Air and Water Show (the crowds! The noise! The unshakable fear of being under attack!), you might want to visit your in-laws in the burbs, take a nice day trip to Galena, seek refuge in the Field Museum, or just drink inside somewhere chill. Thankfully it's all supposed to be over by 3 p.m.