2025 Chicago Air & Water Show: Thrilling U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Army Golden Knights at North Avenue Beach

CHICAGO (WLS) — The 2025 Chicago Air & Water Show is underway.

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The 66th event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, occurring along the lakefront between Fullerton Avenue and Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the central spot from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

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Headliners include the iconic U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.

“This event embodies the essence of summertime in Chicago—free, open to all, and exhilarating for every age group,” DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth stated. “We’re thrilled to have world-class performers like the Golden Knights back, promising an unforgettable weekend of entertainment for attendees against our iconic skyline.”

This year’s show will also recognize the 250th anniversary of the United States Army and United States Marine Corps.

“The Chicago Air & Water Show stands as one of the city’s most cherished summer traditions, uniting residents and visitors worldwide for a thrilling, family-friendly adventure on our scenic lakefront,” Mayor Brandon Johnson remarked. “We take pride in honoring the incredible skill and dedication of our service men and women while highlighting the very best of Chicago.”

The headliners, the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbird F-16 jets, course over the skyline at more than 500 miles per hour.

“This is reminiscent of a video game,” stated U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Commander Leader Nathan Malafa. “This is a dream for every pilot who has ever played a video game; maneuvering in and around skyscrapers while maintaining a safe distance. Witnessing the skyline from this vantage point and seeing people looking back is truly astonishing.”

Malafa will be leading the way this weekend when audiences see the Thunderbirds lining up in formation over the city.

Beach lunch options

He mentioned that these Air and Water shows largely inspired his career choice, as he discovered his love for aviation after witnessing these fighter jets soar over his Michigan home when he was just 8 years old.

“I watched an F-15 eagle racing through the sky with its passes and afterburner, which was impressive. But what really surprised me was when it taxied back, the canopy opened, and someone emerged from the jet. That’s when I realized this is a genuine profession,” Malafa recalled.

The U.S. Army Golden Knights will also be showing off their skills this weekend as the parachute team leaps out of a massive plane.

“Mostly just want to put on a safe cool show for the public. We shoot accuracy. So, we have a target we want to land on; I want to hit that target, then grab the microphone and narrate the rest of my jumpers coming down,” said Sgt. Sloan Kanat, who is in their first year demonstrating with the Golden Knights. “Put on amazing show and meet all the people that watched us jump.”

It’s not just military service members coursing through the air this weekend. Some local residents will get to be a part of the action, too. Unique planes with decades of history will be flown by civilian pilots, who will get to take in the atmosphere in front of their friends and family.

“It is really exciting and special; I’ve got family showing up. My wife and kids will be down there; it’s really special to do the show in front of the crowd of Chicago,” said Bob Richards, a civilian pilot from Downers Grove.

“I’ve gotten to see him a few times; it’s really cool. It’s the first time he’s flying the Chicago air show, so excited to see him for years to come hopefully,” niece Hannah Koth said.

Large crowds started gathering at North Avenue Beach for day one of this year’s show early Saturday morning, looking for the perfect viewing spot.

There were practice runs on Friday.

It was a hot day, and a hot weekend is expected.

“It is my favorite time of year; I grew up blocks from here. I live out in the suburbs now, and I come every year. I never miss it; this is my end of the summer. I absolute love it,” Patricia Collazo said.

Friday’s practice drew Chicago residents, too.

“I love it; I come here every year, and this is part of my summer. This is what I do,” George Kaczmarek said.

“I look forward to the exciting atmosphere every year, just being around the people, but also having another appreciation for our armed forces, getting to see them in a different light, something positive,” Woodridge resident Shantell Clinton said.

The event even brings some in from out of state.

“So proud to see, especially the United States aircraft, and I’m a firefighter from New Jersey. So, to see those guys in action, it gives you goosebumps, truthfully,” Tony Barzelatto said.

Featured military performers for the 2025 event include:

-U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
-U.S. Army Parachute Team – Golden Knights
-U.S. Air Force C-17 Demo – 15th Airlift Squadron
-Illinois Air National Guard KC-135 – 126th Air Refueling Wing
-Maryland Air National Guard A-10’s – 104th Fighter Squadron
-U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo
-U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 (Osprey) Demo
-Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365

Civilian performers:

-Bill Stein Airshows
-Coleman Aerosports – Kevin Coleman
-Folds of Honor Biplane – Ed Hamill
-Mini Jet Airshows – Tom Larkin
-Muscle Biplane Machaira – Bob Richards
-Super Stearman “Big Red” – Susan Dacy
-Warbird Thunder Airshows

Additional performers and support include:
-Chicago Police Department Helicopters
-Chicago Fire Department Air / Sea Rescue
-Arresting Gear
-AFOPS, MWSS-272
-MACG-28, 2d MAW
-Marine Corps Air Station New River
-Indiana Air National Guard – 122nd Fighter Wing
-Illinois Air National Guard – 182nd Airlift Wing
-U.S. Air Force Reserve – 434th Air Refueling Wing

ABC7 is a sponsor of the the Chicago Air & Water Show