Chicago Air And Water Show 2019: When, How To Get There, More

CHICAGO, IL — For more than six decades, the Chicago Air and Water Show has graced the city's skies and viewers' eyes along the lakefront. This is the 61st year of the event, running 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 17 and 18.

Presented by the City of Chicago, the weekend event is the largest free show of its kind in the United States, and can be viewed along the lakefront, from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.

Show headliners include U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, and viewers will also enjoy performances and demonstrations by honored guests, civilian teams and military. The schedule (order) of performers is decided the morning of the show by the pilots.

What to know before the show:

Transportation tips — Metra:

• Metra will provide extra trains on the BNSF, Union Pacific North, Union Pacific Northwest and Union Pacific West lines, in addition to expanded passenger capacity on the Metra Electric Line to accommodate the large number of people planning to attend the Chicago Air and Water Show, according to a release from Metra.
• Metra’s $10 Weekend Pass provides unlimited rides on Metra Saturday and Sunday.
• Up to three children 11 and under are able to ride free with each adult through Labor Day.
• Metra Monthly Pass holders can also use their pass for unlimited rides throughout the Metra system on weekends.
• Bicycle warning dates will be in effect throughout the event, meaning that due to higher than normal ridership, it's likely trains will not be able to accommodate bicycles on board.
• Once off the train: Hop on a CTA bus (see below), or note that West Loop stations have water taxi service, and all downtown stations are steps from Divvy bike stations.
• Schedules and more information: metrarail.com

CTA:

• Bus #72 goes to North Avenue Beach.
• Those at Chicago Union Station or Millennium Station can board the CTA’s #151 bus to Oak Street and North Avenue beaches.
• The CTA’s #151 bus also stops within walking distance of Ogilvie Transportation Center and LaSalle Street Station.
• CTA bus schedule and route information can be found at the CTA’s website, transitchicago.com.

Parking:

• Park at Millennium Park Garages to avoid the stress of trying to find parking near the beach.
• Free shuttle available at Millennium Garages to and from North Avenue Beach
• Garage locations: Millennium Park Garage and Millennium Lakeside Garage at 5 S. Columbus Drive; Grant Park North Garage at 25 N. Michigan Ave. and Grant Park South Garage at 325 S. Michigan Ave.
• Purchase parking in advance at MillenniumGarages.com and save up to 50% off drive-up rates.
• More: milleniumgarages.com

Watch and listen:

• Tune into WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for a live broadcast of the show.
• Best Sightlines: Show Center (North Avenue Beach); Lakefront(Oak Street Beach to Fullerton); Ohio Street Beach

Weather:

As of Thursday afternoon, the forecast for Saturday is possible light rain in the morning with a high near 84. Rain is also expected Sunday with a high near 86.

>> For more information on the Chicago Air and Water Show, visit the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events website.