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Chicago Air & Water Show
15 August 2007 Send To a Friend
The 49th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show takes place this weekend, August 18 & 19. It’s now the largest and oldest free boat and plane exhibition in the U.S., but it started off as part of the Chicago Park District’s Family Day Celebration. This event for kids enrolled in its day camp program included the Lakeshore Park Air & Water Show. It was so popular it became a Chicago tradition.
If you don’t have to work on Friday, you can see much of the show without the crowds during their practice. If you do have to work, and your office is downtown, don’t be surprised when the Blue Angels tear through the skyscrapers.
The show is centered off of North Avenue Beach so the majority of the crowds stretch from Oak Street Beach to the Fullerton Promontory. Here are some suggestions of other places to see the show:
Hancock Observatory
Watch from the 94th floor of the Hancock Building. There’s no additional charge beyond the admission fee. Arrive early because seating is limited.
875 N Michigan, Adults $10.25, Seniors 62+ $8, Kids 5 to 12 $6.50, Kids 4 and under free
Oak Street Beachstro
Watch from this beachfront restaurant either from a table, or join the party in the tent. NO outside food or beverages allowed!
- Tent: guaranteed seat for viewing show, all-you-can-eat buffet luncheon with 2 alcoholic beverages. $65/person + tax and gratuity, $40/child 12 and under + tax and gratuity
- Restaurant: restaurant seating from 10am to 4pm, guaranteed seat for viewing show, table service luncheon (no alcohol). $125/person + tax and gratuity
Navy Pier
Watch from the third floor rooftop, pig out at the bbq buffet (burgers, brats, etc), and imbibe at the open bar (mimosas and bloody marys in the morning, beer, wine & cocktails in the afternoon). There are free concerts and shows on the pier throughout the day.
$75, (312)595-5130
- Opens at 9:30am
- Buffet 11:30am to 2:30pm
- Open Bar 10am to 4pm
Cruises
Spirit of Chicago: early brunch ($45) and afternoon lunch ($75)
Odyssey Cruises: early brunch ($79.90) and afternoon lunch ($84.90)
