Chicago Air and Water Show 2024: Blue Angels and Golden Knights return — a week earlier than usual

Feel the need for speed? The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are returning to Chicago next month.

The popular aerial demonstration crew — which happens to line up with Chicago Navy Week — will be joined by a variety of other performers including the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, stunt pilot RJ Gritter in his acrobatic Decathlon and Trojan Phlyers’ two T-28B Trojan team at the Chicago Air and Water Show .

At least a million people are expected along the lakefront Aug. 10-11 for the two-day event. The free events are scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Lollapalooza takes over Grant Park the week before and the Democratic National Convention follows Aug. 19-22 .

Vintage Chicago Tribune: The city’s aviation obsession as the Chicago Air and Water Show takes flight

Here’s what else to know.

Will admission be charged?

No, the event is free.

Where does the show take place?

North Avenue Beach is show center, but good sight lines can be found at Ohio Street Beach and along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue south to Oak Street Beach. Nearby parks and playing fields are generally less crowded.

When does the show take place?

10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11. Rehearsal is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 9.

The beaches will open at 6 a.m., but there are no public seating areas or parking available at North Avenue Beach.

Who’s performing each day?

The schedule is subject to change and determined on show days. The lineup includes:

U.S. Navy Blue Angels: More than 100 crew members — including enlisted members of the Navy and Marines — pilot and maintain eight F/A-18 Hornets, of which six will perform, and C-130 “Fat Albert.” The team’s signature aerial maneuvers include diamond and delta formations.

U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights: Appearing here since the 1960s — when they would land in Lake Michigan — this team of soldiers has jumped with David Ross, former Cubs catcher and manager, actor Vince Vaughn and comedian Bill Murray.

Other Air Force demonstrations: A-10 Thunderbolt II with Maryland Air National Guard; B-1B Lancer; C-17 Globemaster III; KC-46 Pegasus; KC-135E Stratotanker

U.S. Army: AH-64 Apache helicopter

U.S. Marine Corps.: F-35B Lightning II

U.S. Navy: F-35C Lightning II

U.S. Coast Guard: MH-65D Dolphin Search & Rescue

Civilians: RJ Gritter Decathlon Aerobatics; Trojan Phlyers; Kevin Coleman; Susan Dacy; Ed “Hamster” Hamill; Bill Stein

Can I watch aircraft take off and land?

Spectators can pay $20 per vehicle for entrance to the parking lot at Gary/Chicago International Airport , where they can watch aircraft take off and land.

Sources: Tribune reporting; Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

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