Air and Water Show specials at 8 Chicago venues get you close to the action

The Chicago Air and Water Show is back from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday after being canceled in 2020 and running a scaled-back event in 2021.

The free spectacle running along the lakefront features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels showing off precise maneuvers, and the U.S. Army Parachute Golden Knights jumping out of planes from 12,000 feet to land on North Avenue Beach. You’ll also see a variety of other military and civilian pilots flying jets, tankers and search and rescue vehicles.

The action runs from Fullerton Beach to Oak Street Beach, with North Avenue Beach serving as the focal point. You can arrive early, or even check out the preview on Friday, to try to secure a spot to watch, but if you plan ahead you can get a really spectacular view.

Lakefront restaurants and bars are offering special packages with food and drinks during the show, and you can also get an up-close look from a skyscraper or a boat on Lake Michigan.

The restaurant on Ohio Street Beach offers a party package including a buffet, cooked-to-order grilled fare, a sundae bar and an open bar plus a view of the action from their deck. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 550 E. Grand Ave.; tickets $124 at caffeoliva.com

Watch the spectacle from Lake Michigan by boarding a Spirit or Odyssey ship and hanging out on the rooftop deck. Choose from a brunch during the preview show Friday, brunch or lunch Saturday or brunch Sunday. All of the trips include a buffet, and a DJ will be providing the music. 600 E. Grand Ave.; tickets $65-$125 at cityexperiences.com

Feast on a lunch buffet with fare inspired by Castaways and Avli along with unlimited beer, wine, select cocktails and soft drinks at this adults-only bash. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday at 1603 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; $95-$115 at castawayschicago.com/airshow

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Party on the beach with a brunch or lunch buffet plus a premium open bar featuring frozen cocktails and bloody marys. Tickets don’t guarantee seating, so you’ll want to get there early or pay extra to reserve a table or cabana. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1603 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; tickets $128-$150 at 312-635-8058 and shoreclubtickets.com

See the planes fly by from the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, where you’ll also be able to learn about Chicago history and test your fear of heights by stepping out onto the Ledge — a glass box suspended 1,353 feet in the air. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 233 S. Wacker Drive; tickets $35 at theskydeck.com

Step aboard the 148-foot ship as it gets up close to the action. The ship may leave the dock and motor to center stage for the best viewing of the air show — if waves allow. A full bar and light snacks are available. 11 a.m. Sunday at 600 E. Grand Ave.; tickets $99-$119 at 312-451-2700 and tallshipwindy.com

Reserve a spot on the 3-acre field on the shores of Lake Michigan for $10 or splurge for a $100 package including brisket, pulled pork and macaroni and cheese from Smoque BBQ plus an open bar with beer, wine and mixed drinks. There’s plenty of seating provided, though you can also bring a folding chair. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2401 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; tickets at 312-414-1313 and theateronthelake.com

An all-ages bash includes a brunch buffet, nonalcoholic drinks for the kids, and premium cocktails, frozen drinks, wine and beer for adults. Seating is first come, first served, though you can book a table, daybed or cabana for an extra fee. Stick around after the show ends for an adults only “Catch flights not feelings” party featuring giveaways and guest DJs until 9 p.m. You can also access the venue without buying the package for $10. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1001 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; tickets $150 at eventbrite.com

Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.

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