FREE Admission * North Ave. Beach
Aug. 17 & 18, 2013 * 10am - 3pm Both Days
(Practice Day: Friday, Aug. 16)
The Chicago Air and Water Show presented by Shell Oil Products U.S. and the City of Chicago is the largest FREE show of its kind in the United States. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.
This year the Chicago Air and Water Show celebrates 55 years of daredevil thrills in the air and on the water at North Avenue Beach and along Chicago’s magnificent lakefront on Lake Michigan. With Chicago's Skyline as a backdrop, audience numbers reach 2.2 million annually making the Chicago Air & Water Show the largest FREE admission air and water exhibition of its kind in the United States. Over the years the show has featured some of the top civilian and military pilots and aircraft. Biennially, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headline along with the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights
The Chicago Air & Water Show is conducted in an extremely safe and conscientious way. Safety precautions are taken at all times before, during and after the show. Plans take off and land at the Gary International Airport in Gary, Indiana. All pilots perform stunts over the water in a set safety area. When a plane does fly over buildings, it is merely doing so in its flight path to return to the show area or the airport.
Organizers work closely with the FAA and various City Departments in a highly proactive manner to assure the safety of the all involved. All pilots and air personnel must attend morning meetings each day before flying to receive up-to-date information about weather and pertinent details to assure safe flights. Additionally, the event employs its own air traffic controller who oversees the downtown air space during show hours.
In 1959 the first show was held under the direction of Al Benedict, a Chicago Park District Supervisor at Lakeshore Park. Held at Chicago Avenue and Lake Michigan, the show was titled the Lakeshore Park Air & Water Show, and was a part of a “Family Day” celebration for children enrolled in the Chicago Park District’s day camp program. The budget was $88, and the show featured a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration, water skiers, a water ballet, games and a diving competition.
Aug. 17 & 18, 2013 * 10am - 3pm Both Days
(Practice Day: Friday, Aug. 16)
The Chicago Air and Water Show presented by Shell Oil Products U.S. and the City of Chicago is the largest FREE show of its kind in the United States. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.
The 55th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show
The Chicago Air & Water Show is conducted in an extremely safe and conscientious way. Safety precautions are taken at all times before, during and after the show. Plans take off and land at the Gary International Airport in Gary, Indiana. All pilots perform stunts over the water in a set safety area. When a plane does fly over buildings, it is merely doing so in its flight path to return to the show area or the airport.
Organizers work closely with the FAA and various City Departments in a highly proactive manner to assure the safety of the all involved. All pilots and air personnel must attend morning meetings each day before flying to receive up-to-date information about weather and pertinent details to assure safe flights. Additionally, the event employs its own air traffic controller who oversees the downtown air space during show hours.
History
In 1959 the first show was held under the direction of Al Benedict, a Chicago Park District Supervisor at Lakeshore Park. Held at Chicago Avenue and Lake Michigan, the show was titled the Lakeshore Park Air & Water Show, and was a part of a “Family Day” celebration for children enrolled in the Chicago Park District’s day camp program. The budget was $88, and the show featured a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration, water skiers, a water ballet, games and a diving competition.
The following year, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Golden Knights Parachute Team performed to a huge crowd and the event became a Chicago summer tradition.
Eventually, the show was renamed the Chicago Park District Air & Water Show, expanded to two days, and moved to its current location at North Avenue Beach.
Corporate sponsorship participation was incorporated in 1989, and now provides substantial support for the production costs of the show. The event has been managed by the City of Chicago since 1994.
2. What items are prohibited from being brought onto festival grounds?
4. When do boat restrictions start on the lake? 7 am. You will have to follow the lead of the Coast Guard and the Police Marine Unit.
5. Will the show be broadcast? YES - Play-by-play coverage of the show will air on WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am until 3 pm WBBM Newsradio will also provide livestream video on their website.
1. Is accessible seating available for people with disabilities? Yes, accessible seating is available on a first come first served basis during show hours to individuals with disabilities. Primary Accessible Seating will be provided for the Air & Water Show at the north end of the North Avenue Beach House viewing stands. There will be no Secondary Accessible Seating for this event. Beach mats will be in place for accessible travel over sand to/from the seating area.
Eventually, the show was renamed the Chicago Park District Air & Water Show, expanded to two days, and moved to its current location at North Avenue Beach.
Corporate sponsorship participation was incorporated in 1989, and now provides substantial support for the production costs of the show. The event has been managed by the City of Chicago since 1994.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bring a blanket, chairs and a cooler to the beach to watch the Air & Water Show? Yes.
2. What items are prohibited from being brought onto festival grounds?
Alcoholic Beverages3. Do you have a schedule of what time each performer will perform? No. The program is the same both days (Saturday & Sunday), we do not have a schedule of who will be performing at what time, this is decided by the pilots the day of the event. You can count on the headliners performing last.
BBQ Grills (Open Flames)
Fireworks or Explosives
Illegal Substances & Weapons
Pop-up Tents/Canopies
Balloons
Kites
Flag Poles
All Pets (except Service Animals) Failure to comply with the above may result in entry being denied. All containers will be subject to search. Bicycles may not be ridden on festival grounds.
4. When do boat restrictions start on the lake? 7 am. You will have to follow the lead of the Coast Guard and the Police Marine Unit.
5. Will the show be broadcast? YES - Play-by-play coverage of the show will air on WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am until 3 pm WBBM Newsradio will also provide livestream video on their website.
Accessibility FAQs
The following is a list of what is required to obtain accessible seating:
Individuals who use wheelchairs2. Where is the transportation drop off and pick up located? For Paratransit and vehicles transporting people with disabilities, the location is the entrance to North Avenue Beach.
Individuals with disabilities who are ambulatory, but use mobility devises such as walkers or crutches
Individuals who are ambulatory, but who are unable to stand during the performance
Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and need unobstructed sightlines to the sign language interpreter
Individuals who are blind or have visual impairments that require seating in close proximity to the stage
Public Transportation
For travel information, visit transitchicago.com.
Parking
Get all-day parking plus free shuttle to and from North Avenue Beach for $32 at Millennium Park Garage, preferred parking partner for the 2013 Air & Water Show! The Millennium Garages locations are 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. Go to millenniumgarages.com for more info. Park Here. Go Anywhere!
Purchase Options: pay at parking location; call 312-616-0600.
For more information from the City of Chicago: CLICK HERE
# the above information is from the City of Chicago website:
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