Chicago Lakefront, North Avenue Beach

Since 1949, the Chicago Air and Water show has been held every year towards the end of summer and is one of the largest in the country.

In 2008 4-5 million people were expected to attend with the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels as the show's headliner. The U.S.Army's Golden Knights Parachute team also performed. The announcer was Herb Hunter who has been doing this for over 20 years. Apart from the civil pilots who showcased their skills in speed and synchronization there were many military aircraft like USAF B-1B Lancer Bomber, USAF F-22A Raptor, USAF C-130 Hercules and the USMC Harrier AV-8B.

In 2009, the Airforce's Thunderbirds were the headliners, with F-15, F-16, A-10, KC-135, KC-10, and several helicopters and civilian aircraft performing.

In 2012, the US Navy Blue Angels came back to show their awesomeness. The Aeroshell team, Red Bull team, Oracle Team, Fat Albert all returned.