The Chicago Air and Water Show Headlines a Busy Weekend August 14-16 at North Avenue Beach

CHICAGO: The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents to stay vigilant and to enjoy the various citywide events and festivals this weekend safely and responsibly. The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders as needed.

Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC app. The app is a great tool to receive alerts, safety tips, weather forecasts, street closures, event information and more. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC

Chicago Air and Water Show | North Avenue Beach

Friday, August 14, 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Practice)

Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The City of Chicago and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) proudly present the 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show, August 16 and 17 along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as show center from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Established in 1959 and one of the largest free admission events of its kind. Headliners of the 2026 show include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.

Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a UAS TFR for the airspace within a five nautical mile (5NM) radius of the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach from August 14-16, 2026. The TFR will be in place daily from 9:00am - 5:00pm. Unauthorized drones or unmanned aircraft systems will be prohibited to fly within the TFR without an approved FAA Waiver. Individuals who fail to adhere to the UAS TFR could face detainment/fines by law enforcement and/or FAA personnel.

Look up! For public safety, green and white pole markers are attached to light poles at North Avenue Beach from Oak Street to Fullerton serving as location identifiers if spectators need to call 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity, an emergency or injury. The numbers provide first responders with your exact location. They can also be used to reunite with family or friends should you become separated. For additional details click HERE.

Public Transportation: As for any large-scale event, public transportation is encouraged, and both CTA and Metra will provide additional service for the event. Public transit is the most affordable and convenient way to get to and from events citywide. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com. There is no public parking at North Avenue Beach over Air & Water weekend.

WBBM Newsradio 780 / 105.9 will broadcast the show live Saturday and Sunday, on both the radio and the free Audacy app. For more information, visit ChicagoAirandWaterShow.us.

Weather and Public Safety: OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download the Chicago OEMC app.

OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.

• Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org
• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT "CHILAKE" to 7-8-0-1-5
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT "CHIBIZ" to 6-7-2-8-3

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook(@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).