Friday’s rehearsal gave Chicago an early look at the action, but low clouds already affected some practice runs. Marketing Media TV captured footage from the Lakeview ahead of a weekend that could be heavily influenced by the weather.
CHICAGO — The jets are here. The crowds are gathering. And one of Chicago’s signature summer weekends is ready to begin.
But this year, there is one factor nobody can control: the weather.
The 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show is scheduled to begin Saturday along the lakefront, with performances planned from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Friday served as the official rehearsal day, giving spectators an early preview of the aircraft and demonstrations expected over Lake Michigan this weekend.
Marketing Media TV was there and captured several videos from Friday’s rehearsal.
And considering the uncertainty surrounding Saturday’s forecast, Friday’s practice may turn out to be an especially valuable preview of this year’s show.
Weather Already Had an Impact Friday
The weather was not just a concern for the weekend.
It was already affecting Friday’s rehearsal.
Low clouds over the lakefront limited some practice runs during the day, and at least one planned parachute jump involving the U.S. Army Golden Knights was canceled because of weather conditions.
Still, aircraft were visible over the city, spectators gathered near North Avenue Beach, and Chicago got its first real taste of Air and Water Show weekend.
Marketing Media TV captured several moments from the rehearsal, and we’re sharing that footage below.
Watch our footage from Friday’s Chicago Air and Water Show rehearsal:
Saturday’s Schedule Could Depend on the Sky
For now, the Chicago Air and Water Show remains scheduled to begin Saturday.
But the forecast creates uncertainty.
Rain and thunderstorms are possible Saturday, particularly during the morning and into the first part of the day — exactly when thousands of spectators will be preparing to head toward the lakefront.
That does not automatically mean the show will be canceled.
Air shows are highly dependent on real-time conditions, and individual performances can be delayed, modified or removed depending on cloud ceilings, visibility, thunderstorms, wind and other safety considerations.
The performance order is also determined on the morning of the show, giving pilots and organizers the ability to adjust plans based on conditions.
In other words, Chicago may not know exactly what Saturday’s show will look like until much closer to showtime.
Friday Offered a Preview — No Matter What Saturday Brings
That makes Friday’s rehearsal especially interesting.
For spectators who were able to make it to the lakefront, it provided a chance to see some of the aircraft before the weekend crowds arrive.
And for those who could not be there, Marketing Media TV’s footage offers an early look at what was happening above Chicago today.
There is something uniquely Chicago about hearing fighter jets overhead and looking up to see aircraft cutting across the skyline and Lake Michigan.
Air and Water Show weekend has become one of those unmistakable signs of summer in the city.
This year, though, everyone may be checking the radar almost as often as they are checking the sky.
What We Know Right Now
The Chicago Air and Water Show is currently scheduled for:
Saturday, August 15
10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 16
10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The main viewing area is centered around North Avenue Beach, with the show visible from a large stretch of Chicago’s lakefront.
Admission is free.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Golden Knights are among the headline performers scheduled for this year’s event.
Check Before Heading to the Lakefront
Anyone planning to attend Saturday should check the latest official updates and weather conditions before leaving home.
The show is still scheduled.
The aircraft are in Chicago.
Friday’s rehearsal happened.
But what Saturday ultimately looks like may be decided by conditions over Lake Michigan just hours — or even minutes — before the performances begin.
Until then, we have Friday.
Marketing Media TV was there, and we’re sharing our rehearsal footage with you as Chicago waits to see what the skies bring on opening day.
