Between screenings or shows
A two- to four-hour gap: something close by.
- Half-daySkydeck at Willis Tower
- EatAu Cheval
Chicago Air and Water Show 2027 in Chicago: weekend guide and things to do
21 to 22 August 2027 · ExpectedChicago, United States
Chicago Air and Water Show leaves gaps between screenings, shows and events, and companions without a pass have whole days in Chicago. This guide fills them.
Chicago Air and Water Show in short
- When
- 21 to 22 August 2027 (expected, not yet confirmed by the organiser)
- Where
- North Avenue Beach, Chicago, United States, about 4 km from the centre
- Free time
- Gaps of two to four hours between screenings or shows, and whole days for companions.
- Best base
- River North and the Loop: Walk to the river and Millennium Park.
- Getting there
- O'Hare (ORD) has the CTA Blue Line to the Loop in 45 minutes; Midway (MDW) has the Orange Line in 25 minutes.
- Weather
- In August, Chicago temperatures average about 23°C, with roughly 105 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 13 h 35 min of daylight.
- Top things to do
- Chicago Architecture Center river cruise; Deep-dish pizza and food tour; Skydeck at Willis Tower
Weather during Chicago Air and Water Show
In August, Chicago temperatures average about 23°C, with roughly 105 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 13 h 35 min of daylight.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | About 23°C on average (73°F) | 105 mm | |
What to pack
- A rain jacket or umbrella: it rains often in this month.
- Comfortable walking shoes and a small day bag.
Airport to North Avenue Beach
O'Hare (ORD) has the CTA Blue Line to the Loop in 45 minutes; Midway (MDW) has the Orange Line in 25 minutes.
Buses along Lake Shore Drive; free to watch.
Public transport directions to North Avenue Beach
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | West Loop and South Loop | Near McCormick Place and the trains. |
| Mid-range | River North and the Loop | Walk to the river and Millennium Park. |
| Splurge | Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast | Grand hotels by the lake. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hotel Chicago West Loop
- Mid-range: Hotel Julian Chicago
- Splurge: The Peninsula Chicago
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual festival stay schedule for 21 to 22 August 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
A free day
For companions without a pass, or attendees taking a day off.
- Free ideaMillennium Park and the Bean.
Evenings
After the last show of the day.
- EveningBlues club night
- EatTime Out Market Chicago
Rainy day
Indoor backups.
- Rain or heat backupArt Institute of Chicago
- FreeLincoln Park Zoo.
Family-friendly picks
Half day · Low walking · Family
Chicago Architecture Center river cruise
The famous 90-minute river cruise.
- Field Museum.
- Shedd Aquarium.
- Museum of Science and Industry.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- River North and Wicker Park.
8 tours worth booking for Chicago Air and Water Show
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Skydeck at Willis Tower | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Bike tour of the lakefront | Half day | Families |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Half day | Bad weather, Tired legs |
| Chicago Architecture Center river cruise | Half day | Tired legs, Families |
| Deep-dish pizza and food tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| Blues club night | Evening | Night owls |
| Lake Michigan sunset cruise | Evening | Tired legs, Night owls |
| Gangsters and ghosts tour | Evening | Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Art Institute.
- Field Museum.
Getting around on event days
- CTA L trains and buses take contactless. McCormick Place has a Metra station and the #3 bus.
Day trips from Chicago
- Milwaukee: 1.5 hours by train
- Indiana Dunes: 1 hour
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Chicago Air and Water Show.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Chicago Air and Water Show 2027?
The next edition is 21 to 22 August 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
What is the weather like during Chicago Air and Water Show?
In August, Chicago temperatures average about 23°C, with roughly 105 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 13 h 35 min of daylight.
How do I get from the airport to North Avenue Beach?
O'Hare (ORD) has the CTA Blue Line to the Loop in 45 minutes; Midway (MDW) has the Orange Line in 25 minutes. Buses along Lake Shore Drive; free to watch.
Where should I stay for Chicago Air and Water Show?
For most visitors the best base is River North and the Loop: Walk to the river and Millennium Park.
What can we do between sessions at Chicago Air and Water Show?
Good short outings in Chicago include Chicago Architecture Center river cruise, Deep-dish pizza and food tour, Skydeck at Willis Tower. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Chicago Air and Water Show?
Family-friendly picks: Chicago Architecture Center river cruise, Skydeck at Willis Tower, Bike tour of the lakefront. Field Museum.
How far is North Avenue Beach from Chicago centre?
About 4 km in a straight line. Buses along Lake Shore Drive; free to watch.
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