About 2 million people are expected to descend on North Avenue Beach on Aug. 17-18 to watch the Royal Air Force, U.S. Navy Blue Angels and others show off their aerial skills in the 61st annual Chicago Air & Water Show.
The largest free show of its kind in the country is open to anyone who wants to come with a blanket, chairs and cooler, but if you want to beat the crowds and watch in style, reserve space at one of these eight spots hosting viewing parties. All events take place Aug. 17-18, unless otherwise noted.
The Lakefront Green at Theater on the Lake
2401 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-414-1313
Seating and shaded tents are provided on the massive lakefront field, where $20 will reserve you a spot starting at 10 a.m. For $125, you can also enjoy catered lunch and an open bar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets: eventbrite.com
The Signature Room
875 N. Michigan Ave., 312-280-0465
Watch all the action from a private viewing room on the 95th floor of the skyscraper formerly known as the John Hancock Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The $175 package includes premium drinks and a brunch buffet featuring chilled shrimp, seasonal salads, cheeses, Chicago-inspired dishes and dessert.
Offshore
1000 E. Grand Ave., 312-535-6660
The world’s largest rooftop bar hosts viewing parties for the rehearsal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 16 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the main event that include an open bar, brunch and barbecue fare, plus live music. Tickets are $125-$150 at sevenrooms.com.
Castaways
1603 N. Lake Shore Drive, 773-281-1200
The North Avenue Beach bar offers a breakfast and lunch buffet and open bar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $180. If that’s too pricey, you can try to snag one of the 250 first come, first served spots at their Sand Bar Beer Garden, which offers free admission from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 16-18. This is the only place on the beach where alcohol is permitted during the show, so order some $8 beers along with $6 cheeseburgers, $5 hot dogs and $1 bags of chips.
Spirit of Chicago at Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave., 866-273-2469
Watch the action from the water as part of a lake cruise featuring a brunch or lunch buffet, a DJ, and games including giant Jenga and shuffleboard. The boat will be on the water during the practices at 2:30-5 p.m. Aug. 15 and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 16, as well as during the show from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 17 and both 10 a.m. to noon and 1:45 to 4:15 p.m. Aug. 18. Boarding begins 30 minutes before each departure. Tickets are $64.90-$89.90 at spiritcruises.com.
Shore Club
1603 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-635-8058
The North Avenue Beach restaurant offers a brunch buffet and premium open bar on its patio from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 16 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 17-18. Tickets start at $150 at eventbrite.com.
Cite
505 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-644-4050
The restaurant at the top of Lake Point Tower offers panoramic views of the show during an $85 buffet brunch from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 18 that includes a brunch buffet.
Whisper’s on Oak Street Beach
1001 N. Lake Shore Drive
The new waterfront restaurant offers brunch, wine, beer and premium cocktails from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 16 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 17-18. Tickets are $125 for a single day or $300 for all three days at eventbrite.com.
