Editor’s Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.
Though the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds typically alternate who headlines Chicago’s annual Air and Water Show, this year may be a repeat.
The Thunderbirds led the show alongside U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights in 2025, traditionally signaling that the following year would be headlined by the Blue Angels.
While city officials say the Air and Water show lineup won’t be released until mid-July, scheduling suggests spectators will yet again see the Thunderbirds zipping through Chicago’s skies this summer on Aug. 15 and 16.
The Thunderbirds’ schedule shows they’re set to visit Chicago on those dates this summer, though it does not specify that they’re in town for the Air and Water show. The same dates are notably booked on the Blue Angels’ schedule that states they will be at the Oregon International Air Show in McMinnville, Ore.
“Our annual schedule is developed through a variety of operational and logistical considerations, and unfortunately we are unable to support every request each year,” said Captain Danielle Cribb, a spokesperson for the Blue Angels.
When asked about the lineup for this year’s event, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events told NBC Chicago “DCASE has not yet announced the 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show lineup. The full performer lineup and event details will be announced in mid-July.”
The Air and Water Show is set to take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 15 and 16. Those eager to see the hair-raising mid-air tricks can also catch a rehearsal on Aug. 14.
More information on Chicago’s Air and Water show can be found here.
The Thunderbirds did not immediately respond to NBC Chicago’s inquiry.
