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PrintChicago Air and Water Show Editorial Review
In Short
For 2008, the annual event expands to three days, with Friday (Aug. 15) featuring the same air show, but adding a concert and fireworks extravaganza at night. In aircraft capable of flying at twice the speed of sound, pilots reach speeds up to 700 mph and climb to heights up to 15,000 feet, higher than 10 Sears Towers. Planes are visible from the ground all over the city, but the show is best viewed from North Avenue Beach where the water sports take place. This year's headliners include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team.
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Insider Tips
Performances begin at 9am with the water show, around 11am for the air show, and end at 4pm. Fireworks top off the festivities at 10:15pm on Saturday. Keep an eye out for practice runs in the days leading up to the event.
Leave the driving to the professionals this day, and take CTA. Traffic will be tight.
If you're unfamiliar with the planes, listen to the experts: Every aerobatic maneuver is described on WBBM (780 AM).