Chicago Air And Water Show, As Seen From The Air And Water (PHOTOS)

NORTH AVENUE BEACH — The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds haven’t flown over Chicago since 2018, and they promised to give “a performance like none other” upon their return.

This weekend the high-speed military demonstration team delivered, performing tricks and maneuvers over the city’s lakefront as they headlined the annual show.

“What you’re gonna see this weekend is the tightest formations that the Thunderbirds have ever flown, closest to the crowd and the absolute best show you’ve ever seen,” Lt. Col. Justin Elliott of the demonstration team said Thursday.

While performing their stunts, the nearly 50-foot-long fighter jets fly as close as 18 inches between the cockpit of one jet and the wing of another.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform during the Chicago Air and Water Show, as seen from Lake Michigan on Aug. 19, 2023.

The U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team co-headlined the show, and leapt out from over 12,000+ feet twice Saturday.

Spectators packed the lakefront by the thousands, stretching mainly between Fullerton Avenue and Oak Street, as well as on rooftops of buildings across the lakefront.

The show’s tradition began in 1959 as a celebration for children enrolled in the Chicago Park District’s day camp program, according to the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

“The budget was $88, and the show featured a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration, water skiers, a water ballet, games and a diving competition,” acorfing to DCASE’s history page.

Sixty-three years later, the show includes performances by aerobatic pilots, who spiraled through the skies — sometimes encroaching the rolling waves of Lake Michigan — as well as various military aircraft.

See photos from the weekend show:

MSGT Deker Lankford refuels the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds team over Ohio from an Illinois Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker as they flew to the Chicago Air and Water Show on Aug. 17, 2023.

The U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team leaps out over Chicago during a practice at the Chicago Air and Water Show on Aug. 18, 2023.

A KC-135 Stratotanker flies past the John Hancock Building during the Chicago Air and Water Show, as seen from Lake Michigan on Aug. 19, 2023.

People watch aerobatic pilot Rob Holland performs over Lake Michigan during the Chicago Air and Water Show practice, as seen from the 360 Chicago observatory deck on Aug. 18, 2023.

The U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team prepares to leap out over Chicago during a practice at the Chicago Air and Water Show on Aug. 18, 2023.

An aerobatic pilot performs during the Chicago Air and Water Show, as seen from Lake Michigan on Aug. 19, 2023.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform over Lake Michigan during the Chicago Air and Water Show practice, as seen from the 360 Chicago observatory deck on Aug. 18, 2023.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds team is refueled over Ohio from an Illinois Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker as they flew to the Chicago Air and Water Show on Aug. 17, 2023.

An F-18 Hornet performs over Lake Michigan during the Chicago Air and Water Show practice, as seen from the 360 Chicago observatory deck on Aug. 18, 2023.

Oak Street Beach during the Chicago Air and Water Show practice as seen from the 360 Chicago observatory deck on Aug. 18, 2023.

Aerobatic pilot Rob Holland performs over Lake Michigan during the Chicago Air and Water Show practice, as seen from the 360 Chicago observatory deck on Aug. 18, 2023.

People watch the Chicago Air and Water Show from the Odyssey cruise ship, as seen from Lake Michigan on Aug. 19, 2023.

The U.S. Army Golden Knights plane flies low over the lakefront during the Chicago Air and Water Show, as seen from Lake Michigan on Aug. 19, 2023.

Crew members cover their ears as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds team lands at the Gary Jet Center before the Chicago Air and Water Show on Aug. 17, 2023.

U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute over Chicago during the Chicago Air and Water Show, as seen from Lake Michigan on Aug. 19, 2023.

Aerobatic biplane pilot Susan Dacy flies “Big Red” during the Chicago Air and Water Show, as seen from Lake Michigan on Aug. 19, 2023.

Boats leave by the dozens after the Chicago Air and Water Show, as seen from Lake Michigan on Aug. 19, 2023.

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Chicago Air And Water Show, As Seen From The Air And Water (PHOTOS)

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