When: Water show 9 a.m., air show 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Where: On the lakefront from Fullerton Parkway to Oak Street. Free. 312-744-3370, www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents.
What: The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will again headline the aeronautical thriller along Lake Michigan. The six-jet team will fly choreographed, acrobatic high-performance maneuvers such as the Delta and Diamond formations in F/A-18 Hornets. Plunging from high altitudes–at up to 120 m.p.h.–onto North Avenue Beach will be the co-headlining U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. Kids, don’t try this from your upstairs window with a balloon and a bungee cord. The Knights are skilled military professionals. Civilians also will get into the act. The Air Force Reserve Above & Beyond Aerobatic Show will include Ed Hamill, the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, Lima Lima Flight Team, Red Baron Pizza Squadron and Red Bull MIG Magic. On the waters will be the Liquid X Freestyle extreme water show with the Munsun Ski & Marine’s Show Team.
What’s new: U.S. Cellular will offer text messaging of information on the planes as they fly over. The service will be available on any cellular phone with text messaging capabilities regardless of carrier. The word “AIR” must be text messaged to 312-685-4444 to activate.
Forecast: Clear skies, with chance of thunderstorms. In other words, there’s lots of action. More than 2 million people watched last year’s show, so expect traffic snarls. Get there early, and plan on taking public transportation (the No. 72 North and No. 151 Sheridan will have increased service; call 312-836-7000).