Rain slowed down the start of the 2026 Air and Water Show, the annual summer showcase of military and civilian air demonstrations.The two-day event, which is held along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, started at 12 p.m. Saturday after an hour and a half delay.The city boasts the s how’s spot as the largest free show of its kind in the U.S., and this year, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights are headliners. Here’s a look at photos from the show’s center at North Avenue Beach. A spectator uses binoculars to see fighter jets and military planes on display during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstrate during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026.Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times A member of the U.S. Marines stands during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times Viewers record during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstrate during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times A viewer points during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times The U.S. Air Force demonstrates during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times Community members watch the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times The U.S. Air Force demonstrates during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times The U.S. Air Force demonstrates during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times The U.S. Air Force demonstrates during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times Community members combat the weather during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times The U.S. Air Force demonstrates during the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2026. | Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times ...read more read less