The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds returned to Chicago’s Air and Water Show over the weekend, drawing crowds to the city’s lakefront despite weather-related delays. The event, held Saturday and Sunday, faced several hours of postponed performances due to low clouds and rain, but spectators remained undeterred, filling North Avenue Beach as early as mid-morning.

Now in its annual iteration, the Air and Water Show is touted as the largest free event of its kind in the United States, attracting over one million attendees each year. This year’s lineup featured not only the Thunderbirds but also the U.S. Army Parachute Team, known as the Golden Knights, along with aerial demonstrations by the Coast Guard, the Chicago Police Department, and the Chicago Fire Department.

Longtime attendees like the Alaniz family arrived later than usual this year, citing a late start to the festivities. Leigh Ann Alaniz, 57, said her family has been coming to the show since her children were young. They brought a sign featuring their son Carmello, who is currently serving in the Air Force in Japan and credits the event as an inspiration for his military service.

The event also includes military recruitment activities, with service representatives setting up tents near the shore to engage with visitors. Additionally, food vendors and ice cream carts operated along the shoreline, creating a festive atmosphere despite intermittent weather interruptions.

Not all reactions to the show were celebratory. A group of protesters, including veterans, gathered to distribute pamphlets and carry signs opposing military efforts. One contingent paraded Palestinian flags and a large puppet labeled “the War Machine,” aiming to highlight concerns over the military-industrial complex. John Cerrone, a 35-year-old veteran from the Bucktown neighborhood, said their goal was to raise awareness about the costs of ongoing military engagements.

The Thunderbirds’ appearance marked their consecutive year at the Chicago event, deviating from the usual alternating schedule with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels due to a scheduling conflict. Fans such as Carl Robinson of Humboldt Park wore apparel emblazoned with the Thunderbirds’ name, underscoring the squadron’s popularity among enthusiasts.

Photographers and aviation fans were prominent throughout the weekend, many equipped with professional-grade cameras and tripods. Razeth Magnuson, 24, attending for the second time but first as a photographer, traveled from Galewood with a five-foot-tall tripod to capture the aerial feats. Other regular attendees, like Don Petersen of Hebron, noted the show’s free access as a distinguishing factor compared with other air shows nationwide. Petersen highlighted comparisons to shows such as the Oshkosh Air Show in Wisconsin, noting the Chicago event's broad appeal.

Younger spectators such as 21-year-old Illinois Institute of Technology student Aidan Baros, who came early to secure a prime vantage point, expressed excitement at witnessing the jets in person after photographing them from his apartment window last year.

Despite weather challenges and differing perspectives on military displays, the Chicago Air and Water Show remains a major draw, blending aerial spectacle with community engagement on the city’s waterfront.