Witnessing the Thunderbirds soar across the sky is truly an otherworldly experience all can enjoy. The beat of your heart will match the one the Thunderbirds draw in the sky as they flip through the air. Rumblings will be heard from all directions, your senses losing the fight against the powerful timber of the engines. With the capability to move twice the speed of sound, a blast of engines may be heard to your left while the jet is already over to your right. The way the pilots join in aerobatic formation from solo flying makes it seem like the pilot and jet are one entity, seamlessly moving across the sky with no friction to stop them. 

While there are many Air & Water Shows across the country, the one in Chicago is an extremely special occurrence. The Lake Michigan shoreline paired with the city skyline is an impressive landscape for the aircrafts, boats and parachutes to perform aerial displays and stunts. Parking yourself on the shoreline provides a full view of the performance while taking advantage of family and friends’ rooftops allows for an up close and personal look at the mighty Thunderbirds. I personally got an amazing look at one of the fighter jet’s undercarriages as it zoomed right over my head. There are many VIP options as well for a viewing experience–many of which include all you can eat and drink. If you do not have any relatives living in the city, the stands in Wrigley Field open the opportunity for special views right as the classic Cubs hit another home run.