Chicago Air & Water Show 2026 - Sunday, August 16th

Although the weather was less than optimal for the weekend resulting in the Saturday show being largely rained out. On Sunday the show was delayed 2-hours but it was able to be held with some minor delays and the order of some of the performers being rearranged. Overall, the show was pretty good, there was no precipitation during the day and the sky was dark and gloomy so it made the photography part a bit more difficult with the lack of light. Regardless of the weather, sky being overcast, and the show adjustments, I was able to capture quite a few great pictures. One highlight for me was that even though I have watched the F-22 Raptor perform numerous times, this was the first time I was able to see the flare release during the performance which was outstanding and I was able to capture some decent pictures as I was actual unprepared for this to happen.