One of Chicago’s most beloved – and thrilling – events, The Chicago Air and Water Show, is returning to the city this weekend for its 63^rd edition. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and more will be flying over Chicago’s lakefront on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with practice flyovers beginning Friday, August 18.

Every year, millions of spectators gather along the shores of Lake Michigan to witness a display of daredevil stunts. The main viewing area stretches from Oak Street to Fullerton Avenue, with North Avenue Beach serving as center stage.

But while many spectators flock to Chicago’s beautiful beaches, rooftop bars are another popular destination, offering an enhanced viewing experience hundreds of feet off the ground. Read on for our picks of the best rooftop bars to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show 2023.

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If you’re one of the million or so parents in the Chicago area like myself, you’ve been so busy shuttling kids to camps and activities that you can barely comprehend we are already halfway through the school break and great weather. Rest easy! There’s still plenty of time and many places to take your children to make the most of the warm-weather months.

Why not start by swinging by a few neighborhood festivals, where bouncy houses, salty corn on the cob, face painting and maybe a beer tent will keep everyone in the family happy for a few hours? Here are a few family-friendly fests you can’t miss in the last half of summer.

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