If you’re going to watch the 2019 Chicago Air and Water Show you don’t have to fight the crowds for blanket space. Instead, make plans to elevate your experience with a buffet on the beach, a picnic in the sky, or a rooftop away from the fray.
Below, seven luxurious places to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show.
Check out The Local Tourist’s ultimate guide to the Chicago Air & Water Show!
360 Chicago
Get unobstructed views of the Chicago Air & Water Show 1,000 feet up.
When looking out and up gets to be too much, you can look down for a bit with TILT. The attraction is a viewing platform that literally tilts away from the building, allowing you to see what’s 1,000 feet below.
Caffé Oliva
Located on Ohio Street Beach, this seasonal café offers an open bar and an all-you-can-eat package, including a “Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundae” buffet.
If you’ve got a group of friends, you can get a cabana for 10, 15, or 25 people. 550 E Grand Ave, caffeoliva.com, 312-612-0734
Shore Club
North Avenue Beach’s newest place for dining and cocktailing is hosting a beachside viewing party. The signature Shore Club Brunch will be included on Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 2 PM, as well as a premium open bar.
A pre-show event will also be held on Friday, August 16th from 11am to 2pm. VIP cabanas are available in The Oasis at Shore Club as an upgrade to the General Admission tickets.
Tickets include beach side brunch buffet and premium open bar. Cheers!
Purchase tickets at Eventbrite.
Theater on the Lake
The lakefront at the Fullerton promontory added an additional 5.8 acres in 2015, and now Theater on the Lake has been renovated with a restaurant.
Theater on The Lake will host a viewing party with some of the best, unobstructed views of the action on the lakefront.
Fullerton Ave and Lake Michigan
Skydeck Chicago
While further away from the action, the tallest observatory in the city gives you the long view. This means that you’ll be able to see a lot of the performers as they fly in from distant airports when you’re watching the Chicago Air & Water Show from Skydeck.
For an exclusive experience that’s normally not open to the public, you can watch the show from The Metropolitan. This members-only club on the 67th floor of Willis Tower will have food, drink, and “skip the line” VIP access to Skydeck. 233 S Wacker Dr (877) SKYDECK
Get tickets to Skydeck Chicago
Oak Street Beach Food + Drink
You’ll feel like you’ve taken a tropical getaway at this oasis. They often offer an ala carte menu and charge for the seats, but the fee will go towards your food and drink for the day. 1001 N Lake Shore Dr, oakstreetbeach.com
TLTip: Alcohol is not allowed on Chicago beaches unless you’re in a designated area.
Odyssey Cruises
For an upscale cruising experience consider Odyssey Cruises. The luxury vessel has a sophisticated rooftop lounge and an elegant interior. In between soaring planes, you can enjoy a three-course buffet. Learn more
For more details on the Chicago Air & Water Show check out our FREE guide! It’s the ultimate resource for the largest free event of its kind, with tips on where to watch, how to get there, and more.