We are thrilled to announce that planning is underway for 2025 Gary Air Show Weekend, set for August 21st thru Sunday 23rd 2026 at Marquette Park. This year, we’re excited to feature the US Air Force Thunderbirds, making it a must-see event for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
- Friday, August 21st: Gates open at 6:00 p.m., featuring a Twilight Drone & Pyro Show at 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 22nd & Sunday, August 23rd, 2026: Gates open at 9:00 a.m., with main flying performances beginning at 11:00 a.m
Since the successful return of the Gary Air Show in 2023, we’ve built strong partnerships with both local and national companies, and we’re eager to continue that momentum this year. We expect to double our attendance, with more than 20,000 people expected each day at the beach.
We would love for you to be part of this incredible experience by becoming a sponsor. There are several sponsorship levels available, along with customized options to suit your needs. All sponsorship packages include exclusive benefits such as VIP Event Passes, VIP Parking, or both.
The show will feature:
- More than 30 vendors showcasing a variety of offerings
- A Kids Area, Military Zone, and Meet & Greet opportunities
- A VIP viewing area at the Aquatorium with food, drinks, and entertainment
Your sponsorship will directly contribute to the success of this event and help us continue to bring remarkable acts like the US Airforce Thunderbirds and the US Army Golden Knights to our air show. We deeply value the support of our partners and would be honored to have you on board.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE PAST PARTICIPANTS:
- The US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Demo
- Kevin Coleman (Red Bull)
- The Misty Blues Parachute Team
- The Trojan Phlyers
- The vintage 1939 Taylorcraft “T-Clips” piloted by Erik Edgren
(To Be Updated Soon)
U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet (2026)
The U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet is a two-seat aircraft used to train Navy and Marine Corps pilots for jet carrier and tactical strike missions. The T-45 is a modified version of the Hawk advanced jet trainer used by the Royal Air Force and flown by the Red Arrows aerobatic display team. Landing gear modifications, a strengthened airframe and undercarriage for catapult launches, and the addition of a tailhook were all incorporated into the design so it could operate from an aircraft carrier.
Kevin Coleman (2026)
Kevin Coleman began airplane and aerobatic flight lessons at the age of 10 in his family’s Decathlon aircraft from aerobatic Hall of Fame Legend Marion Cole. He soloed at age 16 and earned his pilot’s license at age 17 flying his first air show performance at age 18. He was the first American to fly in the Challenger Class of the Red Bull Air Race and earned a spot on the prestigious U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team.
More performers are yet to be announced, but typically the air show features stunt pilots, military jets, and aerial acts like wingwalkers, the Lima Lima Flight Team, and the Aerostars and the Aeronautical University Flight team.
The event will be held at Marquette Park, located outside the Indiana Dunes National Park. However, patrons can also view the air show from the National Park, probably West Beach would also be another location.
The Chicago Air and Water show is returning for its 64th year along the lakefront next month with two days of performances. Between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Aug. 19 and 20th, 2023. Planes take off and land at the Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary, Indiana. All pilots perform stunts over the water in a set safety area. When a plane does fly over buildings, it is merely doing so in its flight path to return to the show area or the airport. In the past are crowds of people gather at the Gary/Chicago International Airport just watching the planes take off and land.
For a comprehensive list of allowed items, vendors, and the latest schedules, check the official Gary Air Show Facebook page
Parking:
At Marquette Park, across from Aquatorium.
$40 for one day, $60 for the weekend.
Check their Facebook Page for Updates
Email here for vendor applications or for more information
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
