North Avenue Beach serves as the center of the show. If you’re interested in seeing the water portion of the show or the Arial acrobatics of the skydivers then this is probley the best location. Also, there is a PA system installed along the beach so you can follow the action with a play by play description. There are food vendors along the beach as well as portable outhouses. Personally, I prefer Friday before the actual weekend show and watch the practice without all the crowds. Also, Olive Park is a good alternative to North Ave beach, its much quieter (relative term for that weekend), provides a few trees for shade and is a short walk to navy pier for any personal needs, you will, however not have a view of the water show and some aerial shows like the Helicopters and Aerial acrobats might be too far away to enjoy as much.

Traditionally Olive Park is closed for the show.

How early do we need to get there to get a spot usually? We need to bring out own chairs I assume or towels?

I would get there at least an hour before the show. Yes, bring your own seatng.

If we choose to drive is there anywhere to park? Can we park at the Navy Pier and walk to the beach?

Jen from TA provided this great site:

http://tinyurl.com/yrad8v

The show is also on Friday this year in honor of it's 50th anniversary. Someone else can help on your parking question, it's really rough during the air & water show. It is not walkable from the pier to North Ave beach.

Parking's going to be tough that day. Park at Millenium Park and take a bus to North Ave.

This alone might make it worth a visit

chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-bill-mu…

Gary Sinise makes it worth it in my book. What a great man he is, and so loyal to our city & our troops. So the band he is in will be playing at North Ave Beach at 5pm, followed by fireworks. Sounds like a good day & evening.

Sounds like Friday would be a great day to visit, but with young kids we will do saturday morning most likely.

Since we are coming in from Schaumburg I a leaning towards driving to Rosemont Metro station and parking and riding. Does that sound like a good plan? Is that a safe secure area to park and ride with young kids? Where will I want to get off the train?