Cost: Free

Organizer: City of Chicago

What to expect: Death-defying stunts on sea and in the air in front of a crowd of millions.

Why to go: In honor of the show's 50th year, a special, star-studded Friday performance has been added to the festivities. Florence Henderson (of "Brady Bunch" fame) will kick things off at 3 p.m. with a rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner," then the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team (along with special parachuting guest, Bill Murray) begin the aerial acrobatics. There will then be a free concert at the North Avenue Beach Boat House from Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band (at 5 p.m.). The night show will conclude at 9:00 p.m. with a spectacular fireworks display.

Additional info: The lakefront fills up rapidly for this event, especially at the North Avenue Beach "Main Stage", where you'll get the best views and play-by-play commentary. You can get good views from other locations, including nearby Oak Street Beach. The air show begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

On Thursday, there will be an Air Show preview at the Gary/Chicago International Airport at 6 p.m. The parking lot/viewing area opens at 2:30 p.m., and parking costs $5.

Centerstage Reviewer: Ben Rubenstein