** NORTHERN ILLINOIS AIRSHOW**
See you in September 2025!

Check Out Our Articles and Information On The Northern Illinois Airshow

(Formerly Wings Over Waukegan/Waukegan Air Show)


We are excited for the 2023 Airshow! Buy tickets early and save!

You can purchase tickets online for $15 each (plus fees) until September 1st then it will be $20 each (plus fees). Tickets will also be available the day of the show, September 9th, 2023 at the gate for $20 each (cash only). Active Duty, Retired Military, and Veterans with Military ID or State Veterans ID are admitted free. Picture ID required for veterans using DD214 or any other ID that does not include your photo. Kids 12 and under are always free! Free Parking

Download a flyer to print and/or share on your social media page.

The Northern Illinois Airshow (formerly known as Wings Over Waukegan/Waukegan Air Show) will be held September 9, 2023. Gates open at 9:30 am - Air Show starts at Noon. You can purchase tickets early online for $15 each (plus fees) until August 31st then it will be $20 each (plus fees). Tickets will also be available the day of the show, September 9th, 2023 at the gate for $20 each (cash only). Active Duty, Retired Military, and Veterans with Military ID or State Veterans ID are admitted free. Picture ID required for veterans using DD214 or any other ID that does not include your photo. Kids 12 and under are always free! Free Parking



The Warthog is Back for our 2023 Air Show!

You asked for it and we got it. The Warthog is back! The A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo team will dazzle you with their skill and power. Sure to be a stunner!

A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Team


2023 Airshow is ON!!!

We are excited to announce the long awaited Airshow is back! Mark your calendars to save the day for September 9, 2023. Check back often for more information. We are always looking for volunteers and sponsors. Please check out our pages and be part of the airshow experience.


2022 AIRSHOW NEWS

Friends of the Northern Illinois Airshow:

Unfortunately, we will not be having an airshow this year. Enough of the upper management leadership won't be available this year due to life changes to make 2022 happen. We look forward to new, experienced leadership stepping in and making 2023 a go with our help. This is not a "Goodbye", just a "See you soon!"

We are very happy and proud of how our 2021 show turned out and we thank all of you for your part!

We'll be back at it before you know it! We are looking for dedicated volunteers with event or aviation experience to step in for 2023. Feel free to email if you are a candidate for a role!

The Northern Illinois Airshow will not be happening this year. Enough of the upper management leadership won't be available this year due to life changes to make 2022 happen. We look forward to new, experienced leadership stepping in and making 2023 a go with our help. We'll be back at it before you know it! We are looking for dedicated volunteers with event or aviation experience to step in for 2023. Feel free to email info@northernillinoisairshow.com if you are a candidate for a role!  
          
We are very happy and proud of how our 2021 show turned out and we thank all of you for your part!


2021 Northern Illinois Airshow: Biggest and Best in Northeastern Illinois

The 2021 Northern Illinois Airshow (AKA Wings over Waukegan) was, without question, the biggest and best airshow in northeastern Illinois. (The Chicago Air and Water Show was again canceled, with only a Blue Angels performance as a substitute.) For this air show, fans can walk up to the planes, something they cannot do at many of the major city shows.

The airshow took place on Sept. 11, 2021, the 20th Anniversary of the terror ist attacks on the U.S. Consequently, the flying portion of the airshow began with a paratrooper carrying the U.S. Flag for the National Anthem, encircled by the Aerostars, immediately followed by a jumper with a 9-11-2001 Flag and a missing man formation . . .

2021 Northern Illinois Airshow: Biggest and Best in Northeastern Illinois. Article written by Larry E. Nazimek / In Flight USA

Written By: Larry E. Nazimek / In Flight USA


Phillips 66 Aerostars coming to Northern Illinois Airshow

We are excited to have The Phillips 66 Aerostars Team welcome you to the 2021 Airshow. You don't want to miss them!



You've been waiting for for it and so have we - the 2021 Northern Illinois Airshow!

We welcome the Phillips 66 Aerobatic Team , the newly refurbished Warbird Heritage FG-1D and a wide variety of other acts to produce plenty of jaw dropping awe. This is a great family event and a day to remember.

Active Duty, Retired Military, and Veterans with Military ID or State Veterans ID are admitted free. Picture ID required for veterans using DD214 or any other ID that does not include your photo.

Please follow current COVID 19 guidelines regarding the use of masks and social distancing for unvaccinated patrons.

Download a flyer to print and/or share on your social media page.

The Northern Illinois Airshow (formerly known as Wings Over Waukegan/Waukegan Air Show) will be held September 11, 2021. Gates open at 9:30 am - Air Show starts at Noon. Tickets are $15 each at the gate. Active Duty, Retired Military, and Veterans with Military ID or State Veterans ID are admitted free. Picture ID required for veterans using DD214 or any other ID that does not include your photo. Kids 12 and under are always free! Free Parking



Our 2021 Northern Illinois Airshow is Looking Good!

Who’s up for an Airshow? I can tell you after a difficult period and a canceled 2020 show, WE ARE!

Optimism abounds and we believe health care capacity will not be a concern by September and Restore Illinois Phase 5 will be in place, allowing large public gatherings. We miss you and can hardly wait to put together a Great Show for you on Saturday September 11th, 2021!

Volunteers are already hard at work planning the event. Please support our many great sponsors as this would not be possible without them.



2020 Northern Illinois Airshow Canceled

The 2020 Northern Illinois Airshow in Waukegan has been canceled because of the coronavirus, organizers announced Wednesday.

The event, which was scheduled to take place Sept.12 at Waukegan National Airport, would require the state to be in Phase 5 of the reopening process, said Tom Coogan, president of the Northern Illinois Airshow. Illinois is expected to enter Phase 4 Friday, but the next phase will not occur until a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 has been developed, according to the state’s Restore Illinois guidelines.

“We find that condition to be unlikely by the end of summer,” Coogan said.

Last year’s event attracted approximately 25,000 spectators.

“Our board members take their roles seriously as guardians of the safety and welfare of fans, volunteers and performers during the course of every show,” said Coogan, of Northbrook. “This year, COVID-19 has brought an additional risk which the organizers cannot control or accept.” ...(continue to story). Written by Karie Angell Luc - Lake County News-Sun

Spectators walk the midway to see aircraft up close on Sept. 7, 2019 at the 2019 Northern Illinois Airshow at the Waukegan National Airport

Spectators walk the midway to see aircraft up close on Sept. 7, 2019 at the 2019 Northern Illinois Airshow at the Waukegan National Airport.



2019 Wings Over Waukegan/Northern Illinois Airshow Review

You probably attend a nearby annual airshow, only to see the same acts year after year. We in the aviation community don’t like to say it publicly, but it’s almost like watching reruns, and we’d like to see some new acts. That, however, is not the case with the Wings Over Waukegan/Northern Illinois Airshow. This one has something new every year, with many exciting acts. This year’s show was held Sept. 7 at the Waukegan Airport (UGN).

The show began with the singing of our National Anthem, with members of the Quad City Jumpers parachuting with our Flag, while the Phillips 66 Aerostars circled. This was followed by a T-28 Trojan/A-1 Skyraider Missing Man formation in honor of the 9-11-2001 victims and heroes.

Among acts were the SkyDoc T-28 solo routine, a Pitts S1S flown by Dave Scott, and a F-4U Corsair......(continue to story). Written by Larry E. Nazimek - In Flight USA, October 25, 2019

Pilots dazzle at the 2018 Waukegan Air Show

Photo credit: Larry E. Nazimek / In Flight USA



In-Depth Interview with Tom Coogan and Paul Wood

Watch an in-depth interview with Tom Coogan and Paul Wood talking about the upcoming 2019 airshow on September 7th, the history of Paul Wood's aircraft, and some of the acts he will be performing. Interview by Robbie K and the Sportz Krew inside Paul Wood's hangar showcasing some of his aircraft.

In-depth interview with Tom Coogan and Paul Wood about the 2019 Northern Illinois Airshow

Please note: The date of the Airshow is September 12, 2020. The date on the banner on the wall is from a previous Airshow.


The Aviationist: We interviewed the A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Pilot Who Told Us Why The “Warthog” Still Rocks

We met Major Cody “ShIV” Wilton, commander of the A-10C Thunderbolt II demonstration team who continues to showcase the raw power of the most unique jet in the USAF inventory.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II has been a mainstay in the USAF for well over 40 years, and has no retirement date in sight. The A-10C (aka “Warthog” or “Hog” or “Hawg”) is showcased at air shows across the world, and the man behind the controls is Major Cody “ShIV” Wilton, the commander of the A-10C Thunderbolt II demonstration team. Fortunate enough to get extremely up close and personal with the jets and the team as they arrived for the Pocono Raceway Air Show in Pennsylvania, Major Wilton talked to The Aviationist about the pros of the A-10, and why ...(continue to story). Written by Zachary Allen - The Aviationist

The Aviationist: We interviewed the A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Pilot Who Told Us Why The “Warthog” Still Rocks

Major Cody “ShIV” Wilton poses next to the team's A-10C Thunderbolt II.
Photo credit: Zachary Allen - The Aviationist



Spectators can get up close and personal with aircraft at 2019 Waukegan Air Show

What started as a small aircraft display more than 20 years ago has become an annual air show attracting up to 20,000 civilians and military personnel to the Waukegan National Airport.

The Northern Illinois Air Show, set for Sept. 7, will inspire, wow and awe spectators as historical combat aircraft fly fast, upside down and in formation, according to show president Tom Coogan.

They’ll experience noise, smoke, expertly coordinated flights and likely a rush of adrenaline. “There will be lots of things going boom,” Coogan said.

The Waukegan show might not be quite as spectacular as the annual air show held in Chicago each August but Coogan said it has some advantages.

“In Waukegan, you are able to walk up to the aircraft. You can talk to the crew. You can watch them take off and land — and they’re doing all their flying right over the airport. That's opposed to the.....(continue to story). Written by Sheryl DeVore - Lake County News-Sun

Pilots dazzle at the 2018 Waukegan Air Show

Military aircraft fly in formation during the Northern Illinois Air Show in Waukegan.
(Northern Illinois Air Show)



You've been waiting all year for it - the 2019 Northern Illinois Airshow!

NEW ACTS! We are proud to announce that we will have the A-10 Demo Team as well as an Air Force Heritage formation flight, displaying the A-10 with our P-51 flown by Stuart Milson. We also will display a Navy Legacy formation flight with a T-45 Goshawk with our own A-4 Skyhawk flown by Paul Wood. Another new addition is BD5 Microjet “Lil Devil”, owned and pilot L.D. Jeffries. Due to its unique size, the BD-5J was dubbed the "The World's Smallest Jet" and earned a reputation as James Bond's jet when it was featured in the movie "Octopussy."

Active Duty, Retired Military, and Veterans with Military ID or State Veterans ID are admitted free. Picture ID required for veterans using DD214 or any other ID that does not include your photo.

Download a flyer to print and/or share on your social media page.

The Northern Illinois Airshow (formerly known as Wings Over Waukegan/Waukegan Air Show) will be held September 12, 2020. Gates open at 9:30 am - Air Show starts at Noon. Tickets are $15 each at the gate. Active Duty, Retired Military, and Veterans with Military ID or State Veterans ID are admitted free. Picture ID required for veterans using DD214 or any other ID that does not include your photo. Kids 12 and under are always free! Free Parking


WCIU Commercial for 2019 Airshow

Check out WCIU video commercial to get you pumped up for our upcoming airshow, September 12, 2020.

WCIU Productions Commercial of the 2019 Northern Illinois Airshow


Pilots dazzle at the 2018 Waukegan Air Show

The two-blade propeller of the Red Starlet whirred to life, sending its orange-and-yellow pinstriped nose into a dizzying blur as Capt. Dan Booker began guiding the jet toward the runway.

Onlookers split their gaze between the Russian warbird aircraft as it prepared for its flyby and the planes that were already airborne in the crisp, blue sky above them. Performing a series of gravity-defying aerobatics, a biplane completed seven vertical barrel rolls, hovering for a weightless moment before turning and plummeting straight back down to the ground. The pilot righted the aircraft at seemingly the last minute and the plane zipped by, its wheels casting close shadows on the runway beneath it.

The Northern Illinois Air Show was in full swing in the early afternoon Sept. 8. The roar of jets rivaled the excited shrieks of children who stared, wide-eyed, as the jets screamed by, leaving a thick plume of smoke in their wake.

For Northbrook residents Diana and Wayne.....(continue to story). Written by Michele Leivas - Lake County Journal

Pilots dazzle at the 2018 Waukegan Air Show

Photo credit: Candace H. Johnson / For Shaw Media



Make Plans to attend the 2018 Northern Illinois Airshow!

Download a flyer to print and/or share on your social media page.

The Northern Illinois Airshow (formerly known as Wings Over Waukegan/Waukegan Air Show) will be held September 8, 2018. Gates open at 9:30 am - Air Show starts at Noon. Tickets are $15 each at the gate. Active Duty, Retired Military, and Veterans with Military ID or State Veterans ID are free. Picture ID required for veterans using DD214 or any other ID that does not include your photo. Kids 12 and under are always free! Free Parking


Air Show Coming to Waukegan September 9, 2017

The Northern Illinois Air Show, an annual event, formerly known as Wings Over Waukegan, will take place at Waukegan National Airport, 2601 W. Plane Rest Drive, on Sept. 9. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The opening ceremony begins at noon with a 9/11 tribute featuring a color guard and singing of the national anthem under a dramatic presentation by the Quad City Skydivers flying the American flag and trailing smoke.

"While not an exclusively military air show, most of the performing aircraft are former U.S. and foreign military fighter or combatant training aircraft," said Tom Coogan of Northbrook, Northern Illinois Air Show president. (continue to story). Written by Zion-Benton News Staff.

Air show to honor veterans, demonstrate war tactics

Air show to honor veterans, demonstrate war tactics

As the National Anthem rings out at noon on Sept. 9 across Waukegan National Airport, skydiving parachutists will descend from the sky to begin the annual show of aerial maneuvers.

Trailing behind them will be smoke and the American flag — and if that doesn't tug on the heart strings, the opening act will be followed with a four-plane jet missing-man formation as "America the Beautiful is sung.

The formation is to "honor the fallen heroes of 9/11," said Thomas Coogan, president of the Northern Illinois Air Show.

Coogan added the formation will also recognize the recent loss of local warplane pilot Vlado Lenoch, who died while piloting the Baby Duck P-51D Mustang when it crashed in Kansas in July..... (continue to story). Written by Sheryl DeVore, a freelance reporter for the News-Sun

Air show to honor veterans, demonstrate war tactics

Northern Illinois Air Show to honor Burr Ridge pilot, Vlado Lenoch, killed in Kansas crash

The upcoming Northern Illinois Air Show in September at Waukegan National Airport was almost not going to feature its popular heritage military aircraft because of a recent plane crash in Kansas that killed one of the annual event's featured pilots and destroyed the popular "Baby Duck" P-51D Mustang.

But the Warbird Heritage Foundation, based at Waukegan National, recently decided to keep flying, making an appearance at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh show last weekend in Wisconsin.....(continue to story). Written by Frank S. Abderholden, Contact Reporter

Northern Illinois Air Show to honor Burr Ridge pilot, Vlado Lenoch, killed in Kansas crash

Photo credit: J.Lewis Photography / News-Sun



Make Plans to attend the 2017 Northern Illinois Airshow!

Download a flyer to print and/or share on your social media page.

The Northern Illinois Airshow (formerly known as Wings Over Waukegan/Waukegan Air Show) will be held September 9, 2017. Gates open at 9:30 am - Air Show starts at Noon. Tickets are $15 each at the gate. Military personnel in uniform and kids 12 and under are always free! Free Parking


Early rain doesn't cloud Waukegan Air Show.

The organizers of the Northern Illinois Airshow had their own kind of barrel roll to contend with Saturday as rain and wind threatened the event Saturday at Waukegan National Airport....(continue to story). Written by Frank S. Abderholden, Contact Reporter

Early Rain Doesn't Cloud Waukegan Air Show

Check out this wonderful article and video on the 2016 airshow, which is happening September 10, 2016. Written by Sheryl DeVore, News-Sun.

The Northern Illinois Airshow (formerly known as Wings Over Waukegan/Waukegan Air Show) will be held September 10, 2016. Gates open at 9:30 am - Air Show starts at Noon. Tickets are $15 each at the gate. Military personnel in uniform and kids 12 and under are always free! Free Parking

Paul Wood previews this year's Northern Illinois Airshow. Check out the video from the TV segment on WCIU.

The Northern Illinois Airshow (formerly known as Wings Over Waukegan/Waukegan Air Show) will be held September 10, 2016. Gates open at 9:30 am - Air Show starts at Noon. Tickets are $15 each at the gate. Military personnel in uniform and kids 12 and under are always free! Free Parking

Two Day Show in 2015 with the Canadian Snowbirds and CF-18 Hornet Demo Team

Article in the Sun TIme

14th Annual Wings Over Waukegan Air Show - 70 Year Remembering D-Day Tribute

Wings Over Waukegan Air Show - September 6, 2014

Wings Over Waukegan - 2013 Poster

Wings Over Waukegan Airshow - 2012

Wings Over Waukegan - 2012 Poster

Wings Over Waukegan - 2012

More than 35,000 at Waukegan Air Show - 2012

Close-Up Peek at Snowbirds

In 'plane' Englist, it was a great show!

Wings Over Waukegan 2012

Wings Over Waukegan 2012

Waukegan Air Show

Wings Over Waukegan Air Show 2011

Wings Over Waukegan - 2010

Waukegan Air Show - 2009

waukegan air show 2007

Over 20,000 Spectators were at the 2019 Northern Illinois Airshow (formerly the Wings Over Waukegan/Waukegan Air Show) - Great Exposure for your company and food

Over 20,000 Spectators were at the 2019 Northern Illinois Airshow (formerly the Wings Over Waukegan/Waukegan Air Show) - Great Exposure for your company and food.