They say it’s the largest spectator event in the U.S. and the longest ongoing show of its kind in North America. One thing’s for sure: come the third weekend in August, windows will rattle as the newest military planes buzz the lakefront from Fullerton Ave south to Oak St. North Avenue Beach is the epicenter. Prepare for mighty crowds. Around...

Hundreds of colorful kites soar and dip in the air at Cricket Hill by Montrose Beach. The festival is geared toward families, with free kites that children can put together and decorate. Professional kite flyers demonstrate how to harness the wind. Face painting, crafts, and balloon artists round out the fun. Candy even drops from the sky.