Air and Water Show, Country Thunder highlight weekend of fun for Milwaukee area

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- After a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, the Milwaukee Air and Water Show is back with the Navy's Blue Angels and other aircraft ready to thunder over the shores of Lake Michigan Saturday and Sunday.

"Just a great opportunity for mom, dad, and the kids to come on down to your county parks along the lakefront and watch a world class air show," said Paul Rogers, President of the Milwaukee Air and Water Show.

The show is visible along much of the city's lakefront and reserved seats are available for purchase. Guy Smith is the executive director for Milwaukee County Parks. He's happy to have the show back after two years away.

"This is a big deal. This is a huge event," Smith said. "This is one of the best air shows in the Midwest."

During a press conference on Friday, Rogers announced a deal has been signed to bring the show back through 2026.

To the west, country fans from all over the region are in for a treat as Country Thunder invades Twin Lakes. The four-day music festival will feature top country artists including Chris Young, Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line and more.

"Family, friends. We've been doing this a long time," said attendee Parrish Williams. "It's a tradition."

Camping, glamping and weekend passes have sold out for the event, but single day general admission tickets are still available. Country fans say the festival has everything you can ask for.

"Great people watching, great atmosphere," said Keith Mann, who will be camping on the grounds until Monday. "Good food, good drinks, good music."

We’ve been talking about weather conditions all evening long, and the country thunder staff is prepared.

While the rain likely won’t dampen any spirits in the crowd, they’ll make sure everyone is safe regardless.

"The stage of course, we have to be prepared for that. We have a great team that is watching the weather, making sure everything is safe. Safety is obviously our biggest priority. We want people to have a good time and be safe while they do it," said Megan Benoit of Country Thunder Music Festival.

Chris Young is Friday night's headliner and will take the stage at 10:00. Morgan Wallen will headline Saturday night's shows and Florida Georgia Line, set to take the stage at 9 p.m. on Sunday.