If you can't make it to the air show but want to experience the aerial thrills in all their glory, scour out these Cleveland locations to get a view of this spectacular show in the sky.
1. Be on the water
Rent a kayak and paddle your way to your own personal view of the air show. Feel the breeze from Blue Angels zooming over you at lightning speed.
Places to rent a kayak:
Great Lakes Watersports—1148 Main Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
River Cruiser Kayaking—3995 Jennings Rd, Cleveland, OH 44109
Photo: Alexander Farmer
2. Bar 32 at the Hilton—100 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland
Sip on a cocktail and enjoy the best patio views this city has to offer. The patio overlooks Burke Lakefront Airport and Lake Erie—you'll be eye level with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Bar 32 is hosting air show watch parties for the whole family all weekend long. More info on times here.
3. Voinovich Bicentennial Park—E 9th Street Pier, Cleveland
This 4.5-acre park is the perfect spot to see the sights and hear the sounds of the air show. Featuring an optimal view of the skyline, bring a blanket or chairs and make a day out of it.
Photo from Marina Week in Cleveland. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
4. Mall C—St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland
The grassy, long public park in downtown gives you a view of downtown and easy walkable access to the lakefront. It's a free spot to hang out and watch the fighter jets zoom by.
Photo: Mall C in downtown Cleveland. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
5. The deck of the William G. Mather—601 Erieside Avenue, Cleveland
If you're looking for the best unconventional seat, consider going aboard the William Mather, a retired Great Lakes bulk freighter now restored as a museum ship. On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a deck party. Guest should bring chairs as seating is not provided on the deck. Reserve your seats here.
Photo of William G. Mather. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
6. E.55th Street Marina—5555 N. Marginal Road, Cleveland
If you don't have a boat docked at the marina, there's no need to worry. You can park and sit at one of the many picnic areas or take the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway that passes through the E. 55th Street Marina.
7. Buy a ticket and go to the 2018 Cleveland Air Show
If you can make it to the air show, you won't be disappointed. Step inside C-5M Super Galaxy—the largest aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory. Many other aircraft are available for self-guided tours and you can meet the air force members who know the ins and outs of each one. Not to mention, you will have a front seat to all the action.
Tickets: Adults $23, Youth $14, and kids 5 and under are free. More info and schedule of events can be found here.
Photo: Kaylyn Hlavaty
