10 Best U.S. Air Shows Worth Traveling For

Whether you’re a pilot, airplane enthusiast or all-around thrill-seeker, attending an air show is one of the best ways to celebrate the magic of aviation. While the best air shows in the U.S. feature headliners from famous aerobatic teams of the armed forces, like the Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds, it’s the secondary lineup acts, with unique planes and vehicles, that draw fans to specific shows across the country. Plan a trip to one or more of the top ten best air shows in the country to share your love of flight with family and friends.

Commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C.

The Joint Base Andrews Air Show features a Pearl Harbor bombing re-enactment as well as a WWII-era skytyping team.

You can see a showcase of U.S. military strength and airpower each May at the annual “Legends in Flight” Joint Base Andrews Air Show in Prince George's County, Maryland, near Washington, D.C. Don’t miss the pyrotechnics presentation from the Tora Bomb Squad, which re-enacts the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor using period replica Japanese aircraft and real explosions from a safe distance. Also, while near D.C., be sure to head over to the National Mall and brush up on the history of U.S. aviation at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Hotels near Washington, D.C.: 47

Celebrate the wonders of aircraft tech at this air show in Dayton, Ohio

The Dayton Air Show features a British Sea Harrier jet, which can lift off vertically.

As the home of the National Museum of the Air Force, Dayton, Ohio, is no stranger to air shows. This is why the Dayton Air Show, held annually in June at the Dayton International Airport, has featured presentations by such wonders of aviation as the British Sea Harrier jet, which can lift off vertically from the ground like a helicopter. Available Huey and Cobra helicopter rides make this one of the best air shows in the U.S., but feel free to stay on the ground and tour stationary military aircraft like the U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules transport plane, featured in the film Furious 7.

Hotels near Dayton, Ohio: 20

Honor a fallen Blue Angel pilot at the Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, Tennessee

Highlights of the Great Tennessee Air Show include the Blue Angels and pilot Michael Wiskus’ smoky Lucas Oil Pitts biplane.

Just outside Nashville, you’ll find the town of Smyrna, which hosts the Great Tennessee Air Show at Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport each June. A highlight of this show is pilot Michael Wiskus and his smoky Lucas Oil Pitts biplane, an uncommon sight at more modern air shows.

The Blue Angels air show is also a big highlight here, but the famed aerobatics team holds deeper meaning for the community of Smyrna. Just about a mile south of the airport, you’ll come across Lee Victory Recreation Park, home to a memorial for the late Blue Angels pilot, Jeff Kuss, a United States Marine Corps Captain who died in a crash while practicing for the Smyrna air show in 2016.

Hotels near Smyrna, Tennessee: 41

Have a “Belly” laugh at the Star Spangled Salute Air & Space Show in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The Star Spangled Salute Air & Space Show presents a performance from Jelly Belly featuring a rooftop landing on a moving RV.

Another one of the best air shows in the U.S. is Oklahoma City’s Star Spangled Salute Air & Space Show, held in June at Tinker Air Force Base. Included in this show’s secondary acts is the comedic “Jelly Belly” Interstate Cadet plane, known to scrape its wingtip along the runway before performing a rooftop landing on a moving RV. Another highlight is the Vietnam Combat Search and Rescue re-enactment, featuring military aircraft of the Vietnam War era like the C-7 Caribou plane and UH-1H Huey helicopter.

Hotels near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 29

Watch a fighter jet refuel midair at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Milwaukee Air and Water Show features a mid-air refueling from a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker to an F-16 supersonic fighter.

In July, Milwaukee’s scenic lakefront is host to the Milwaukee Air and Water Show. This annual tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans, held in downtown Milwaukee, includes a ski team water show. But don’t miss the action in the air, such as a mid-air refueling from a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker to an F-16 supersonic fighter.

Hotels near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 29

See two shows in one at Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois

The Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds alternate annual performances at the Chicago Air and Water Show, one of the highest attended air shows in the U.S.

Billed as the largest free show of its kind in the U.S., the Chicago Air and Water Show is known for its incredible air performances and a regular audience of over a million spectators. The water portion of the show includes a demonstration from the U.S. Coast Guard—as well as the Chicago Fire Department’s Air & Sea Rescue Unit, which services 37 miles of the Lake Michigan waterfront. For a unique view of the show, do what the locals do—find a rooftop bar!

Hotels near Chicago, Illinois: 25

Watch a U.S. Marines air-ground task force demonstration in San Diego, California

The 36,000 horsepower Shockwave Jet Truck at San Diego’s Miramar AirShow can hit speeds of up to 376 miles per hour.

September in San Diego delivers the best way to celebrate aviation while honoring service members: the Miramar AirShow. The lineup’s Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration includes a large cast of paratroopers and riflemen supported by tanks on the ground and aircraft in the sky. While here, keep an eye out for a popular U.S. air show regular, the 36,000 horsepower Shockwave Jet Truck, known to outrun planes from the ground at speeds of up to 376 miles per hour.

Hotels near San Diego, California: 22

Catch a pyrotechnics extravaganza at Virginia Beach, Virginia

The Oceana Air Show in Virginia Beach features the choreographed pyrotechnic work of Firewalkers International.

A common sight during September’s Oceana Air Show at Virginia Beach are the flames of Firewalkers International, which choreographs pyrotechnic displays in conjunction with flight teams and ground performers to simulate military air attacks. One of the show’s regular highlights is civilian pilot Greg Shelton, who flies a 450 Super Stearman, and his wife Ashley, a stunt wing walker.

Hotels near Virginia Beach, Virginia: 23

Join the “Alabama Boys” at the airport in Punta Gorda, Florida

Among the many performances at the Florida International Air Show is a comedy show by pilot Greg Koontz and his “Alabama Boys.”

Punta Gorda’s annual Florida International Air Show, while in the middle of several exciting aerial performances, regularly features a comedic airplane show from the flight team of Greg Koontz and his “Alabama Boys.” Koontz and his team perform a skit about a farmer stealing a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub and the efforts of “Grandpa Fred” to get it back.

Hotels near Punta Gorda, Florida: 5

See the “Aviation Nation” air show in sunny Las Vegas, Nevada

See the home-base performance of the U.S Air Force Thunderbirds at the Aviation Nation Air and Space Expo at Nellis Air Force Base.

The Aviation Nation Air and Space Expo at Nellis Air Force Base is the main exhibition air show for the U.S. Air Force. It’s therefore no surprise that the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds air show schedule includes a regular appearance at their home base. Because the Nellis air show is hosted by the main training base for the U.S. Air Force, visiting this show can earn you and your friends a chance to see the newest aircraft not yet revealed at other shows in the U.S.

Hotels near Las Vegas, Nevada: 5

Aeronautic enthusiasts know a good show when they see one. Luckily, there are plenty to be seen across the U.S. each year, so start planning your trip to one of the nation’s best air shows today!