EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on July 25-31, 2016 marks the beginning of the late Summer & Fall Airshows in North America. We compiled a list of local shows and aviation destinations for your consideration.
Grand Texas Airshow – Pancake Fly-In
July 30, 2016
Cleburne Regional Airport – Cleburne, TX (KCPT)
Grand Texas Airshow is having a Pancake Breakfast Fly In at Cleburne Regional Airport (KCPT) on Saturday, July 30th to kick-start its 2017 Airshow planning. For more information, visit www.grandtexasairshow.com
CAF High Sky Wing AIRSHO 2016
August 27-28, 2016
Midland International Airport, Midland, TX (KMAF)
The 26th anniversary of the AIRSHO at Midland International Air & Space Port in Midland-Odessa, Texas has arrived! The Commemorative Air Force High Sky Wing AIRSHO event will provide aviation enthusiast the opportunity to view the historic warbird aircraft fleet up close and personal. Visitors to the event will witness aviation history in action as demonstrations are performed over-head synchronized with the CAF’s Pyrotechnic Group’s explosive displays. For a list of the preserved aircraft and other event information visit www.highskywing.org.
Highland Lakes Squadron’s 25th Anniversary Bluebonnet Air Show
September 10, 2016
Burnet Municipal Airport (KBMQ)
The Bluebonnet Air Show is held annually in Burnet, TX. The CAF Highland Lakes Squadron has organized the family-friendly event for over 20 years and claims this year’s show to be the best yet! Texas native, Aaron Taylor, will perform his aerobatic act known as the “Twisted Texan” in the AT-6 aircraft from WWII. The elaborate paint scheme in addition to the roar of the twin R2600 radial engines on the B-25 Mitchell “Yellow Rose” will draw crowds of aviation enthusiast, guaranteed! Dozens of other in-flight demonstrations will be performed including the notorious P-51 Mustang piloted by Cowden Ward and rare PBJ-1J bombers of the “Devil Dog Squadron” perform as well. Event information and a current list of the scheduled demonstrations can be found at www.bluebonnetairshow.com.
Heart of Texas Airshow
September 17-18, 2016
TSTC Campus Airport (KCNW)
Excitement is sure to be found on the runway at the Texas State Technical College airport in Waco! The Heart of Texas Airshow will not only have dozens of air performances, but the event will also include a race between the Shockwave Jet Truck (the fastest jet truck in the world!) and a plane in flight. Don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunity to fly in the famous B-17 and B-25 bombers or an open cockpit Stearman or B-17! For more information on this year’s lineup of performances, events, and activities please check out www.heartoftexasairshow.com.
Angelina AirFest
October 8, 2016
Angelina County Airport (KLFK)
The 2nd Annual Angelina County AirFest will feature the famed Skip Stewart and Matt Younkin, as well as Adam Baker, Jeremy Holt, Kate Kyer, and Paul Fiala. We are also proud to welcome back renowned announcer, Ralph Royce! Get up close, meet the pilots and take pictures. Gates will open at 9:00am. Information for this air show can be found at www.visitlufkin.com.
Fort Worth Alliance Air Show
October 15-16, 2016
Alliance Airport (KAFW)
Representing the pride, precision and professionalism of the United States Air Force, the Thunderbirds will rock the Bell Helicopter Fort Worth Alliance Air Show! In addition to dynamic performances in the sky, the Bell Helicopter Fort Worth Alliance Air Show is an aviation festival with many activities to enjoy on the ground. Arrive early to see the wide variety of static display, speak to the pilots and take a tour. Be sure to explore the simulators, exhibit booths, Kid Zone, face painting, fun food and more. For further details and ticket information visit www.allianceairshow.com.
Wings Over Houston Air Show
October 22-23, 2016
Ellington Field Airport (KEFD)
Warbird and aerobatic aviation fans alike will enjoy this demonstration of flying expertise, featuring the talents of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Tora! Tora! Tora! and more! Conveniently located close to Galaxy FBO, this airshow will feature pristine aircraft as well as an insight into NASA’s exploration of space. Check out www.wingsoverhouston.com for all of the details.
The Lone Star Flight Museum
Scholes International Airport (KGLS)
In nearby Galveston, aviation enthusiasts can enjoy the official Texas Aviation Hall of Fame housed at the Lone Star Flight Museum. With historic aircraft galore and a camera-friendly atmosphere, guests can appreciate Texas’ role in the development of aviation. Notably, the “Lady Be Good” exhibit is being displayed again after being damaged during Hurricane Ike, commemorating the missing aircraft from an Allied attack during WWII. Every Saturday is a “Fly Day”. Guests can purchase flight experiences in a variety of World War II era warbirds, with prices ranging from $250-$325. Check out www.lsfm.org for more details.
CAF Houston Wing Museum and Hangar
West Houston Airport (KIWS)
If the weather forces your AvGeek party indoors, visit the Houston Wing Museum. The Houston Wing unit of the Commemorative Air Force will host an Open House at their hangar and museum on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The museum has a primary focus on WWII aviation, but they also include a variety of American, German, and Japanese military and home front life during the War. Hangar aircraft includes the C-60 Lodestar, AT-6 Texan, BT-13 Valiant, among many others! Accommodations for groups to include tours can be made possible with prior arrangements. More information can be found at www.houstonwing.org.
1940 Air Terminal Museum
William P. Hobby Airport (KHOU)
Located in the center of the flight activity at Hobby airport is the 1940 Air Terminal Museum. The museum is open daily, with the exception of Mondays, and an airshow is scheduled every day! In addition to the air shows there are public “Viewing Areas” for fellow AvGeeks to take the opportunity and catch more action! The museum provides aviation enthusiast with a window to the past to explore the history of the many segments of aviation including civil, business, and general flight history. Every 3rd Saturday they host their “Wings & Wheels” event. This month, July 16th, they award their Raffle Plane to a lucky winner! For more details and information visit the Museum’s website at www.1940airterminal.org.
