BIG LIST Michigan Air Shows 2024 - SO FUN! Schedules, Dates, 7 Best Aviation Events Include Thunder Over Michigan, Battle Creek Air Show, Wings Over Muskegon This Summer - June, July and August

Article: BIG LIST Michigan Air Shows 2024

Each summer, our state of Michigan showcases the most captivating air shows in the United States! These breathtaking aerial exhibitions demonstrate the skill, precision, and raw power of modern aviation, attracting thousands of spectators each June, July and August.

So get ready to witness jaw-dropping aerial performances, heart-stopping aerobatics and incredible historic warplanes.

Oh, and be sure to watch Tom Cruise's Top Gun movie before you go! What an incredible movie!

Michigan air shows offer such a thrilling experience for aviation enthusiasts and casual observers alike. So keep reading for THE BEST Michigan Air Shows and events across the state! There might even be air shows in Michigan this weekend!


What is the biggest air show in Michigan?

Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show! This aviation event is an air show AND hot air balloon festival in one! Can't beat that!


Michigan Air Shows Map

  • Click on the plus and minus in the left corner to zoom in or out of the map.
  • Click on the icons for more info, addresses and photos of the stops.
  • Click on the map to drag and move it to view surrounding areas.
  • In the Header, click on the rectangle in the upper left of the map to see a menu of all of our stops. Click on anything that looks interesting to see where it is on the map. To hide the menu, click the rectangle in the header.
  • In the Header, click on the "square" icon in the upper right side to expand the map for better viewing.

Best Michigan Air Shows To Enjoy This Summer

1. Thunder Over Michigan Air Show: Schedule, Airplane Rides, Demonstrations and FUN in Ypsilanti! Willow Run

Date: August 2024 tbd - we heard rumors that it was cancelled this year but we will keep an eye out for more information. 

Location: Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti

Description: The Thunder Over Michigan Air Show, organized by the Yankee Air Museum, is a two-day event that showcases an impressive lineup of aerial acrobatics, military aircraft, and vintage warbirds.

See the Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team
U.S.A.F., Republic P-47D Thunderbolt, Fairchild C-123K Provider "THUNDER PIG", Fairchild PT-26, Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker and so much more! The air show features static displays and flight demonstrations, allowing attendees to get up close to historical aircraft.

  • Book an unforgettable flight on one of Yankee Air Museum's historic aircraft (such as the North American T-6G Texan or the Boeing PT-13 Kaydet!) during Thunder Over Michigan! 

Check the Yankee Air Museum's website to verify the schedule as times, displays and events may change.

Willow Run Air Show 2023 MORNING Air Show Schedule

Grounds Open: 7:00AM
Air Show Starts:
10:00AM
Air Show Ends and Depart Show:
12:00PM

  • KC-135R Stratotanker Demonstration Team
  • P-51D Mustang "Swamp Fox" Demonstration
  • CT-133 Silver Star "ACE MAKER III" Demonstration
  • Mini 357th Fighter Group Salute (P-51B Mustang; P-51D Mustang X2)
  • F-15E Strike Eagle (x2) Exhibition
  • F-22 Raptor Demonstration
  • F-22 Raptor / Heritage Flight

Willow Run Air Show 2023 AFTERNOON Air Show Schedule

Grounds Open: 1:00PM
Air Show Starts:
4:00PM
Air Show Ends and Depart Show:
6:00 PM
Grounds Close:
7:00 PM

  • B-29A Superfortress "FIFI" & B-24A Liberator "DIAMOND LIL" Demonstration 
  • Trainer Heritage Flight (CT-133 Silver Star "ACE MAKER III"; TF-51D Mustang)
  • CT-133 Silver Star "ACE MAKER III" Demonstration
  • P-47D Thunderbolt Demonstration
  • FG-1D Corsair Demonstration
  • Lim-5 Demonstration
  • 357th Fighter Group Salute (P-51B Mustang; P-51D Mustang x 5)


2. Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival (Battle Creek Air Show)

in the know

USA Today Ten Best heralds The Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show among the 10 BEST AIR SHOWS IN THE UNITED STATES!


Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival is one of our favorite Michigan Air Shows as Chris and I have attended several times and we love it!

Dates: July 3 - July 7, 2024 (Grab the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show schedule and tickets)

Where is the Battle Creek Air Show?

Location: W.K. Kellogg Airport, Battle Creek, 15551 S Airport Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49015

Description: The Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival is an exciting combination of hot air balloons and thrilling aerial performances. It all happens over the Fourth of July weekend! This exciting aviation and balloon event features morning launches of colorful hot air balloons and afternoon air shows. 

Be sure to enjoy evening events including night glows of the balloons, and a carnival-like atmosphere. The festival offers a delightful experience for families and aviation enthusiasts alike.



Enjoy: Carnivals, live music/concerts every night, hot air balloons, kids day, night air show, demonstrations, 5k run, fireworks and so much more!

Parking for Field of Flight: ***Cash only for parking (credit cards not accepted). Vehicles will be parked in the main parking off of Helmer Road and South Airport Road. Bicycles and Motorcycles are also welcome.

  • All events take place at Battle Creek Executive Airport.
  • All activities are subject to change or cancellation for weather or any unforeseen circumstances.
  • They accept cash or credit cards for admission at the gate.



2024 Air Show Lineup!

  • Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron
  • Golden Knights
  • F-35C Lightning II Demo Team (Two-Ship)
  • A-10C Thunderbolt II Demo Team
  • F/A-18F Super Hornet Rhino Demo Team
  • Firewalkers International Pyro “Feel the Heat”
  • Erik Edgren in the Clipped Wing Taylorcraft “T-Clips”
  • World Champion Rob Holland MXS-RH
  • Skip Stewart in the Pitts Muscle Biplane “Prometheus”
  • Bill Stein Zivko Edge 540
  • Erickson Aircraft Collection’s P-38L Lightning “Tangerine”
  • Bob Carlton “Vertigo Airshows” in the ALL NEW Foxjet Twin Jet Sailplane
  • “Ace Maker Airshows” featuring Greg Colyer in the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star
  • Kyle Franklin’s Flying Circus
  • Charlie Morris in the American Champion Super Decathlon
  • Nathan Hammond “GhostWriter Airshows” Super Chipmunk Aerobatics
  • DreamBIG, LLC’s F/A-18 TOP GUN Cockpit Experience & Photographs
  • Nation’s Third Largest Twilight & Night Air Show

...and lots more!  These can change without notice. 

While Visiting Battle Creek: Grab our Guide to Fun Things to do in Battle Creek! OHH, and you gotta visit the Binder Park Zoo (or other Great Zoos in Michigan or Petting Zoos in Michigan!)


3. Selfridge Air Show-2024

Is there an air show at Selfridge this year?  The show is scheduled for June 8-9, 2024.

Dates: The next Selfridge Air National Guard Base Open House and Air Show will take place June 8-9, 2024

Location: The Selfridge Air Show is held at 29080 Wilbur Wright Blvd, Harrison Township, MI 48045. Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Harrison Township.

Did you know the Selfridge Air National Guard Base is one of the oldest continuously operating military airfields in the nation?

Free Admission! 

Description: The Selfridge Air Show is a family-friendly event held at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. This air show presents an incredible range of aerial performances, including military aircraft and civilian displays. Experience the agility and precision of fighter jets, witness parachute teams gracefully descend from the skies, and observe simulated combat scenarios. The event also offers ground displays, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to meet the pilots and crews.

For 2024: The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will headline the flying demonstration at the 2024 event.  In addition to the Thunderbirds, which fly Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, locally based aircraft will be on display and will fly demonstrations, including the Air Force's A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft and the KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft, along with Army and Coast Guard helicopters, the CH-47 Chinook and MH-65 Dolphin, respectively. Visiting aircraft are also anticipated.


4. National Cherry Festival Air Show: See the United States Navy Blue Angels in Flight! Absolutely Incredible!


Grab the National Cherry Festival Guide and Event Schedule!

Date: The National Cherry Festival Air Show is June 29 - June 30, 2024, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: Open Space Park in Traverse City, MI. 

Price: Free!

Description: See the United States Navy Blue Angels take to the skies during the National Cherry Festival.  This is a FREE EVENT of the National Cherry Festival.



While Visiting Traverse City: Grab our Traverse City Guide of AWESOME things to do or be sure to tour the Leelanau Peninsula or the Old Mission Peninsula! OR get crazy and tour the Magical Sleeping Bear Dunes! <---We made one heck of a guide for you!


If You Love Hot Air Balloons...

Seize the day!  Book incredible Michigan Hot Air Balloon Rides across the state! It's a breathtaking experience you will never forget! OR check out Michigan Hot Air Balloon Festivals and Shows!


5. 2024 Wings Over Flint Air Show - Cancelled This Year

Date: The Wings Over Flint Airshow has been cancelled this year per what we hear but we will keep an eye out for more information. 

Location: Bishop International Airport

Description: This awesome Flint Michigan air show features numerous nationally recognized performers, thrilling acts, static aircraft displays and kids activities are just a few of the many family-friendly things to expect over this mid-Michigan 2-day event. There will be food vendor options, beer garden, and a Cadet Zone for kids. Wings over Flint is expected to draw large crowds with more than 20,000 people each day!

While Visiting Flint: Grab our Things to do in Flint Guide! Also, be sure to Visit the Flint Institute of Arts (it's incredible!)


6. Wurtsmith Air Museum: Two-day Fly-In & Pancake Breakfast 2023

When: August 16 & 17, 2024

The Wurtsmith Air Museum's Two-day fly-in & Pancake Breakfast is a fantastic family friendly aviation event. 

Location: Wurtsmith Air Force Base, in the alert fighter cells at 4071 East Van Ettan Street, Oscoda, Michigan 48750

  • The Yankee Air Museum’s C-47 “Hairless Joe” will be on-site and flights will be available on their website.

While Visiting Oscoda: Be sure to visit Lumberman's National Monument and find lots of Things to do in Oscoda!


7. Wings Over Muskegon Air Show | Airplane Adventure Rides Michigan

Wings Over Muskegon Air Show Dates: August 9-11, 2024

Location: Muskegon County Airport, 99 Sinclair Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441

Description: Wings Over Muskegon Air Show and the Yankee Air Museum are proud to present a lineup of historic aircraft that are ready to take you on an Air Adventure. From WWII bombers to Huey copters, get ready for an incredible experience!

BOOK AIR ADVENTURE RIDES: Yankee Air Museum’s historic plane rides feature the B-25 Rosie’s Reply Bomber, the C-47 Hairless Joe Skytrain, B-17 Yankee Lady, and the UH-1H Huey.

GROUND DISPLAY-SEE:

  • TBD

Friday Twilight Show: Gates open at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday Shows: Gates open at 10:00 a.m.

  • Air Show Starts: 1:00PM
  • Air Show Ends: 3:00PM
  • Grounds Close: 5:00PM

Tickets: All Wings Over Muskegon tickets must be purchased online: There will be NO on-site ticket sales. So, purchase your tickets and parking passes online. 


By: Sherry Trautman

Sherry Trautman Bio PictureAuthor: Sherry Trautman


 Author | Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander...read more about Sherry Trautman 

Keep Reading!





Sherry Trautman Bio Picture

About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

"Sherry & Chris"

We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

    In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

Sherry & Chris are at the Inn at Bay Harbor and looking out at the lake.
Read More About Us Here

JOIN OUR NETWORK
Join our newsletter of Michigan Explorers!

Share Social

When you wish destinations came with a 30 second trailer so you can see what you’re getting yourself into.  

If you whine and are nice, IM us and we will tell you if you are truly screwed or not. 







Where Do You Want To Start Your Next Adventure?

Slickstream Search Box