BIG LIST Michigan Air Shows 2026 - 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 2026

This summer, Michigan will showcase the most incredible 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. Shows take place in Battle Creek, Traverse City, Muskegon, Ypsilanti and more!

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: July 17, 2026 - July 19, 2026

Location: Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, 801 Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, MI 48198

Description: The Thunder Over Michigan Air Show, presented by the Wayne County Airport Authority, is an incredible airshow event that showcases an impressive lineup of aerial acrobatics, military aircraft, and vintage warbirds. There will be performers, aircraft rides, ground displays and lots more!

There will be modern military aircraft, vintage military aircraft and civilian aircraft on view during this Michigan airshow. 

Enjoy performances from the USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team, Royal Air Force Red Arrows, MSMC MV-22 Osprey Demo Team, USMC CH-53 Super Stallion, Jack Aces P-51 Demo Team, P4Y-2G Privateer, MIC-17F and so much more!

Check the Thunder Over Michigan website to verify the schedule as times, displays and events may change.

The Thunder Over Michigan Air Show schedule – June 20, 2025 - June 22, 2025.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

  • 3:00 PM Gates Open
  • 3:00 PM Activities begin: STEAM tent, Kids Zone, Kids Exploration Station, aircraft rides, food trucks, exhibitor tents, static display interaction
  • 6:30 PM (subject to change) flying begins
  • 10:00 PM Grounds close


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 1 - July 5, 2026 (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.



2025 Air Show Lineup!

  • Ken & Austin Rieder (Redline RV-8s)
  • Kyle Franklin’s Flying Circus (Super Cub)
  • Bob Carlton (Fox Jet dual jet-powered sailplane)
  • Skip Stewart (Prometheus/Modiwed Pitts) Adam Baker (Extra 330LX)
  • Jack Aces — Louis Horschel, Ariel Luedi & former Canadian Snowbird Marco Rusconi (TF/P-51s)
  • NextGen Eagles featuring Leland Kracher, Stephen Covington & Eric Tucker (Christen Eagles)
  • Hayden Profwtt II (Hot Streak II Jet Truck); Susan Dacy (Super Stearman “Big Red”)
  • Northern Stars — Todd Farrell, Mario Hamel & Greg Hume-Powell (Pitts)
  • Tom Larkin (SubSonex Mini Jet); Kevin Coleman (Extra 300SHP & F33C Bonanza); Aarron Deliu (Extra 330)
  • Mike Hartman (1947 North American Navion); Erik Edgren (T-Clips)
  • The Misty Blues All-Women Parachute Team; Rick Myers Firewalkers International Pyro
  • ...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. Next Selfridge Open House and Air Show- 2028!

Is there an air show at Selfridge this year?  It appears the show is scheduled for 2026

Dates: The Selfridge Air National Guard Base Open House and Air Show is TBD for 2028.

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.



4. National Cherry Festival Air Show: 2026 Civilian Airshow Acts and Military! Absolutely Incredible!


Grab the National Cherry Festival Guide and Event Schedule!

Date: The 2026 National Cherry Festival Airshow is July 4-5, 2026

Location: Open Space Park in Traverse City, MI. 

Price: Free!

Description: See the US Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team take to the skies during the National Cherry Festival.  You'll also see the West Coast Rhino Demo Team, MH-60 Jayhawk – USCG Air Station Traverse City, C-130J Super Hercules, VP-30 “Pro’s Nest” P-8A Poseidon and so much more!

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. 2026 Wings Over Flint Air Show 

Date: The Wings Over Flint Airshow appears to have been cancelled for 2026 as at the time of this update the webpage was not updated.

Location: Bishop International Airport

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 2026

Wurtsmith Air Museum

When: August 15, 2026 at 8:00 am - 11:00 am

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 rotary pancake breakfast will be served Saturday and Sunday from 8-11 a.m. Free museum admission for all pilots and their guests.

The museum will be open 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

  • 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: The Wings Over Muskegon Air Show is not scheduled to take place in 2025 due to a major airport construction project at Muskegon County Airport.

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 2026:

  • 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