Fort Wayne Air Show Roars Back With Thunderbirds and High-Flying Thrills

Skies over Fort Wayne are rumbling once again as the beloved Fort Wayne Air Show returns for a weekend of jaw-dropping stunts and family fun.

Thunderbirds Headline the Big Weekend

This year’s show, held at the 122nd Fighter Wing Air National Guard Base, marks the return of the legendary U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds for the first time since 2022. For aviation fans, it’s like seeing rock stars with afterburners.

The Thunderbirds are famous for their precision flying — formation loops, knife-edge passes, and that unmistakable roar that rattles your chest. Some folks camp out for hours to snag the perfect view.

One line: you’ll want earplugs, but you’ll still grin ear to ear.

More Than Just High-Speed Passes

The show isn’t just about the Thunderbirds — organizers promise a world-class lineup of aerobatic daredevils and static aircraft displays that let families get up close to history.

Planes old and new share the tarmac. Kids press their noses to cockpit glass, daydreaming about soaring above Indiana someday.

Flying runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 9 a.m. and stay open until 5 p.m., so folks have plenty of time to roam the flight line, grab a funnel cake, and meet pilots.

What to Know Before You Go

Veterans of past air shows know to pack sunscreen and hats — and maybe a camping chair to rest tired feet. Bring water, too; July sun on concrete can be brutal.

A local mom summed it up: “It’s loud, it’s crowded, but it’s something my kids will never forget.”

Here are a few quick tips if you’re heading out:

Arrive early for parking and the best spots.
Check the official schedule for updated performance times.
Be ready for sudden weather changes — Indiana weather loves a surprise.

A Tradition That Lifts Spirits

For many, the Fort Wayne Air Show is more than an air display — it’s a memory-maker. Grandparents tell stories about coming as kids. Parents pass the tradition on to a new generation, pointing up at the sky as jets trace loops above.

A retired pilot visiting Saturday put it this way: “It’s about pride, history, and showing people what we can do in the air. There’s nothing like it.”