For one week every summer, a regional airport in Wisconsin becomes the center of the aviation world.
Runways fill with aircraft arriving from every direction. Rows of homebuilts, vintage airplanes, warbirds, ultralights, helicopters and modern cross-country machines stretch across the airport grounds. Pilots camp beneath their wings, air show performers fill the sky, and nearly every conversation begins with an airplane.
That is EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
The 2026 event will take place July 20–26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It will be the 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual fly-in convention—and one of the most anticipated aviation gatherings of the year.
Whether you are an aircraft owner, student pilot, builder, aviation photographer or someone who simply stops what they are doing whenever an airplane passes overhead, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 deserves a place on your aviation bucket list.
Here is what makes Oshkosh so special, what has already been announced for 2026 and what first-time visitors should know before they go.
Editor’s note: Air show performers, aircraft appearances and event schedules can change. Check the official EAA AirVenture website before making final travel plans.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Quick Facts
- Dates: July 20–26, 2026
- Location: Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin
- Airport identifier: KOSH
- Event: 73rd EAA annual fly-in convention
- Daily air shows: Monday through Sunday
- Night air shows: Wednesday and Saturday
- Red Arrows performances: Scheduled for July 24–26
- Who can attend: Pilots, builders, aviation enthusiasts, families and the general public
The size of AirVenture is difficult to appreciate until you see it. EAA reported a record 704,000 attendees from 94 countries in 2025. For one week, Oshkosh becomes a temporary aviation city filled with aircraft, exhibits, workshops, forums, vendors, campsites and people connected by a shared fascination with flight.
Why Is AirVenture Called “Oshkosh”?
Pilots rarely need to say the full event name.
They simply say, “Are you going to Oshkosh?”
Although Oshkosh is the city where the event takes place, the word has become shorthand for the entire experience. Going to Oshkosh might mean flying the famous arrival, camping under an airplane wing, walking miles of flightline, watching a night air show or reconnecting with aviation friends you only see once a year.
It is not just another air show.
AirVenture combines an air show, fly-in, industry convention, educational conference, aircraft showcase and enormous aviation reunion in one place. That combination is why many pilots consider it the most complete aviation experience in the world.
What Makes AirVenture 2026 Especially Exciting?
Every AirVenture develops its own character based on the aircraft, performers, anniversaries and special programs scheduled for that year.
Several major attractions have already been announced for 2026.
The Red Arrows Are Coming to Oshkosh
One of the biggest announcements is the scheduled Oshkosh debut of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, better known as the Red Arrows.
The team is scheduled to perform during the afternoon air shows on Friday, July 24; Saturday, July 25; and Sunday, July 26. Their AirVenture appearance is part of an extended United States tour recognizing America’s 250th anniversary.
The Red Arrows are famous for their precise formation flying, close spacing and dramatic smoke trails. Their first appearance at Oshkosh will likely make the final three days of AirVenture especially popular.
Visitors planning to attend during the Red Arrows performances should arrive at the flightline early and review EAA’s special crowd-line information before choosing a viewing location.
Daily and Night Air Shows
AirVenture features an afternoon air show every day of the convention.
The published 2026 schedule lists afternoon shows beginning at 2:15 p.m. Monday through Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday. The lineups include aerobatic performers, military demonstrations, parachute teams, vintage aircraft and warbirds.
Night air shows are scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
The night shows are completely different from the afternoon performances. Aircraft fly against the darkening sky with lights and pyrotechnics, followed by additional nighttime entertainment. Even visitors who have attended conventional daytime air shows may find the Oshkosh night show unlike anything they have previously experienced.
Check the official 2026 AirVenture air show schedule for the latest performer lineup.
Historic Aircraft and Warbirds
AirVenture is one of the rare places where aviation history does not remain behind museum ropes.
Historic aircraft taxi, start their engines and take to the sky. Visitors can hear the sound, feel the vibration and meet some of the people responsible for preserving these machines.
B-29 Doc is scheduled to return in 2026, giving visitors another opportunity to see one of the few remaining airworthy B-29 Superfortresses.
Warbirds in Review will also return with presentations that bring together historic military aircraft, pilots, veterans, owners and aviation historians. These sessions give visitors a deeper understanding of the people and missions connected to the aircraft parked in front of them.
NASA’s Super Guppy
NASA’s Super Guppy is expected to return to Oshkosh in 2026.
With its enormous upper fuselage and unmistakable shape, the Super Guppy is one of those aircraft that attracts attention even in a place filled with unusual airplanes. It was designed to carry oversized cargo and has supported major aerospace programs by transporting components too large for conventional cargo aircraft.
Seeing it in person provides a reminder of just how diverse the world of aviation can be.
Southwest Airlines’ Independence One
Southwest Airlines plans to bring Independence One to AirVenture on Wednesday, July 22.
The specially painted Boeing 737 MAX 8 was created as a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary. Its appearance connects commercial aviation with the wider AirVenture celebration and should make it another popular aircraft on the grounds.
Vintage in Review
Vintage in Review is scheduled to take place July 20–24 near the Vintage Red Barn.
The program features antique and classic airplanes from aviation’s first half-century, along with conversations involving their owners, pilots and restorers. Some featured aircraft may be decades old, but the stories behind their preservation are often just as interesting as the machines themselves.
WomenVenture
EAA WomenVenture will take place Wednesday, July 22, with 2026 programming highlighting women involved in aircraft design, building and flight testing.
WomenVenture includes presentations, networking opportunities, forums and the traditional group photo. It has become an important part of AirVenture’s effort to recognize the contributions of women throughout aviation.
Why Every Pilot Should Experience Oshkosh
You do not need to own an experimental aircraft or arrive in formation to feel at home at AirVenture.
The event covers nearly every corner of aviation.
You Will See Aircraft You May Never See Anywhere Else
Walk in one direction and you may find rows of polished vintage aircraft. Turn another corner and you are surrounded by homebuilts. Keep walking and you may reach warbirds, ultralights, helicopters, seaplanes or the newest general aviation technology.
A high-wing trainer might be parked beside an aircraft its owner spent 15 years building. A rare warbird may taxi past a modern business aircraft. An ultralight may fly overhead while a military jet prepares for the afternoon show.
The variety is part of the experience.
It also explains why one day rarely feels like enough.
You Meet the People Behind the Aircraft
AirVenture is not simply about looking at airplanes. It is about talking with the people who fly, build, restore, maintain and dream about them.
Aircraft owners often stand near their airplanes and happily answer questions. Builders discuss the mistakes and breakthroughs that happened during their projects. Pilots exchange route ideas, maintenance lessons and stories from the flight to Oshkosh.
For people who love the community side of aviation, it feels like the ultimate version of the local gatherings described in our guide to the best summer flying traditions.
You Can Learn Almost Anything About Aviation
AirVenture offers workshops, technical demonstrations, forums and educational sessions throughout the week.
Topics can include aircraft construction, maintenance, avionics, weather, safety, flight training, ownership, restoration and aviation history. Visitors can move from a hands-on workshop to an air show and then attend an evening presentation—all in the same day.
Student pilots can learn more about possible aviation paths. Aircraft owners can speak directly with manufacturers and suppliers. Builders can find answers to technical questions that might otherwise require weeks of research.
It Restores Your Aviation Motivation
Most pilots occasionally go through periods when work, weather, maintenance or everyday responsibilities reduce the amount of time they spend flying.
Oshkosh has a way of restarting that enthusiasm.
You return home thinking about destinations, ratings, aircraft projects and flights you have been putting off. You may decide to visit more local events, plan a new cross-country or finally introduce someone else to general aviation.
AirVenture can make aviation feel new again—even for someone who has been flying for decades.
How Many Days Should a First-Time Visitor Spend at AirVenture?
A single day is enough to get a taste of AirVenture, but not enough to see everything.
For a first visit, two or three days provides a much better experience. That gives you time to explore multiple aircraft areas, attend a few forums, visit the exhibits and watch at least one complete air show without rushing through the grounds.
Visitors interested in a particular performance should plan around the published schedule. Those who want to see the Red Arrows, for example, should consider attending between July 24 and July 26.
A full week is ideal for visitors who want to explore AirVenture more deeply. Even then, it is unlikely you will see everything.
The secret is accepting that you are not supposed to.
First-Time AirVenture Planning Tips
Choose Three Priorities Each Day
The AirVenture grounds are too large to approach without a basic plan.
Choose three things you most want to experience each day. These might include:
- A particular aircraft display
- A workshop or forum
- Warbirds in Review
- A manufacturer exhibit
- The afternoon air show
- A night air show
- A specific aircraft arrival
- Time in the homebuilt, vintage or ultralight area
Anything beyond those priorities becomes a bonus.
Trying to see everything usually results in seeing less because too much time is spent crossing the grounds from one attraction to another.
Download the EAA Events App
EAA recommends downloading its event app before arriving. The app can help visitors follow schedules, find activities and navigate the grounds.
Review it before the trip rather than waiting until you enter the gate. Marking a few priorities in advance makes the first morning much less overwhelming.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will walk far more than expected.
This is not the place for new shoes that have never been broken in. Wear comfortable footwear that can handle pavement, grass, dust and the possibility of rain.
A second pair of shoes can also be useful during a multi-day visit, especially for campers.
Prepare for Sun, Heat and Rain
Wisconsin weather in July can change quickly.
Bring:
- Water or a refillable bottle
- Sunscreen
- Protective lip balm
- Sunglasses
- A comfortable hat
- Lightweight rain protection
- A portable phone charger
- A small towel or cooling cloth
- A folding chair or blanket for the air show
A good aviation hat is especially useful because shade can be limited while walking the flightline. Our guide to pilot sunglasses and hat essentials explains why both belong in a pilot’s summer flying kit.
Arrive Early
Early arrival provides cooler temperatures, shorter entrance lines and more time to explore before the afternoon air show.
It is also one of the best times to walk among the aircraft. The morning light, aircraft activity and sound of engines starting create an atmosphere that is difficult to describe until you experience it.
Leave Space for the Unexpected
Some of the best AirVenture moments are not scheduled.
You might see a rare aircraft taxi past, meet someone whose work you have followed for years or become absorbed in a conversation beside an airplane you had not planned to visit.
A good plan keeps you organized. An overly rigid plan can make you miss what makes Oshkosh special.
Flying Into EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
For many pilots, flying their own airplane into Oshkosh is the ultimate arrival.
It is also an operation that requires serious preparation.
The FAA has published the official EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Notice, commonly called the Oshkosh NOTAM. The special procedures are in effect from noon Central time on Thursday, July 16, through noon on Monday, July 27, 2026.
The notice contains arrival, departure and airport procedures for different aircraft categories, as well as information affecting nearby airports.
Every pilot planning to fly into the area should:
- Study the complete official notice well before departure
- Carry an accessible copy in the aircraft
- Review current NOTAMs and weather
- Practice maintaining the required speeds and altitudes
- Plan fuel for delays, holding, go-arounds or diversion
- Identify alternates before beginning the arrival
- Avoid arriving tired, rushed or low on fuel
- Be prepared to discontinue the procedure when safety requires it
The VFR arrival involves visual transitions toward Ripon and Fisk before aircraft are assigned an approach and landing runway. Traffic volume can be intense, and pilots must be comfortable maintaining spacing while continuing to fly the aircraft.
The FAA notice makes an important point: pilots who are not comfortable with the AirVenture procedures should consider landing at Fond du Lac or Appleton and using ground transportation to reach Oshkosh.
There is no shame in choosing that option. Good aeronautical decision-making matters more than being able to say you landed at KOSH.
Read the complete FAA EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Notice before planning an arrival.
This overview is not a substitute for the official FAA notice, current charts, NOTAMs, weather information, flight planning or an appropriate pilot briefing.
Camping Under the Wing
Camping beside your airplane is one of the most memorable ways to experience AirVenture.
You wake up surrounded by aircraft. Morning arrivals begin in the distance. Pilots step out of their tents, make coffee and start talking about the day before most of the public has entered the grounds.
Aircraft camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and EAA membership is required. A minimum camping stay applies, so pilots should review the current camping rules before departing.
Campers should prepare for hot afternoons, cool or humid nights, rain, noise and plenty of walking. A reliable tent, sleeping pad, earplugs, flashlight, portable battery and weather-resistant storage can make a major difference.
For many visitors, however, the inconvenience is part of the story.
Years later, they may not remember every airplane they saw, but they remember waking up beneath the wing at Oshkosh.
Is AirVenture Worth Visiting for Non-Pilots?
Absolutely.
AirVenture attracts aircraft owners and professional pilots, but it is not limited to people with certificates or logbooks.
Aviation enthusiasts can explore aircraft displays, watch air shows, attend presentations and see aviation history in motion. Families can find youth activities and interactive exhibits. Future pilots can speak with flight schools, organizations and people working throughout the industry.
Even someone who arrives knowing little about general aviation can find something remarkable about watching thousands of people gather around a shared passion for flight.
Oshkosh is also one of the best places to understand just how large and diverse the aviation community really is.
What Should Pilots Wear to AirVenture?
Comfort should come first.
Choose breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses and a hat that provides protection during long hours outside. A light rain layer should be carried even when the morning forecast looks good.
AirVenture is also one of those places where aviation apparel feels completely natural. Airport identifiers, squadron designs, aircraft types and tail numbers become conversation starters everywhere you go.
Many aircraft owners wear gear connected to the airplane they flew to the event. A personalized hat or polo displaying an aircraft silhouette and registration number makes it easier for another pilot to ask, “Is that your airplane?”
Pilots looking for that type of personalized gear can browse the Tail Number Gear shop by aircraft before the summer event season.
Keep the rest of the packing simple. You will appreciate lightweight, practical clothing by the time you have crossed the grounds several times.
Make Oshkosh Part of a Bigger Flying Adventure
AirVenture does not have to be the only destination.
Pilots traveling across the country can build other airport stops, scenic routes and aviation attractions into the journey. Some make Oshkosh the centerpiece of a longer summer cross-country. Others meet friends at a nearby airport and travel to the event together.
Even pilots arriving by car can turn the trip into an aviation weekend by visiting airports or museums along the route.
Our guide to spring aviation events and fly-ins offers additional ideas for building an aviation event calendar, while the classic $100 hamburger flight remains a good excuse to keep exploring after AirVenture ends.
Why Pilots Keep Returning to Oshkosh
The airplanes bring people to AirVenture.
The aviation community brings them back.
Pilots return because Oshkosh gives them a week surrounded by people who understand why airplanes matter so much. Nobody needs an explanation for spending an hour examining a restored aircraft, waking up early to watch arrivals or walking across an enormous airport to hear a pilot tell one story.
AirVenture celebrates aviation without treating it as merely transportation.
It recognizes the engineering, history, skill, adventure, friendships and personal dreams connected to flight.
That is why a first visit often becomes the beginning of an annual tradition.
Final Thoughts
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 will bring together aircraft and aviation enthusiasts from around the world from July 20 through July 26.
The Red Arrows are scheduled to make their Oshkosh debut. Historic aircraft will fly again. Builders will share their work. Pilots will camp beneath their wings. Student pilots will imagine where aviation might take them next.
But the real attraction is bigger than any individual airplane or performance.
For one week, aviation becomes an entire city.
You walk through it, listen to it, learn from it and become part of it.
Every pilot should experience that feeling at least once.
And after the first trip to Oshkosh, there is a good chance once will not be enough.
Frequently Asked Questions About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
When is EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026?
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 will take place Monday, July 20, through Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Where is EAA AirVenture held?
AirVenture is held at Wittman Regional Airport, airport identifier KOSH, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
When will the Red Arrows perform at AirVenture 2026?
The Royal Air Force Red Arrows are scheduled to perform during the afternoon air shows on Friday, July 24; Saturday, July 25; and Sunday, July 26, 2026. Visitors should confirm the final schedule before attending.
How many days should a first-time visitor spend at AirVenture?
Two or three days is a good starting point for a first-time visitor. One day provides an introduction, but multiple days allow more time for aircraft displays, workshops, exhibits and air shows without rushing.
Can non-pilots attend EAA AirVenture?
Yes. AirVenture is open to pilots, aviation enthusiasts, families and the general public. Visitors do not need to hold a pilot certificate or belong to EAA to purchase general admission.
What should I bring to AirVenture?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, lightweight rain protection, a portable phone charger and a chair or blanket for watching the air show. Check current EAA policies before packing.
Can I fly my own airplane into Oshkosh?
Qualified pilots may fly into Oshkosh, but special FAA procedures apply. Pilots must carefully study the official 2026 AirVenture Notice, review current flight information, prepare for heavy traffic and have suitable alternate plans. Pilots uncomfortable with the procedure should consider a nearby airport and ground transportation.
Is one day enough for EAA AirVenture?
One day is enough to experience part of AirVenture, but it is not enough to see the entire event. Visitors with only one day should choose a few priority areas and plan around the air show schedule.
