The Upper Midwest is one of the best regions in the country for air show season. Between Minnesota and Wisconsin, summer 2026 brings a lineup of events that ranges from the world's largest aviation gathering in Oshkosh to smaller regional shows that are just as worth your time. Whether you're a pilot planning to fly in, a family looking for a great weekend outing, or an aviation enthusiast who just wants to watch things fly fast and loud — this guide has you covered.
Here's what's on the calendar for 2026, with details on what to expect and how to make the most of each event.
Wausau, Wisconsin Air Show — June 26–27, 2026
Kicking off the peak season, the Wausau air show returns to Wausau Downtown Airport in late June. This is a well-organized regional show that draws solid military and civilian performers. Wausau is a great destination for a weekend cross-country — the airport has a 6,600-foot runway and is easy to fly into.
What to expect: Military jet demonstrations, aerobatic performers, warbird flyovers, and a static display area where you can get up close to the aircraft. Concessions and vendor areas round out the experience.
Tips for attendees:
- If you're flying in, contact the airport well in advance for parking arrangements — ramp space fills up quickly during air show weekends
- Bring sun protection and ear protection — Wisconsin sun in late June is no joke, and neither are jet engines
- Arrive early for the best viewing spots near the flight line
Duluth Air & Aviation Expo — July 11–12, 2026
This is the big one for Minnesota aviation fans. The Duluth Air & Aviation Expo at Duluth International Airport will be headlined by the USAF Thunderbirds — one of only a handful of Thunderbirds performances in the Upper Midwest this year.
Monaco Air Duluth serves as the airport's premier FBO and is a great resource for pilots flying in for the event.
What to expect: Beyond the Thunderbirds, expect a full roster of military demonstrations, civilian aerobatic acts, warbird displays, and a large static display area featuring aircraft from across the military branches. Past Duluth shows have drawn well over 100,000 attendees across the weekend.
Tips for attendees:
- Pilots flying in: Coordinate with Duluth approach early. Expect TFRs and special procedures during show hours. Consider arriving a day early and making a weekend of it — Duluth is a fantastic destination city
- The Lake Superior waterfront is minutes from the airport — great restaurants, breweries, and the famous Lakewalk
- Parking on-site can get congested; consider ride-sharing or shuttle services
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh — July 20–26, 2026
There's not much left to say about AirVenture at Oshkosh that hasn't already been said. It's the world's largest aviation event. Nearly 700,000 attendees. Over 10,000 aircraft. A week of flying, forums, workshops, and the kind of aviation community gathering that doesn't exist anywhere else on Earth.
We've written a separate, detailed guide to flying to AirVenture from Minnesota with everything you need to know about the NOTAM, arrival procedures, camping, and making the most of your week. If you're planning to attend, start there.
The short version for this guide: AirVenture runs Monday through Sunday, July 20–26. Basler Flight Service at Oshkosh is the local FBO. Plan your arrival carefully — the Oshkosh NOTAM arrival procedures are unlike anything else in aviation, and they publish detailed procedures each year that you need to study.
Key highlights for 2026:
- Daily air shows featuring military demonstrations, warbirds, aerobatics, and homebuilts
- Night air shows on Wednesday and Saturday evenings
- Forums and workshops covering everything from engine overhauls to avionics upgrades
- Aircraft camping — park your plane and camp next to it for the week
Milwaukee Air & Water Show — July 25–26, 2026
One of the Midwest's largest free events, the Milwaukee Air & Water Show takes place along the Lake Michigan lakefront in downtown Milwaukee. This isn't an airport-based show — the aircraft fly over the water with the city skyline as a backdrop, which makes for spectacular viewing.
For pilots, Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport is the closest major airport. Avflight Milwaukee, Jet Aviation Milwaukee, and Signature Aviation Milwaukee all provide FBO services.
What to expect: The Blue Angels or Thunderbirds typically headline (check the 2026 performer lineup closer to the event). Civilian aerobatic acts, military flyovers, and jet team demonstrations fill out a packed schedule. Viewing is free from the lakefront — just show up with a blanket or lawn chair.
Tips for attendees:
- The show is free and viewed from Bradford Beach and the surrounding lakefront parks
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot — hundreds of thousands of people attend
- The best viewing areas are between McKinley Marina and Bradford Beach
- If you're flying in, consider arriving a day early to enjoy Milwaukee's food scene and waterfront
Featured Pistons and Props — August 28–30, 2026
Closing out the season, Featured Pistons and Props at Janesville in southern Wisconsin brings together classic and vintage aircraft for a late-summer celebration of aviation heritage. REVV Aviation operates the FBO at Janesville.
What to expect: This event focuses on piston-engine aircraft — warbirds, classics, antiques, and homebuilts. It's a more intimate, enthusiast-focused gathering compared to the mega-shows earlier in the summer. If you appreciate the sound of round engines and the craftsmanship of vintage aircraft, this is your event.
Tips for attendees:
- Great fly-in destination with a 6,701-foot runway at Janesville
- More relaxed pace than the big shows — you can actually talk to the pilots and owners
- Late August weather in southern Wisconsin is usually ideal for flying
Planning Your Air Show Season
With five major events spread across June through August, you can easily build a summer flying calendar around these shows. A few general tips:
For pilots flying in to any air show:
- Check NOTAMs early and often — TFRs, special procedures, and frequency changes are common around air show airports
- Arrive with full tanks when possible — fuel availability on-site may be limited or priced at a premium
- Bring tie-downs and be prepared to park on grass
For spectators:
- Sunscreen, hearing protection, and comfortable shoes are non-negotiable
- Bring cash — not all vendors accept cards
- Download the event app if one is available for real-time schedule updates
Finding aviation businesses near each event: Use the Aeradex directory to find FBOs, maintenance shops, flight schools, and other aviation services near any of these airports. Whether you need fuel, a courtesy car, or a place to get your oil changed after a long cross-country, Aeradex has you covered.