Wings Over Houston Airshow

If you’re a fan of historic aviation, you’ve probably dreamed of seeing such legendary warbirds as the B-17 Flying Fortress and the P-51 Mustang in person.

Although these and other 20th-century planes are a rare sight these days, you’ll still find them at the Wings Over Houston Airshow. Held in October, the two-day airshow in Houston includes exhilarating high-flying action featuring the world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Coast Guard, world-renowned aerobatic champions Sean D. Tucker and Debby Rihn-Harvey, the Screaming Sasquatch jet Waco flown by John Klatt, and more.

Static displays of vintage aircraft, the lead plane flying into D-Day full restored, and a range of other experiences are also part of this annual event in Houston, offering plenty to see and do for flight enthusiasts of all ages.

The gates at Ellington Airport open at 8 a.m. for both days of the airshow, giving you plenty of time to check out the static displays of World War II-era and later aircraft. Get an up-close look at such planes from the history books as the aforementioned B-17, P-51 Mustang, and That’s All, Brother (the C-47 that led paratroopers into Normandy on D-Day). Yet that’s not all. More modern jet planes like the F-16 and B-52 Stratofortress, plus a range of helicopters and other flyers from multiple countries and eras, are on display as well.

Checking out all the historic aircraft is a great primer for the spectacular airshow. Watch as biplane pilots perform thrilling dives, loops, and stunts; the sensational U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly with perfect precision; and vintage warbirds soar overhead.

While the aircraft and airshow will amaze, there’s more to see and do at Houston’s airshow. Explore the stars and discover the challenges of human space exploration at the NASA Driven to Explore Exhibit. This immersive attraction includes multi-media displays showcasing NASA’s past, present, and future, as well as a three-billion-year-old moon rock brought back in 1972 by Apollo 17, the last manned mission to the moon.

Hear the stories of flying aces and decorated war heroes at the Legends & Heroes Autograph Tent throughout both days of the airshow. Check out authentic World War II military vehicles, equipment, and uniforms at the Military Reenactor Camp. Enjoy all the thrills of flying in the Motion Simulator Rides and shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs in the merchandise booths. There’s even a Kid’s Carnival where your youngsters will have a ball playing on the inflatable slides, taking on the rock-climbing wall, and getting their faces painted.

No matter if you’re an aviation fanatic or you’re more interested in an adrenaline-pumping show, don’t miss the Wings Over Houston Airshow.