One of the region’s biggest summer events will fly over Dayton July 22-23
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are flying back into town July 22-23, making their triumphant return to the always-stunning CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show at the Dayton International Airport.
Founded in 1975, Dayton’s annual celebration of the country’s best pilots and aircraft is one of the country’s premier air shows—and a favorite event of many Daytonians who take pride in the region’s history with aviation.
For this year’s show, officials have curated a line-up featuring some of the nation’s best pilots—and have also introduced new parking framework to combat traffic difficulties from years past.
Schedule
The air show will take place from 11:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The show begins with a flag drop and national anthem and will feature nine different team or individual performances including the U.S. Army Golden Knights, Bill Stein Airshows, Legacy Flight and the Red Bull Airforce. The show will conclude with a performance from the Thunderbirds, the world-traveling jet team sometimes called “America’s Ambassadors in Blue.”
Additionally, more than two dozen aircraft will be on static display on the grounds for visitors to see up close.
Tickets and Parking
General admission tickets and parking passes are still available online and in Kroger stores, with family four-pack passes on sale for $99. In 2022, officials estimated that more than 80,000 people turned out for the air show. If the weather is good, this year’s show may be even more packed—so plan accordingly and arrive early to secure prime seating in the general admission area. (Don’t forget a chair or blanket to sit on as you enjoy the show.)
Good news for those who remember last year’s long lines on I-75: Because of parking difficulties at last year’s show, the air show has constructed a three-lane gravel access road leading to the general admission parking lot on North Dixie Drive.
Officials also announced that while air show tickets can be purchased at the gate, all parking passes must be purchased in advance for this year’s show.
