What features 10,000 planes, 500 forums, workshops and seminars and attracts over 500,000 attendees each summer? Only the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration and it’s right here in Wisconsin. We’ve provided some highlights and tips for first-timers considering attending this year’s event, July 29-August 4, 2013 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

Planes

Planes of every size, shape and description from homebuilt, antique and aerobatics planes to military and general aviation aircraft from all over the world are on display along the site’s flight line. Visitors have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to inspect exciting, unusual and historic aircraft close-up. Planes rotate in and out throughout the week, so be sure to check to see what's showcased each day.

Air Shows

Don’t miss the daily formation and aerobatic flying exhibitions performed by an international crew of aerobatics pilots, parachute experts and skydivers. The daily air show is held each afternoon beginning around 2:00-3:00pm and lasts for about 3½ hours. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and set up in the grass seating along the flight line.

Workshops

Stroll through the Forums Plaza where you can learn just about anything to do with building, flying restoring or maintaining aircraft. Every year the Forums Plaza draws the very best from the aviation world - more than 500 innovators, authors, experts, and legends - who share their accumulated knowledge with all who attend. It is the most comprehensive collection of aviation knowledge available anywhere, and it’s all in one location.

Airplane Rides

Why not see the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration from above? There are plenty of opportunities to take flights in three distinctively different aircraft: EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast; a Bell 47 helicopter; and EAA's 1929 Ford Tri-Motor. More information about prices and reservations are available online.

KidVenture

Where else can kids get the chance to build their own model rockets and balsa planes, fly in a high-tech flight simulator, try their hand at flying a control-line model, be an air traffic controller, and meet aviation legends? Located at Pioneer Airport, KidVenture provides a hands-on experience for school-age kids. A shuttle bus is available and hours are 9am-3:30pm daily.

Camping

To get the full EAA Airventure experience, consider camping right on the grounds at Camp Scholler. It’s one of the most popular ways to enjoy the event. Campground accommodates both RVs and tents. Rates are $25 per night for general camping and $49 per night for sites with electrical and water hook-ups. There is a 3-day minimum stay for general camping and you must be an EAA Member to use Camp Scholler.

Entertainment

No celebration is complete without winding down the day with some live entertainment. In addition, the grounds has a walk-in theater reminiscent of drive-in theaters of the past with open-air seating and popcorn, and a night air show complete with fireworks are all included in your ticket price.

Ticket Prices

Non-member daily tickets are $43.00 with discounted tickets for veterans, active-duty military, students 6-18. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

For more information:

920-426-4800

This entry was posted in Things to Do, Fairs & Festivals Events, Entertainment and Attractions, Fairs & Festivals and tagged Features and Profiles, Event Highlights