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If you’re looking for an exciting festival based entirely on aviation, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the place for you. The festival, known as the world’s greatest aviation celebration, spans over a week at the end of July in Wisconsin. The event features everything from interesting talks through to dazzling aerobatic displays and fun entertainment. Here’s the lowdown on EAA AirVenture:
Where and When
EAA AirVenture is celebrating its 50th consecutive year in Oshkosh in 2019 and so will be reflecting on all the fantastic highlights of previous shows, as well as introducing some new surprises! 2019’s show will take place in Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Dates are yet to be confirmed.
Things to Do
Known as an ‘Aviation Paradise’ for aircraft lovers, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be a showcase of the finest aerobatics, vintage planes, interesting workshops, and fun activities. The event, with its humble beginnings, started over 60 years ago as a place for aviation enthusiasts to gather. Today it draws in around half a million visitors over the weeklong event. The lineup includes daily aerobatics and pyrotechnic air shows that will have your jaw hitting the ground, as well as educational forums and hands-on workshops.
The event is fun for all the family, with special kids programs that include theatre performances and workshops. There will also be vintage and current aircraft models on display, covering all eras of aircraft design. Viewing the unique assortment of aircraft models is one of the highlights for many visitors.
There’s also a great evening program with live music and aviation-based films shown on a large screen. Be sure to visit on the Wednesday and Saturday when there will be spectacular night time air shows.
And when it’s time for a bite to eat, there will be plenty of mouthwatering food stands for you to try during your time at the event.
Tickets
There are several different ticket options, from day passes through to a weekly pass, which gives visitors access to all seven days. There are also tickets for camping and parking.
Top Tips
- Check for weather warnings. While it’s unlikely there will be rain in July, come prepared with an umbrella and poncho just in case
- Buy tickets in advance. In the past, over 500,000 people have attended throughout the week
- If you’re driving, purchase a car-parking pass ahead of time
- Bring your camera or phone fully charged, you’ll be wanting to take a lot of photos of the displays and vintage aircrafts
- Bring binoculars to get the most out of the air shows
- The convention ground is huge, so familiarize yourself before you get there
- If you want to be environmentally-friendly and help reduce traffic, consider doing a ride share and linking up with other event-goers
Where to stay
We have every type of accommodation you could possibly want in Wisconsin. If you’re traveling with the family, why not consider renting a house or apartment, so you can spread out and make use of a kitchen and living room? Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something more functional, we have every type of hotel from budget hotels through to luxury, high-end hotels. Some of our favorite picks include:
Home Rental: This charming 19th-century farmhouse rental is a great place to stay for a few nights. It can sleep up to two people and has a beautiful, rustic design complete with antique furniture.
Budget Hotel: The Best Western Stanton Inn is a great budget option for your stay in Oshkosh. The rooms are spacious and clean.
Lakeside Cabin: If you want to incorporate a relaxing setting into your trip to the EAA AirVenture, why not stay in a quaint lakeside cabin? This stunning cabin sleeps up to ten people and sits in a peaceful, lakeside setting. There’s an outside decking area complete with a barbeque that you can enjoy.