Texas Airshows

ELITE MANEUVERS The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly in formation above the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show | Photo Courtesy the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show

by Authentic Texas Staff

Touch-and-gos. Pyrotechnics. Barrel rolls. Helicopter rescues. Skydiving. If the prospect of seeing any of these aeronautical feats gets your blood pumping, then boy, have we got a roster of Texas-sized events for you. Airshows have had a long run in Texas, whose skies and horizons have lured pilots since the dawn of modern aviation. Not long after a crowd of Houstonians paid a dollar each to witness French flier Louis Paulhan’s flight on February 19, 1910, according to photographic preservationist Story John Sloane III, Moisants International Aviators of France brought a touring group to Houston January 27–30, 1911. Local aviators put together their own event in November of that year.

Soon, the world would become embroiled in a war that tested their growing knowledge of powered flight, and acrobats and barnstorming pilots traveled the U.S. showing off newly acquired skills and improved flying machines.

Today, aviation fans have opportunities across the continent to witness elite military units such as the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds, and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds demonstrate maneuvers. They can see vintage warbirds, state-of-the-art rotorcraft, gliders, and other distinctive craft from past and present. They can meet pilots, see exhibitions of planes and gear on the ground, buy merch, take photos, bond with likeminded souls.

Texas’s climate accommodates airshows year round, so we’ll get you started with a roster of events from every heritage trail region. For more, visit calendars at airshowstuff.com or milavia.net.

And to enhance your experience, especially if you’re making a first outing, airshow aficionado Rob Wubbenhorst of Houston provides some useful tips at www.fighterpilotpodcast. com/musing/how-to-enjoy-an-airshow

FOREST TRAIL

Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake Air Show: July 4, 2020; Mabank, TX (Tyler area) tocclairshow.com. Aerial acrobatics are viewable for free from boat, lake shores, and private property

BRAZOS TRAIL

Heart of Texas Airshow: April 4–5, 2020; TSTC Waco Airport, Waco, TX; heartoftexasairshow.com. An exciting aerobatic air show and fun for the whole family.

PLAINS TRAIL

Thunder Over Dalhart: August 14–15, 2020; Dalhart, TX David Martin Aerobatics; Mike “Spanky” Gallaway, Announcer/Pilot; Mini Jet Airshows

FORTS TRAIL

Dyess Big Country Air & Space Expo: May 9–10, 2020; Dyess AFB, TX (Abilene); bigcountryairfest.org. The 16-member Blue Angels team headlines this airshow, with three members from Texas: Capt. Eric C. Doyle, League City; Lt. Cmdr. James Haley, Canadian; Cmdr. Matt Kaslik, The Woodlands. They fly F/A Hornets, which can reach speeds just under Mach 2—almost twice the speed of sound or about 1,400 mph.

HILL COUNTRY TRAIL

29th Annual Bluebonnet Air Show September 26, 2020 Kate Craddock Field, Burnet Municipal Airport 2302 S. Water St. Burnet, TX 78611 bluebonnetairshow.com The Highland Lakes Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force also has a museum that will be open to the public at no admission cost during the Airshow.

INDEPENDENCE TRAIL

Wings Over Houston Airshow: October 10–11, 2020; Ellington Field, Houston, TX; wingsoverhouston.com. Featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in 2020. One of the United States’ top air shows, it showcases vintage World War II aircraft, along with the thrills of modern aviation, and has supported a variety of local and national charities during its 35-year history.

JB San Antonio Kelly Field Air & Space Show: November 14–15, 2020; Joint Base San Antonio, TX Featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Flash Fire Jet Trucks, and more

LAKES TRAIL

Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show: October 17–18, 2020; Fort Worth, TX allianceairshow.com. One of the biggest annual events in the North Texas region, typically drawing 120,000 spectators; featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the A-10 Demonstration Team

PECOS TRAIL

Fiesta of Flight Air and Space Expo March 14, 2020 Laughlin AFB, Del Rio laughlin.af.mil/Fiesta-of-Flight-2020 Headlined by U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team

High Sky Wing AIRSHO September 12–13, 2020 9600 Wright Dr., Midland, TX 79706 airsho.org In addition to one of the most impressive flying displays of vintage military aircraft anywhere, you’ll also see some of the most popular civilian aerobatic performers.

TROPICAL TRAIL

Wings Over South Texas Air Show April 4–5, 2020 NAS Kingsville, 554 McCain St #214 Kingsville, TX 78363 wingsoversouthtexas.com An action-packed show, with free admission and parking on base, featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. VIP tickets go on sale March 9.