Soar to New Heights Maryland's Thrilling Air and Space Events Await This Summer

by Rebecca Kieran

Take flight this summer at some of Maryland’s most exciting air and space events. From brand-new exhibits to annual traditions, there are plenty of sky-high activities to enjoy this summer with the whole family.

If you’re looking to experience aviation discovery and history, visit the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum, located in Middle River. For over three decades, the Maryland Aviation Museum has preserved and shared Maryland's aerospace history with the community. They feature real life-size aircraft, giving visitors an exciting, up close and personal experience.

Browse the models and artifacts within the museum or attend one of the many special events hosted throughout the year.

There are two Family Fun Days being held this summer, the July event with an airplane theme and a rocket theme in August. Kids can enjoy fun activities through workshops and museum exhibits.

On July 8, the Aviation Museum will be participating in the Maryland Aviation Festival at the College Park Aviation Museum. Admission is free and visitors can enjoy aviation displays from all over the state.

The Maryland Aviation Museum is a non-profit organization that hopes to “inspire people of all ages by delivering experiences that nurture and accelerate aerospace dreams.”

Patuxent (PAX) River Naval Air Museum is another location, further south in Lexington Park, with real aircraft on display that visitors can walk up to and touch. There are 25 Navy and Marine Corps aircraft on display. This non-profit organization is heavily focused on preservation, research and testing, and most of the display models are test aircraft and prototypes. The museum exhibits are also unique, offering a wide array of collections and hugely popular flight simulators.

Join PAX River Air Museum on September 16 for their 7th Annual Wheels and Wings Car Show. This popular event is a Southern Maryland favorite that features show cars right alongside the aircraft for the day.

Vendors, food trucks, and activities are open to visitors and an Award Show is presented for the participating car registrants.

Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is a timeless fan favorite. If you haven’t been to this classic Washington D.C. destination yet, make this your summer to finally explore. This year, there are some new additions on display as part of a multi-year long renovation that will eventually showcase 23 new exhibitions.

Just opened in 2022, visitors are now enjoying eight new exhibits at the museum. Early Flight explores the first decade of flight in America in the early 1900s. America by Air showcases the history of commercial aircraft, from mail to passenger liners. Destination Moon shows visitors the technologies and resources that helped humans walk on the moon. Nation of Speed shares how technology and America’s need for speed, have shaped our culture. A winning Indy 500 race car is also on display. The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age brings the invention of the first airplane to life, featuring the iconic 1903 Wright Flyer. The Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery shares the science and history behind our solar system. The Thomas W. Haas We All Fly exhibit recognizes the impact of general aviation on society. New aircraft are also on display in this gallery. One World Connected is the final new installment currently open to visitors. This exhibit details how the invention and growth of aviation have impacted and increased human connection and transportation.

Take to the skies with a completely different means of transportation at the Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival. Located at Cedar Lane Park in Bel Air, guests can experience over 30 largerthan-life hot air balloons on display from August 4-6.

This family event includes a variety of activities, including hot air balloon rides (tethered and fly-away) and night glow, bounce houses, face painting, games, and musical entertainment on the main stage. There will be food trucks and other food vendors also participating, including local wineries and breweries. An artists' village showcases crafts for sale and on display from various artists.