Book Your Airplane and Helicopter Rides for the Air Show

Owensboro will be looking to the skies again this September for the 2024 Owensboro Air Show. Last year was the 10th air show and this year, the Blue Angels return, and there will be opportunities for you, your family, or your friends to take a spin in the sky.

Two vintage planes, a B-17G Flying Fortress Sentimental Journey and the B-25J Mitchell Made in the Shade will both be part of the big show. If you want to book a ride on either aircraft, you can get tickets now. Rides will be offered all three days, September 13-15. Both planes are part of the "Flying Legends of Victory" Tour; the planes are based out of the Airbase Arizona Museum and they are touring the country through October.

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You also have the opportunity to fly in one of two helicopters, the UH-1 Huey or the AH-1 Cobra. Both copters will also be part of the big show on Friday and Saturday.

The aircraft are part of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation with chapters in Hampton, Georgia, Mesa, Arizona, and in St. Louis.

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The 11th Owensboro Air Show will take place Friday, September 13th through Sunday, September 15th. On Friday, there will be a static display out at Owensboro Regional Airport starting at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $5; military, first responders, and kids 12 and under are free. As always, the air show downtown on the river is free.

Is there reserved seating?

Yes. Reserved seating will be available at the Owensboro Convention Center lower terrace to give ticket holders the best view of the air show near show center. A limited number of tickets will be available. You can purchase yours by contacting the Owensboro Convention Center or by visiting www.owensborotickets.com.

Is there a rain date?

The air show will go on as scheduled rain or shine. Some acts are subject to change.

Is there a schedule for performers?

For security reasons, we are unable to provide any individual performers start times. Friday night there will be aircraft performances intermittently beginning around 4:30pm. The nighttime performances will begin at approximately 6:00pm. The show is scheduled to conclude at approx. 7:30pm.

On Saturday and Sunday the air show starts at 1:00pm over the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro and will last until approximately 4:00pm each day. All acts are subject to change at any time. A lineup of performers scheduled to appear is available on our website.

Is there a handicap viewing area?

No. There will not be any dedicated handicap viewing area. However, the entire Owensboro riverfront is available on a first come, first serve. There are more than 8 blocks of riverfront viewing areas downtown in addition to English Park.

Where do I park?

Friday: There will be designated parking at the Owensboro Regional Airport. NEW in 2023- We will be offering remote parking at US Bank (2800 Tamarack Rd) with a FREE shuttle service directly to the Airport!

Saturday and Sunday: Parking is available throughout downtown Owensboro both in garages, surface parking lots, and on-street parking. The majority of the parking downtown is free, however some private lots or garages may charge a minimal fee.

Can I watch the Air Show from a boat on the Ohio River?

Both the Ohio River and the English Park boat ramp will close at the following times:

Friday, September 15 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturday, September 16 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Sunday, September 17 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Please click here to view a diagram of the river

What should I bring?

sunscreen
camp chairs and blankets
binoculars

Prohibited items

No Tents or Canopies of any kind will be allowed within city parks. Structures of ANY kind will be required to be taken down. This will be strictly enforced.
No taping or roping off of large areas will be allowed. This will be strictly enforced throughout the event area.
No overnight camping is allowed in city parks or the overall event area.
No glass bottles are allowed at the event site. Plastic containers, cans and food are permitted. No outside food or drink is permitted within the reserved seating at the Convention Center. There are also plenty of food and soft drink vendors to take care of any needs you may have.
No alcoholic beverages allowed (unless purchased from a licensed downtown business).
No grills are permitted in any of the viewing areas.
No bikes, skateboards or skates are allowed in the event area. If you ride your bike to the air show, please be courteous and walk it through the event site for pedestrian safety.
Please leave any pets at home (except for service animals)

**Applies to viewing areas at Smothers Park and English Park.