Quick look: Oshkosh AirVenture (formally EAA AirVenture Oshkosh) returns July 21–27, 2025 to Wittman Regional Airport, Wisconsin. Expect 10,000+ aircraft, the Pratt & Whitney 747SP test‑bed, twilight aerobatics, and the kind of plane‑spotting nirvana only Oshkosh can deliver.
Why Every Aviation Fan Needs to Do Oshkosh—At Least Once
If aviation is your love language, AirVenture is summer camp, Comic‑Con, and a reunion rolled into one. For seven days the control tower becomes the world’s busiest airport, runways double as taxiways, and you’ll swap stories with pilots who flew in from every U.S. state and 80+ countries. Whether you’re an aspiring private pilot, a warbird buff, or a photo‑hungry spotter, Oshkosh is the Super Bowl of flight.
Key Dates & Daily Themes (July 21 – 27)
| Date | Theme & Headliners |
|---|---|
| Mon 21 Jul | Opening Day Fly‑In • Parade of Homebuilts • Rob Holland 25‑year aerobatic tribute |
| Tue 22 Jul | Innovation Day • eVTOL Showcase • B‑29 “Doc” arrival |
| Wed 23 Jul | Warbirds in Review • 80th anniv. WWII Pacific Focus • Evening air show & fireworks |
| Thu 24 Jul | WomenVenture Day • All‑female mass arrival photo • Night drone light show |
| Fri 25 Jul | Pratt & Whitney Day • 747SP test‑bed on Boeing Plaza • Turbine demo runs |
| Sat 26 Jul | Stealth & Speed • USAF F‑35A Demo Team • Heritage Flight |
| Sun 27 Jul | Farewell Flights • Mass departures • Dog‑fight reenactments |
(Schedule may shift—check the official EAA app for final timings.)
Tickets & Entry Options
| Pass Type | Advance Price* | Gate Price | Includes |
| Weekly | $167 | $195 | 7‑day grounds access (EAA membership required) |
| Daily (Mon–Wed) | $40 | $55 | One‑day grounds + daytime air show |
| Daily (Thu–Sun) | $47 | $60 | Grounds + day air show; Thu/Fri include night shows |
| Evening Only | $21 | $21 | Entry after 2 p.m.; night air show days only |
| Youth 18 & under | Free | Free | Courtesy of Young Eagles program |
Prices current as of June 2025. Save 10–20% by buying online before July 15.
- EAA Membership: Required for weekly passes and camping. $40/year brings magazine access, discounts, and early ticket windows.
- Parking: $15/day or $80/week (car). GA airplane parking is handled via NOTAM procedures—read the 2025 arrival video and brief.
Must‑See Aircraft & Displays
1. Pratt & Whitney 747SP Flying Test‑Bed
Fresh from engine trials, the reborn 747SP will anchor Boeing Plaza all week. Hit the walk‑through tours early—lines form before 8 a.m.
2. Warbirds Alley
From P‑51 “Mustang Sally” to the roaring P‑47 Thunderbolt, over 300 meticulously restored WWII birds park nose‑to‑prop. Daily flight demos at 13:00.
3. Innovation & Sustainability Pavilions
Compare hydrogen experimental craft, eVTOL air taxis, and Pipistrel’s electric trainer side by side.
4. Twilight & Night Air Shows
Grab a lawn chair on Runway 18/36 to watch pyro‑aerobatics, fireworks, and a 200‑drone light ballet synced to 90s rock classics.
5. KidVenture Zone
STEM builds, wing‑rib riveting, and 30‑ft climbing wall—ideal if you’re bringing the next‑gen aviator.
Camping, Lodging & Local Tips
- Camp Scholler is the beating heart of Oshkosh; $32/night covers up to a 20×30 ft site. Arrive before Friday July 18 if you want shade.
- Showers & Wi‑Fi: Brand‑new shower blocks near Gate B; free Wi‑Fi hotspots at Forums Plaza.
- Hotels & B&Bs: Appleton (32 min), Fond du Lac (25 min), and Green Bay (55 min) still have rooms as of early June—but prices climb weekly.
- Getting Around: The free “Tram‑Train” loops every 15 min; for speed, rent a bicycle at the Red Barn for $15/day.
- Food: Don’t miss the legendary Oshkosh Bratwurst stands or the night‑market food trucks behind Hangar C.
Survival Guide: 10 Pro Tips for First‑Timers
- Pack for All Seasons – Midwest mornings can be 55 °F, afternoons 90 °F, with thunderstorms by dinner.
- Bring Ear Protection – Afterburners at 50 ft will rattle your fillings; over‑ear defenders are a must.
- Hydrate Early – Free water stations at each restroom pod; carry a 1‑liter bottle.
- Download the EAA App – Real‑time schedule changes and map pins for your parked aircraft or car.
- Plan Your Photo Spots – Sunrise golden hour on the flight‑line; sunset silhouettes at Runway 27.
- Cash & Card – Vendors take cards, but some Warbird snacks and swap‑meet stalls are cash‑only.
- Power Management – Solar power banks sell out on‑site; pack one now.
- Join a Forum – Forums are hidden gems: meet astronauts, Netflix “Top Gun” pilots, and NASA engineers in small rooms.
- Beat the Crowds – Visit Boeing Plaza at opening and Warbirds Alley during afternoon air show when everyone’s on the flight‑line.
- Stay for Sunday Departures – Mass exodus equals constant take‑offs—pure plane‑spotting bliss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get tickets?
Purchase through the official EAA site. Weekly passes require active membership; daily passes are open to all. E‑tickets scan at any gate.
Can I fly my own aircraft in?
Yes—Oshkosh is the world’s friendliest fly‑in! Read the FAA Oshkosh NOTAM (released May 2025) and watch the official arrival webinar.
Are kids really free?
Yes, thanks to the Young Eagles initiative (ages 18 & under). They’ll even score free intro flights at Pioneer Airport next door.
What about pets?
Leave Fido at home—pets aren’t allowed on the grounds or in Camp Scholler, except registered service animals.
Where’s the best spot for night photography?
Stake out the south end of Boeing Plaza. The crowd thins after 21:00 and ground crew lighting paints perfect silhouettes.
Final Approach
Whether you’re chasing the rumble of radial engines or scouting the future of electric VTOLs, Oshkosh AirVenture promises a week of jaw‑dropping aviation moments. If this guide helps you plan, share it with a fellow avgeek for more flight‑fuelled stories.
Blue skies, tailwinds, and see you on the flight‑line! ✈️
