Tag Archives: Airventure

Fly-In Theater brings classic aviation films to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

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Fly-In Theater brings classic aviation films to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Screenings open to all AirVenture attendees, presented by PenFed

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 25, 2026) — Aviation and film fans alike will enjoy the lineup of movies that are being screened at the Fly-In Theater during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 at the Fly-In Theater. This year the Fly-In Theater is featuring six aviation centered movies from July 18-24 spanning from classic to contemporary films that the whole family can enjoy.

The 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

For nearly 20 years, the Fly-In theater has been a mainstay for those attending AirVenture. The theater is located right next to the Camp Scholler campground and provides the perfect opportunity to wind down after a long day of airshows, exhibits, and workshops. Every movie will be shown with state-of-the-art projection on a screen that stands about five stories tall, and popcorn is free for all attendees.

The Fly-In Theater screenings are free for those who attend AirVenture. No movies will be shown on July 22 or 25 due to the night air shows. The films are preceded by entertaining and informative introductions featuring special guests who bring their own insights and expertise. The regular showtime is at 8:30 p.m., except for July 20 and 24, which start at 8:15.

This year’s features include:

  • Saturday, July 18 – Top Gun – Celebrate the 40th anniversary of this aviation classic on the big screen, featuring Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards, and Val Kilmer in this epic tale about grit, competition, friendship, and most importantly, 1980’s naval aviation! The one and only Lt. Cmdr. Lloyd “Bozo” Abel, the pilot who gave Tom Cruise his F-14 orientation, will join us as a special guest.
  • Sunday, July 19 – Flying Misfits – In this feature length pilot episode for the classic television series Black Sheep Squadron, a former U.S Marine pilot Greg “Pappy” Boyington forms his own fighter squadron from a group of misfits and delinquents to help the effort in WWII, long after his time flying with the Flying Tigers in China. Stephen Chapis, author of a new book about the series, will be joining as a special guest.
  • Monday, July 20 – “A Tribute to Jimmy Stewart” – The evening will begin with some very special guests offering an exclusive look behind the scenes at the upcoming film Jimmy, a biopic celebrating the life and accomplishments of Jimmy Stewart, a beloved actor and decorated military aviator. This will be followed by a screening of the 1955 classic Strategic Air Command, where Stewart plays an ex-pilot turned baseball player forced to return to the Air Force and aid his country in Cold War deterrence.
  • Tuesday, July 21 –The Rescue – This documentary film chronicles B-25 owner and pilot Larry Kelly’s trip to China to explore the sites where the brave pilots of 1942’s Doolittle Raid were forced to crash land and take shelter after their one-way mission to strike Japan in retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbor.
  • Thursday, July 23 – Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – Ethan Hunt returns to combat his toughest enemy yet, a terrifying AI known simply as “the Entity” has taken over intelligence networks across the globe, and only Hunt and his new allies with the IMF are able to try and stop it before it changes the world as we know it forever. Air show pilot Susan Dacy will join us to talk about high performance Stearman flying
  • Friday, July 24 – Memphis Belle – Inspired by the true story of the Memphis Belle, a B-17 crew, will soon be embarking on their 25th and final mission, having completed the previous 24 against the odds. Their last one is the toughest they’ve been given yet, flying deep into German territory. Special guests include producer Catherine Wyler, along with key cast and crew members.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org.

NASA astronauts, “Memphis Belle” cast headline Theater in the Woods

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NASA astronauts, “Memphis Belle” cast headline

Theater in the Woods at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 23, 2026) — Attendees of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 are invited to a powerful week of evening programming at the Theater in the Woods. From Sunday, July 19, to Saturday, July 25, a series of nightly events will gather noteworthy people from NASA astronauts to those involved with the 1990 war drama Memphis Belle.

“After a full day on the Oshkosh flight line, evenings at Theater in the Woods have been the perfect place to sit back and hear from aviation’s greats,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This year’s programming again creates ‘only at Oshkosh’ moments with those involved in aviation history, cutting-edge technology, or the silver screen.”

Schedule of Events:

Sunday, July 19 – An Evening with Champions: The History of the USAF Heritage Flight (7-9 p.m.)

Kick off the week with some of aviation’s best as they talk about what it took to create the USAF Heritage Flight, and how they keep it going.

 

Monday, July 20 – U.S. Air Force’s salute to America’s 250th birthday (7:30-9:15 p.m.)

The United States Air Force will lead a program featuring a swearing in ceremony at 7:30 p.m., followed by country music star Tyler Hubbard taking the stage at 8 p.m.

 

Tuesday, July 21 – A Home in Space: From the Shuttle and Beyond (7-9 p.m.)

Celebrate 45 years of the space shuttle with a panel of NASA astronauts and personnel including Hoot Gibson, Charlie Precourt, Eileen Collins, and Jeanie Engle, moderated by the National Air and Space Museum’s Jennifer Levasseur, curator of the space shuttle and ISS exhibits.

 

Wednesday, July 22 – Concept to Cockpit (6:30-7:45 p.m.)

WomenVenture day will be capped off with a panel of women who have made an impact in aircraft design featuring Xyla Foxlin, Jessica Cox, Margaret Viola, and Kacy Anderson.

 

Thursday, July 23 – Memphis Belle: Telling the Story on the Big Screen (7-9 p.m.)

Hear from cast and crew members of the 1990 film as they recount what it was like to tell the story on the big screen.

 

Friday, July 24 – 9/11: A Look Back 25 Years Later (7-9 p.m.)

Honoring those who risked their lives at a time of tragedy, hear from a collection of brave individuals as they reflect on their firsthand experiences. Featuring members of the FDNY, NYPD, Air Force One, and NASA. Also, meet the RAF Red Arrows Team.

 

Saturday, July 25 – Mission Marge: The Discovery of the Ace of Ace’s Lightning (6:30-7:45 p.m.)

A mission to recover artifacts from America’s leading ace during World War II. Members of Richard Bong’s family, Richard I Bong Veterans Center, Pacific Wrecks, and the 128th Air Refueling Wing share the story of the mission.

 

Evening programs at Theater in the Woods are supported by M&M’S and included with AirVenture admission.

 

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org.

Missions of Honor’s Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight honors veterans part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

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Missions of Honor’s Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight honors veterans as part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 activities

Vietnam vets will return home from D.C. day trip at conclusion of July 24 air show

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 21, 2026) — One of the most emotional and poignant moments each year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh returns in 2026 as 100 Vietnam War vets take a Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., on July 24 as part of AirVenture’s annual salute to veterans. The 73rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

Veterans from the Vietnam War will be honored as they travel to the nation’s capital to tour war memorials at no cost to them. The veterans will return to Oshkosh at the conclusion of the Friday afternoon air show and thousands of people will welcome them back home and give them the recognition they deserve.

“The Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight is one of the most memorable events of AirVenture week and our Salute to Veterans activities each year,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming. “This event that honors what Vietnam veterans did for this country and provides them an experience of a lifetime, while giving AirVenture attendees an opportunity to say, ‘Thanks and welcome home.’”

This is the 12th year that the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight has originated at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh under the auspices of Missions of Honor (formerly Old Glory Honor Flight) of Appleton, Wisconsin. That non-profit organization has organized dozens of Honor Flights since 2009 with a dedicated group of volunteers. Those flights have included special flights to Pearl Harbor and to Vietnam.

“Each Honor Flight mission is a special occasion, but the ability to be a part of EAA AirVenture always creates unforgettable moments,” said Diane MacDonald, Missions of Honor executive director. “Honoring our local Vietnam veterans out of EAA AirVenture is such a highlight; being witness to the enthusiasm, respect, and appreciation from the world’s aviation enthusiasts when the flight returns to Oshkosh is such an incredible sight to see and it means the world to the men and women who get to experience it.”

American Airlines is again supplying an aircraft for the flight, which is flown by an all-volunteer crew of American Airlines pilots and cabin attendants.

Missions of Honor is inviting area veterans who are currently on their waitlist. In addition, other Vietnam veterans who are already attending AirVenture 2026 are invited to apply prior to June 6 for a drawing for one of approximately 15 seats available on the flight.

More information is available online regarding Missions of Honor or to make donations to the organization.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org.