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Boeing Plaza – ‘Crossroads of Aviation’ at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

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Boeing Plaza becomes ‘Crossroads of Aviation’ at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Showcase aircraft large and small featured throughout week

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (July 8, 2026) — Boeing Plaza, the large aircraft ramp at the center of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh grounds, will again become the “Crossroads of Aviation” with an ever-changing lineup of major aircraft during the 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention in July 20-26.

The 2026 lineup includes modern military aircraft, historic airplanes, the latest innovations, and special guest appearances. The roster of aircraft will change throughout the week, with some airplanes visiting for only one day while others will remain for the entire event. In addition, many of the aircraft will reinforce AirVenture’s salute to America 250.

“There is no place else in the world where one can see a combination of noteworthy aircraft and people as you can on Boeing Plaza during EAA AirVenture,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Nearly every notable type of airplane of the past 35 years has appeared in that area at some point. What’s also noteworthy is that the coordination of those aircraft is completely organized by a group of AirVenture’s dedicated volunteers, who have probably pulled and tugged more aircraft types than any ramp crew in the world.”

Among the aircraft scheduled on Boeing Plaza in 2026 are a U.S. Air Force B-52, C-5, and C-17, fighter jets such as the F-16, F-35, and F-15, and airliners in special livery designs from Southwest and Delta Airlines. The schedule of display aircraft is subject to change without notice.

Boeing Plaza was originally created in the late 1980s as a taxiway with four aircraft parking “fingers” and expanded into the full ramp in 1993. All aircraft on Boeing Plaza are displayed as a part of regular 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.

Legendary Goodyear Blimp return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026

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Goodyear and the legendary Goodyear Blimp return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 30, 2026) — The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with its iconic blimp, Wingfoot One, continuing a tradition of airship appearances over Oshkosh. The annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, with the blimp scheduled to arrive Thursday, July 23.

Built on a legacy of innovation, Goodyear continues to advance tire technology. From advanced tire designs and intelligent systems to dynamic simulation capabilities, Goodyear’s cutting-edge science helps enable higher performance, enhanced safety and more efficient mobility in virtually every driving environment. The Goodyear Blimp serves as one of the most visible expressions of this legacy, bringing the company’s spirit of innovation to the skies and offering an exciting, high-impact way to showcase the breadth of Goodyear’s brand to audiences around the world.

Wingfoot One plans to fly at various times throughout the week of the 73rd edition of AirVenture, marking 55 years since the Goodyear Blimp America made its initial appearance at the EAA fly-in in 1971. Since then, Goodyear has remained a regular participant at EAA events, with the last appearance in 2025 when it brought two blimps to Oshkosh to celebrate 100 years of Goodyear’s very first branded blimp, Pilgrim.

“The Goodyear Blimp is unmatched in both its pedigree and in the excitement that it generates among attendees arriving to AirVenture. Whether soaring through the sky or parked at Pioneer Airport, it is one of the first things visitors see when they arrive,“ said Rick Larsen, vice president of communities and member programs for EAA, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Goodyear has been a fixture at the event over the past 50-plus years, and its presence in 2026 proves EAA AirVenture is a truly ‘blimp-worthy’ event.”

Goodyear’s exhibitor display (#489 in Main Aircraft Display) will also showcase the company’s comprehensive aviation portfolio, which for more than a century has advanced high-performance design, materials and engineering for operators across commercial, military and private aviation worldwide. In addition, the exhibit will highlight Goodyear’s extensive consumer product portfolio, feature engaging marketing initiatives, and offer exclusive Goodyear-branded merchandise for purchase.

“AirVenture gives us an unmatched opportunity to engage with aviation enthusiasts on the world’s stage,” said Joe Burke, Vice President, Global Aviation, Goodyear. “Whether they are seeing the Goodyear Blimp overhead or engaging with our Aviation team on the ground, events like this allow us to bring our story to life, showcasing both the legacy of our iconic Blimp and the innovative aviation solutions that support pilots and operators every day.”

For more than 100 years, Goodyear has been on the leading edge of aviation tire innovation and building airships for commercial and military use, including hundreds of blimps for the U.S. Navy during WWII. In 1955, Goodyear pioneered the first live aerial coverage of a nationally televised event, which boomed into a worldwide phenomenon making Goodyear Blimp synonymous with the biggest events in sports and culture.

More information about the blimps and Goodyear’s Aviation offerings is available at goodyearblimp.com and goodyearaviation.com.

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.