That rumble you hear? That means the Cleveland National Air Show is back. Running Sept. 2-4 at Downtown's Burke Lakefront Airport, the event, which began nearly 60 years ago, features performances on the ground and in the air for spectators to enjoy.
This year’s show is headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, who are celebrating their 70th year of performances, as well as aerial displays by other military aircrafts, including the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Marine Corps. AV-8B Harrier and U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet.
Cleveland is one of only two show sites that the Harrier can be seen at this year. The U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet was featured in the movie Top Gun: Maverick and literally shakes the ground under the spectators feet as it soars down the runway. Additionally, Patty Wagstaff, a three-time U.S. National Aerobatics Champion, among other accomplishments, will be performing, along with the AeroShell Aerobatic Team. For the first time this year, there will also be a Mini Jet performance done by Tom Larkin.
On the ground, visitors explore the world of aviation by going inside the planes, meeting the pilots and interacting with the various STEM-based educational displays. Aircrafts on display include a WWII B-25 and a U.S. Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy, the largest plane in the Air Force at 65 feet tall. There is also a full menu of concessions for visitors, including food such as burgers, nachos and funnel cakes and drinks such as water and beer.
General admission tickets are $35 for adults, $20 for children 6-11 years old and free for children 5 years old and younger. Tickets and on-Site parking are only available to purchase in advance at clevelandairshow.com.
MORE THINGS TO DO: Here's the Schedule for Oktoberfest.
2023 Cleveland National Air Show Schedule of Events (Subject to Change):
Saturday Sept. 2, Sunday Sept. 3 and Monday Sept. 4
9 a.m.:
Gates/on-site parking lot opens
9:30 a.m.-Noon:
Cleveland Aeromodeling Society – Radio Controlled Aircraft
AUVSI Northern Ohio Satellite Chapter - Drone Demonstration
U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team
U.S. Air Force KC-135 Demonstration
Hot Streak II Jet Truck
Metro Life Flight Medical Helicopter Fly-by
Noon-2 p.m.:
U.S. Air Force C-130 Demonstration
Mini Jet Airshows
U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demo
Air National Guard F-15 Eagle Fly-by
Patty Wagstaff
Hot Streak II Jet Truck
U.S. Air Force F-22 Demonstration
U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Demonstration
2-4:30 p.m. (Gates close at 3 p.m.):
AeroShell Aerobatic Team
U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team
U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Demonstration
Photo Pass
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
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