Every summer, the skies above Oshkosh, Wisconsin, come alive with the roar of engines, the buzz of vintage propellers, and the smoke trails of aerobatic displays. But EAA AirVenture is more than just an airshow—it’s the world’s largest aviation gathering, where the diversity of aircraft is matched only by the diversity of attendees.
If you're not already a subscriber, what are you waiting for? Subscribe today to get the issue as soon as it is released in either Print or Digital formats.
Subscribe Now
For tens of thousands of pilots and aviation enthusiasts, the pilgrimage to Oshkosh is a deeply rooted tradition. Entire families, flying clubs, flight schools, hangar groups, etc. return year after year—many camping under aircraft wings—reconnecting with old friends and sharing stories. The grounds also host hundreds of businesses showcasing the latest aircraft, products, technologies, tools, and training.
Having attended 12 times in the past 15 years, I can confidently say there’s no atmosphere quite like it. While technically I’ve attended in a professional capacity, it has never felt like work. AirVenture is simply too much fun to be considered a “job.”
Over the years, it feels as though I’ve experienced every lodging option Oshkosh has to offer—hotels, rental homes, RVs (my personal favorite), and even camping under the wing of a friend’s Aeronca Champ. I typically fly commercially, but on two occasions, I arrived at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) once in a Cessna 182 and once in a Kodiak 100. Though I was a passenger both times, experiencing the legendary arrival procedure—wing rocks and all—was certainly an adrenaline rush.
However you get there, the experience is worth it.
Highlights for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, scheduled for July 21-27, include a usual exciting lineup of airshow performers, including Michael Goulian, Randy Ball, Skip Stewart, Matt Younkin, the Titan Aerobatic Team, and more. Throughout the week, humanitarian aviation will take center stage with the Aviation for the Greater Good exhibit, featuring aircraft and organizations dedicated to delivering aid during global emergencies.
History buffs can look forward to centennial celebrations for Fairchild and Travel Air aircraft. Goodyear will also mark 100 years of flying by bringing two of its iconic airships to the show.
Attending and covering AirVenture is a rare opportunity to experience and capture aviation’s past, present, and future—all in one place. We can’t wait to see what’s in store this year and how we can translate it into impactful content.
Because this isn’t just an airshow. It’s Oshkosh.
This column first appeared in the July Issue 960 of the FLYING print edition.
