McConnell Air Force Base is welcoming the public this weekend for its free Frontiers in Flight Air Show and Open House, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and a variety of military and civilian aircraft.
The two-day event takes place Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, at McConnell Air Force Base. Gates open at 9 a.m. both days, with aerial performances scheduled from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The Thunderbirds are expected to perform at 3 p.m.
The Thunderbirds, the Air Force's premier aerial demonstration team, will fly their F-16 Fighting Falcons in precision formations and high-speed maneuvers. The team last performed at McConnell during the 2022 air show.
Other performers include the U.S. Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue parachute team, aerobatic pilot Scott Francis, vintage aircraft pilot Matt Younkin and several additional civilian performers. A dual flyover featuring McConnell's KC-135 and KC-46 refueling aircraft is also planned.
Visitors can get an up-close look at aircraft on the ground, including the Wichita-based B-29 Superfortress Doc, an F-35 Lightning II, a C-17 Globemaster III, an A-10 Thunderbolt II and both types of refueling aircraft operated by McConnell.
This year's show is expected to be the final opportunity for the public to see McConnell's KC-135 Stratotankers fly during the air show. The base is transitioning to an all-KC-46 fleet, with that change expected to be completed by summer 2027.
The event will also include a family zone, flight simulators, ground vehicle displays and a STEM hangar with exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering and math.
Admission to Frontiers in Flight is free and open to the public. Premium viewing options, including reserved flightline seating and a Premier Club, are available for purchase.
More information, including event details and updates, is available at FrontiersInFlight.com.
