Each year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, aviation history enthusiasts are treated to one of the world’s most impressive gatherings of warbirds and vintage aircraft. From the bustling warbird ramp at Wittman Regional Airport to the Vintage area and Boeing Plaza, visitors can experience a living timeline of aviation, featuring rare, meticulously restored, and often one-of-a-kind airplanes. The 2026 edition, scheduled for July 20–26, is shaping up to be particularly noteworthy, with a strong mix of confirmed appearances and anticipated debuts spanning the World War II era and beyond.
Among the most talked-about highlights are several iconic WWII warbirds expected to attend. Rumor has it that at least three Lockheed P-38 Lightnings are planning to appear—an exceptionally rare sight—alongside multiple Red Bull aircraft, including their P-38 and DC-6. In addition, two newly completed North American P-51 Mustang restorations and a recently restored Curtiss P-40 are expected to make their public debuts, offering attendees a first look at these freshly returned warbirds.
Heavy bombers will once again play a central role in the lineup. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is expected to bring several of its flagship aircraft, including the Boeing B-17 Sentimental Journey, the North American B-25 Maid in the Shade, both offering rides, and the Consolidated B-24 Diamond Lil. Also anticipated are the Boeing B-17 Movie Memphis Belle—pending completion of maintenance—and the Boeing B-29 Doc, both crowd favorites whenever they appear.
Adding further depth to the bomber lineup, a Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer will join Diamond Lil on the flightline. The Privateer, a U.S. Navy-developed derivative of the B-24 optimized for maritime patrol, was restored by GossHawk Unlimited in Arizona and now wears U.S. Coast Guard markings representing its postwar service. Both aircraft are expected to be displayed on Boeing Plaza during the week and will participate in the Wednesday evening air show as part of AirVenture’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Additional rarities may include the Shoen brothers’ PB4Y Privateer, further expanding the presence of this seldom-seen aircraft type.
Transport and support aircraft will also be well represented. Several Douglas DC-3 and C-47 variants are expected to attend, with the DC-3 Society once again bringing together a gathering of these legendary transports that played a crucial role in both military and civilian aviation history.
Beyond the main show grounds, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience vintage aircraft in flight. CAF Airbase Georgia is expected to operate its North American P-51 Mustang, Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless, North American T-6 Texan, and Beechcraft T-34, all offering ride experiences out of nearby Fond du Lac during AirVenture week. You can pre-buy your ride HERE.
Additional restoration projects are also nearing completion. Notably, the American Heritage Museum’s PBY-5A Catalina is in its final restoration phase, with detailed interior work and system integration underway ahead of a planned Oshkosh debut. Its appearance would mark the return of another iconic amphibious patrol aircraft to the flying scene.
AirVenture 2026 will also celebrate the earliest years of aviation through the Pioneers of Flight display in the EAA Vintage area. This exhibit will feature both original and reproduction aircraft representing the first 25 years of powered flight. Among the highlights is the Seattle II, a replica of the Douglas World Cruiser that completed the first aerial circumnavigation of the globe in 1924. Built in 2013 and first flown in 2014, the aircraft will be displayed on floats in Oshkosh to reflect its historic configuration. Following the event, it will be placed on loan at the EAA Aviation Museum.
Returning to Oshkosh will be the Wright B Flyer, a reproduction of the 1910 Wright Model B. Based in Dayton, Ohio, this aircraft represents the rapid evolution of the Wright brothers’ designs after their 1903 breakthrough. The Wright B is scheduled to fly during the Tuesday and Thursday afternoon air shows, weather permitting, offering a rare glimpse into the earliest days of powered aviation.
As always, it is important to note that this lineup remains highly fluid. Aircraft availability depends on maintenance schedules, restoration progress, and operational considerations, and plans can change quickly as the event approaches. Even so, AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 is already shaping up to deliver an extraordinary gathering of historic aircraft—from pioneering designs of the early 20th century to some of the most iconic warbirds of WWII—offering enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to experience aviation history both on the ground and in the air. For more information about the 2026 EAA AirVenture, visit www.eaa.org/airventure
