The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will host its annual Innovations in Flight Outdoor Aviation Display on Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. This year’s event will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, featuring an expanded lineup of vintage military aircraft, including WWII-era trainers, fighters, and bombers, along with uniformed reenactors bringing the period to life.
More than 50 aircraft—from historic warbirds to cutting-edge civilian and commercial planes—are expected to fly in for the one-day event and will be displayed on the museum’s outdoor grounds. Highlights include a WP-3D Orion “Hurricane Hunter” from NOAA, an A400M Atlas military transport, and a variety of general aviation aircraft. Pilots will be on hand to engage with visitors, offering a rare opportunity to step inside cockpits and cabins and learn about aircraft design and innovation firsthand.
Inside the museum, family-friendly programming will center on the American home front during World War II as part of the Soar Together at Air and Space series. Activities include Morse code demonstrations by the Smithsonian Ham Radio Club, interactive STEM crafts like flyable paper planes, swing dancing to live music, and meet-and-greets with reenactors. Admission to the museum is free. However, advance passes are required to access the outdoor aircraft display and can be reserved on the museum’s website beginning Monday, May 13, at 7 p.m. No passes are needed to enjoy the indoor exhibits and activities. For more information, click HERE.
