34th Annual WWII Weekend Returns to Reading, June 6–8, 2025

The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s 34th Annual WWII Weekend returns June 6–8 with over 1,500 reenactors, rare warbirds, and thrilling flight displays.

NicK Chismar
NicK Chismar
Mid Atlantic Air Museum’s 34th Annual World War II Weekend. A Gathering of Warbirds, June 6, 7, 8, 2025. Photo by Nick Chismar
Alan Armstrong 729

The stage is set for the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s 34th Annual WWII Weekend—one of the largest and most immersive living history events of its kind in the world. Taking place June 6th, 7th, and 8th, this year’s show promises to transport visitors back to the 1940s with more than 1,500 reenactors, historical displays, and an exciting lineup of vintage warbirds both in the air and on the ground. WWII Weekend has long been known for its diverse and impressive aircraft roster, spanning from training and liaison types to heavy bombers and high-performance fighters. Many fan-favorite aircraft will be returning this year, joined by several exciting newcomers making their WWII Weekend debut.

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Spectators can expect to see nearly two dozen training and liaison aircraft on the field. Crowd-favorite performers Jerry Wells in his Bücker Bü 133 “Jungmeister” and the “Jersey Jerks” in their precision-flying North American SNJs (“Texans”) will once again thrill audiences with tight formations and knife-edge passes.

In the transport category, the C-47 “Placid Lassie” is returning after missing last year’s event due to its overseas commitments in Europe. It will be joined by the C-49 “Wild Cat” of the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team and the now-regular C-53 “Beach City Baby” from Vintage Wings Inc. Visitors can also look forward to seeing Wings of War’s Cessna T-50 “Bamboo Bomber” and the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation’s Douglas C-54E “Spirit of Freedom.”

Bombers have always been a key part of WWII Weekend. Regulars like Tom Duffy’s and the Delaware Aviation Museum’s B-25Js “Take Off Time” and “Panchito” will once again take to the skies. CAF Airbase Georgia’s SBD-5 Dauntless and Alan Armstrong’s B5N2 Kate replica are also set to return. Making a much-anticipated comeback is the CAF West Texas Wing’s SB2C Helldiver, last seen at the event in 2018. The Warbird Factory is expected to bring back its TBM-3E Avenger “Ida Red” for a second appearance.

Sadly, some notable bombers will be absent this year. The CAF’s B-24 “Diamond Lil” is still undergoing maintenance and won’t make the trip. Likewise, B-29 “FIFI” is grounded while awaiting work on her #2 and #4 engines. However, fans can celebrate the return of B-29 “Doc,” making its first appearance at WWII Weekend since 2018. “Doc” will also be offering ride flights throughout the event.

B 29 DOC to Attend World War II Weekend in Reading PA

Returning for its second year is the Warbird Factory’s A6M Zero replica, flying alongside staples like the P-63A-6 Kingcobra, FG-1D Corsair, and P-51Ds from CAF Airbase Georgia and Tom Duffy’s collection, including the popular “Kwitcherbitchen.” The Military Aviation Museum’s FM-2 Wildcat, which made a strong impression last year with its powerful takeoffs, will also return.

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Among this year’s most exciting additions is the Dakota Territory Air Museum’s P-51C Mustang “Thunderbird.” Once owned by both screen legend Brig. Gen. Jimmy Stewart and aviation pioneer Jackie Cochran, this immaculately restored Mustang will take part in the night engine run photoshoot alongside the SB2C Helldiver and the Bamboo Bomber.

P 51 Thunderbird
Photo by Roy Kieffer – Custom Aircraft Refinishing Inc.

Also debuting this year are two standout aircraft from the Military Aviation Museum: their Curtiss P-40E Warhawk and their replica Messerschmitt Me 262 jet—recently flown for the first time in over a decade. The Me 262’s performance will mark the first time a jet aircraft has flown during WWII weekend.

Messerschmitt Me 262 Flies Again Military Aviation Museums Replica Returns to the Skies 5
Chief Pilot Mike Spalding Taking off in the museum’s in the Messerschmitt Me 262 Replica. Photo by Zack Baughman

In addition to visiting aircraft, several of the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s own aircraft will be on display, including their B-25J “Briefing Time,” SNJ-4B Texan, and TBM-3 Avenger. Of special note is the museum’s P-61B Black Widow “Moonbeam Dream,” which will be on static display showcasing progress on the aircraft’s long-term restoration. The 34th Annual WWII Weekend takes place June 6–8, 2025, at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, Pennsylvania. For tickets, parking details, flight info, and a full schedule of performers and guests, visit the museum’s official website.

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