EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 welcomed approximately 734,000 visitors during its seven-day run, setting a new attendance record for the annual fly-in convention. The total surpassed the previous record of 704,000, established in 2025. Held at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the 2026 gathering combined EAA’s traditional celebration of flight with events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. “The celebration of America 250 also became an amazing week at The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration at Oshkosh,” said EAA CEO and Chairman Jack Pelton. “So many highlights and memories emerged from the grounds over the seven days that made this year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh unforgettable.”
Although the record attendance represented a significant milestone, Pelton emphasized that EAA’s primary focus remains strengthening the aviation community and encouraging greater participation in flight. “While it’s gratifying to see a record attendance total again this year—which is a credit to our dedicated volunteers, staff, and partners—our goal each year is not to chase numbers but to showcase EAA’s community and share our mission of growing participation in aviation by sharing The Spirit of Aviation,” Pelton said. “We know that people leave Oshkosh each year inspired and excited by the world of flight that EAA represents.”
More than 10,000 aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport and other airports throughout east-central Wisconsin during the event. Wittman Regional Airport recorded 15,527 aircraft operations between noon CDT on July 16 and noon CDT on July 27. When the airport was open, that represented an average of approximately 101 takeoffs or landings per hour. The 2026 showplane count reached 2,851 aircraft. Vintage aircraft formed the largest category, with 1,346 examples registered. They were joined by 875 homebuilt aircraft, 360 warbirds, 118 ultralights and light planes, 88 seaplanes and amphibians, 40 aerobatic aircraft, 18 rotorcraft, and six hot-air balloons. The event’s campgrounds were also filled throughout the week. More than 13,600 aircraft and drive-in campsites accommodated over 40,000 visitors. Approximately 6,000 volunteers contributed nearly 300,000 hours to support AirVenture’s flight operations, programs, grounds, transportation, camping areas, and other activities. The number of commercial exhibitors reached a record 1,021, while more than 1,600 forums, workshops, and presentations were held across 65 venues. International attendance remained strong, with visitors from 98 countries registering at the International Visitors Pavilion. AirVenture also attracted 849 media representatives from six continents.
(Image credit: EAA)
EAA reported significant online engagement during the week. Its social media channels reached more than 30 million people and generated approximately 2 million engagements. AirVenture-related videos received 17.1 million views, while EAA gained nearly 50,000 new social media followers. The Gathering, the EAA Aviation Foundation’s annual fundraising event, drew more than 1,000 attendees and raised a record $2.85 million. The proceeds will support EAA’s aviation education programs and its broader mission of increasing participation in aviation. According to a 2025 economic-impact study conducted by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, AirVenture generates an estimated $257 million for Winnebago, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Brown counties. With the 2026 gathering concluded, EAA will soon begin reviewing feedback and developing plans for the next edition of AirVenture, scheduled for July 26 through August 1, 2027. Among the potential themes is the 100th anniversary of Charles Lindbergh’s historic solo transatlantic flight.
(Image credit: EAA/Nick Moore)
“We’re going to first take a breath after this incredible year,” Pelton said. “Our volunteers, staff and all involved deserve it. Within the next month, however, as we collect feedback and ideas, we’ll begin plotting the course for 2027, which for instance is the 100th anniversary of Charles Lindbergh’s historic trans-Atlantic solo flight. That is just one idea, and there will be many, many more to come.” For more information about EAA AirVenture, visit www.eaa.org/airventure
(Image credit: EAA)
