Can’t-Miss Highlights at AirVenture 2017

July 22, 2017 - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 marks the 65th annual EAA fly-in convention, and this year’s lineup of events and attractions has something for every aviation enthusiast.

The highlight of Monday’s evening entertainment will be the opening night concert presented by Ford Motor Company, featuring the Barenaked Ladies. The show begins at 6 p.m. on Boeing Plaza.

Daily afternoon air shows will showcase some of the world’s best aerobatic performers including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels who will highlight the Friday and Saturday shows, and make an additional appearance on Sunday for a non-aerobatic demonstration.

AirVenture 2017 is the year of the bomber as a host of current and former U.S. military bombers will be in attendance. A U.S. Air Force Boeing B-52 touched down in Oshkosh on July 20 and will be on display on Boeing Plaza throughout the week. It will also be joined by a B-1 and B-2 in a composite flyover Saturday. Following the group of modern bombers will be two B-17s, several B-25s, and two B-29s — FIFI and Doc — in a bomber parade.

On Wednesday, several B-25s will gather in the Warbirds area for a re-enactment of the Doolittle Raid in honor of the event’s 75th anniversary. That evening, a presentation will be held at 6 p.m. at Theater in the Woods with appearances by Jimmy Doolittle’s grandchildren: Jonna Doolittle and Jimmy Doolittle III.

On Tuesday, Innovations Day will highlight the future of aviation by awarding the Founder’s Innovation Prize at Theater in the Woods 8-10 p.m. The e-Spirit of St. Louis, Scaled Composites’ Proteus, and the new Stratos 714 very light jet will be showcased along with even more exciting advancements at the EAA Innovation Center in Aviation Gateway Park.

Throughout the year EAA has been celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Young Eagles program, which began at EAA Oshkosh 1992. An exhibit in the EAA Aviation Museum tells the story of the program and highlights some of the successful Young Eagles who’ve gone into careers in aviation. While you’re here, stop by the EAA Discover Aviation Center for a photo with the Young Eagles 25th anniversary logo cube.

On Friday, EAA will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 1 with a gathering of Apollo astronauts and crew at Theater in the Woods at 8 p.m. Astronauts Frank Borman, Walt Cunningham, Dick Gordon, Fred Haise, Joe Engle, Al Worden, Jim Lovell, Harrison Schmitt, Buzz Aldrin, and Apollo 13 flight director Gene Kranz will all be in attendance. The program will be hosted by David Hartman.

Also on Friday, EAA will hold its Salute to Veterans Day, which includes a Veterans Breakfast at 8 a.m. in the Partner Resource Center, and will welcome the return of Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight V at 6 p.m. on Boeing Plaza.

Throughout the week, the EAA Seaplane Base is a great place to escape the heat and crowds — and it’s only a short bus ride away. Shuttles leave from the Bus Park Tower and the amphibian parking area regularly. Tickets cost just $3 round trip.

Pick up AirVenture Today every day this week for more information on these and other AirVenture 2017 highlights.