NASA Astronauts, Memphis Belle Cast Headline Theater in the Woods at AirVenture 2026

Attendees of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 are invited to a powerful week of evening programming at Theater in the Woods. From Sunday, July 19, to Saturday, July 25, a series of nightly events will gather noteworthy people from NASA astronauts to those involved with the 1990 war drama Memphis Belle.

“After a full day on the Oshkosh flightline, evenings at Theater in the Woods have been the perfect place to sit back and hear from aviation’s greats,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This year’s programming again creates ‘only at Oshkosh’ moments with those involved in aviation history, cutting-edge technology, or the silver screen.”

Schedule of Events:

Sunday, July 19 — An Evening With Champions: The History of the USAF Heritage Flight (7-9 p.m.)

Kick off the week with some of aviation’s best as they talk about what it took to create the USAF Heritage Flight, and how they keep it going.

Monday, July 20 — U.S. Air Force’s Salute to America’s 250th Birthday (7:30-9:15 p.m.)

The United States Air Force will lead a program featuring a swearing in ceremony at 7:30 p.m., followed by country music star Tyler Hubbard taking the stage at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, July 21 — A Home in Space: From the Shuttle and Beyond (7-9 p.m.)

Celebrate 45 years of the space shuttle with a panel of NASA astronauts and personnel including Hoot Gibson, Charlie Precourt, Eileen Collins, and Jeanie Engle, moderated by the National Air and Space Museum’s Jennifer Levasseur, curator of the space shuttle and ISS exhibits.

Wednesday, July 22 — Concept to Cockpit (6:30-7:45 p.m.)

WomenVenture day will be capped off with a panel of women who have made an impact in aircraft design featuring Xyla Foxlin, Jessica Cox, Margaret Viola, and Kacy Anderson.

Thursday, July 23 — Memphis Belle: Telling the Story on the Big Screen (7-9 p.m.)

Hear from cast and crew members of the 1990 film as they recount what it was like to tell the story on the big screen.

Friday, July 24 — 9/11: A Look Back 25 Years Later (7-9 p.m.)

Honoring those who risked their lives at a time of tragedy, hear from a collection of brave individuals as they reflect on their firsthand experiences. Featuring members of the FDNY, NYPD, Air Force One, and NASA. Also, meet the RAF Red Arrows Team.

Saturday, July 25 – Mission Marge: The Discovery of the Ace of Ace’s Lightning (6:30-7:45 p.m.)

A mission to recover artifacts from America’s leading ace during World War II. Members of Richard Bong’s family, Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, Pacific Wrecks, and the 128th Air Refueling Wing share the story of the mission.

Evening programs at Theater in the Woods are supported by M&M’S and included with AirVenture admission.