EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Set to Host Over 10,000 Aircraft in Historic Aviation Gathering
Every July, the aviation world descends on a small city in Wisconsin for what has become the largest and most famous fly-in and air show on the planet. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is a week-long celebration of everything that flies. From homebuilt aircraft and vintage warbirds to the latest military jets, airliners, helicopters and experimental designs. Nowhere else offers such an incredible variety of aviation in one place. Running from 20-26 July 2026 at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh attracts more than 600,000 visitors and around 10,000 aircraft , transforming the airport into what is routinely the busiest in the world for aircraft movements during the event. Why Every Aviation Enthusiast Should Visit Oshkosh JJN1991, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons Ask anyone who has attended AirVenture and they’ll probably tell you the same thing: there is simply nothing else like it. Whether you’re interested in classic airliners, military aviation, general aviation, homebuilt aircraft or the very latest aerospace technology, Oshkosh has something to offer. Throughout the week visitors can enjoy: Spectacular daily flying displays Hundreds of military and civilian aircraft on static display Rare vintage and warbird aircraft The latest aircraft from Boeing, Airbus, Textron, Cirrus, Daher and many more manufacturers Product launches and world debuts Forums, workshops and presentations by aviation experts One of the world’s biggest aviation trade exhibitions Evening air shows and entertainment For aircraft spotters, the arrival weekend before the show officially opens is almost an event in itself. Thousands of aircraft converge on Oshkosh using the famous FAA arrival procedures, creating one of aviation’s most extraordinary spectacles as everything from Piper Cubs to corporate jets carefully follows the published NOTAM into Wittman Field. Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Causes Concern This year’s event is beginning under rather unusual circumstances. Large wildfires burning across Canada have sent thick smoke south across the Upper Midwest, leading to reduced visibility and poor air quality across Wisconsin just as thousands of pilots prepare to fly into Oshkosh. The National Weather Service has warned that smoke could significantly reduce visibility, while air quality advisories have been issued across much of the state. At times this week, visibility at Oshkosh dropped to around one mile before conditions improved. For pilots flying into one of the world’s busiest temporary airspaces, visibility is every bit as important as cloud cover. Air traffic controllers have urged crews to remain conservative in their decision making and not attempt the famous VFR arrival if conditions are unsuitable. Thankfully, forecasts suggest conditions should continue to evolve over the coming days, and organisers remain confident AirVenture will proceed as planned, although pilots and visitors are being encouraged to monitor the latest weather information closely. AirportSpotting Is Heading To Oshkosh EAA AirVenture Oshkosh We’re delighted to be attending AirVenture this year. Throughout the week we’ll be bringing you regular updates, photographs and videos from the show across our social media channels, so if you can’t make it to Wisconsin you’ll still be able to follow the action as it happens. Follow us on Facebook Follow us on YouTube We’ll also be publishing a full review of AirVenture here on AirportSpotting.com after the event, covering the biggest announcements, highlights, aircraft and surprises from the week. For Airport Spotting Premium members, we’re preparing something even more special. Our forthcoming USA 250th Anniversary Special magazine will feature an extensive review of AirVenture 2026 alongside exclusive features celebrating American aviation, making it an essential read for anyone who loves aircraft and aviation history. Sign up to Premium Here Whether you’re making the pilgrimage to Oshkosh yourself or following from home, the next week promises to be one of the highlights of the aviation calendar.
