Founded in 1975, the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show is one of North America’s premier air shows. It features world-class aerobatic champions, military jet demonstrations and entertainment for the whole family. It celebrates Dayton’s rich aviation heritage as home of the Wright Brothers, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, National Aviation Hall of Fame, National Aviation Heritage Area, and Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.

In addition to the Thunderbirds, this year’s show features a jaw-dropping lineup of other featured performers, as well as an impressive lineup of aircraft for the ground displays. Grab your aviator sunglasses and flight jacket, as we give a brief preview of this year’s show!

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

America’s “Ambassadors in Blue,” the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, are back to wow the crowd with precision, power, and perfectly choreographed aerial stunts. These six F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots are more than just expert flyers — they’re ambassadors of excellence and a true symbol of American airpower.

💡 Did you know?

The Thunderbirds’ aircraft can be combat-ready in just 72 hours, and their brakes are made right here in Troy, Ohio!

U.S. Army Golden Knights

U.S. Army Golden Knights

From heart-pounding skydives to precision landings that’ll leave your jaw on the ground, the U.S. Army Golden Knights are back to thrill Dayton! This elite team of paratroopers—originally formed in 1959—represents the absolute best in military parachuting. Based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 16-member team travels in their signature Fokker C-31A Troopship, and when they jump, crowds can’t look away. Their canopy work and sky-high choreography are as inspiring as they are exhilarating.

💡 Dayton Connection:

Did you know that freefall parachuting has roots right here in Dayton? Army Lt. Harold R. Harris made the first successful emergency bailout using a parachute at Old McCook Field in 1922. And for decades, Wright Field (now part of Wright-Patt) was a hub for parachute tech research. So when you’re watching the Knights soar, remember—this airborne excellence has deep local roots!

Red Bull Team Performers

Red Bull Helicopter

Hold on tight! The Red Bull Air Force is coming to Dayton, and they’re bringing their signature adrenaline-pumping energy. Featuring the Red Bull helicopter piloted by Aaron Fitzgerald, skydivers (soon to be revealed!), and aerobatic ace Kevin Coleman, this team defies gravity and expectations. Their daring maneuvers and stunt flying aren’t just flashy—they’re a high-flying celebration of human potential and precision.

Third Strike Wingwalking

a person wingwalking on a red biplane while it is in flight

Get ready to meet a living legend in the sky. Carol Pilon, North America’s only professional female wingwalker, is returning to Dayton with her team, Third Strike. Since 2000, she’s been balancing high above the wings of vintage aircraft while they slice through the air at show-stopping speeds. From cold-weather wingwalks in Maine to jet-powered feats, Carol’s gravity-defying performances are a masterclass in courage, grace, and total fearlessness.

💡 Fun Fact

Carol’s not just a performer—she’s the first woman, Canadian, and wingwalker to fully own and operate her own air team. Talk about boss energy.

Goodyear Blimp

the goodyear blimp in flight

You’ll definitely want to “look up” for this one. The iconic Goodyear Blimp will be floating over the Dayton skies during the Air Show, celebrating an incredible 100 years of aviation history! This year, Wingfoot One—the modern version of the beloved blimp—makes a special appearance from its base near Akron.

💡 Fun Facts:

  • The Goodyear aviation legacy began in 1910, with its first balloon launched in 1912.

  • During WWII, Goodyear trained pilots and built 154 blimps to help protect ships from enemy submarines.

  • Blimps became pop culture icons, appearing at the Rose Bowl, the Super Bowl, and the Olympics.

  • The new semi-rigid “Wingfoot” series launched in 2014, bringing cutting-edge tech to an American classic.

Seeing it in the sky is more than nostalgia – it’s a floating tribute to Ohio’s aeronautical innovation.

This is just a small taste of the weekend’s featured performers – you can see the complete lineup of featured performers at the Dayton Air Show website.

Ground Displays

Aircraft Ground Displays

In addition to the performers, an extensive range of aircraft will be featured in the ground displays. A few of the scheduled aircraft include the C-17, KC-135, F-35A, T-6 Texan, DC-8 Samaritan’s Purse, and B-29 Superfortress “Doc”. The list of ground display aircraft is actively being updated as we write this, so visit the Air Show website for the latest updates.

🎟️ The Details You Need

🗓 When: June 21–22, 2025
🕘 Gates open: 9 AM | ✈️ Flying starts: 11:15 AM
🚪 Gates close: 6 PM

*Please note that the show is not releasing the specific flying times of each performer. All performers will fly both days of the show.

Get Your Tickets for the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show

A variety of ticket options are available for the Dayton Air Show. You can purchase advance tickets online (general admission, or popular specialty seating areas like the Pavilion or Blue Sky Chalet).

This is just a small taste of everything the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show, presented by Kroger, has to offer! You can find full details and information at the Air Show’s website.

This post originally appeared on Destination Dayton‘s website.