The Owensboro Air Show returns on September 15-17 with the Air Force Thunderbirds headlining. “Bridge Day” is set for September 16, giving people the opportunity to walk across the bridge from 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Here’s everything to know about the weekend.
The weekend will kick off September 15, when many of the aircraft will be on display and some will do demonstrations at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport from 4-7:30 p.m. Several pilots and aircraft will be on display for a meet and greet during the show.
The cost to attend is $5, though children 10 and under, as well as veterans and active-duty military, are admitted free. Parking is spread throughout Bittel and Airport roads.
Throughout the weekend, the UH-1 Huey and AH-1 Cobra will be open for rides for interested patrons. City of Owensboro Public Events Director Tim Ross said he has already received emails from travelers on when to book the reservations, as it is a popular attraction.
“It’s pretty popular. They sell hundreds and hundreds of rides every year. So, if you’re interested in that, you can go online to the website to sign up in advance,” Ross said.
There will be an evening display with some planes taking flight. The night will finish with a fireworks display presented by Independence Bank.
“We call it an up-close opportunity for you compared to just watching them over the river. You can kind of get up close and personal with them,” Ross said.
Saturday morning will start with Bridge Day, which usually attracts thousands wanting to walk across the bridge. The bridge will close to pedestrians at 12:30 p.m.
The Air Show will begin at 1 p.m. and wrap up around 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, though some reserved seating is available for purchase at the Convention Center. To purchase or for more details about those options, click here.
The full list of performers includes:
- Air Force Thunderbirds
- Wings of Blue – USAF Parachute Team
- Kevin Coleman
- Bill Stein Airshows
- Army Aviation Heritage Foundation
- Aeroshell Aerobatic Team
- GhostWriter Airshows
- Gregory W Colyer/Ace Maker Airshows
The Owensboro Bridge will be closed during the following times:
- Friday, September 15: 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Saturday, September 16: 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, September 17: 12:30–4:30 p.m.
The river and boat ramp will be closed 30 minutes before and after all the above times.
Outside of the aerial display, local band Kentucky Shine will open for the Grammy-winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at the “Owensboro Air Show After Party” on September 16. The concert will be held on the outdoor stage of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and tickets include access to the museum’s lawn for viewing of the Air Show.
The after party will take place from 4-7 p.m. at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Kentucky Shine takes the stage at 4, with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band starting at 5:30. General admission tickets cost $38 and are available here. (Preferred seating is sold out.)
