Oklahoma’s largest air show is back, with the high-flying U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlining the free two-day Tinker Air Show June 28 and 29 at Tinker Air Force Base.
Families of all ages are invited to learn more about Tinker’s missions, the military and potential careers in aviation and aerospace, our state’s second largest industry.
“This is our chance to thank the community and provide an opportunity for people to come on base to learn about what goes on at Tinker, to pull back the curtains, if you will, about the many services and the different areas of support,” said Lt. Col. Eric Cring, Tinker Air Show director. “Most people are not aware that Tinker is a maintenance depot that helps keep many portions of our Air Force fleet flying.”
Thrills in the air and on the ground
This year’s lineup includes some new-to-the-show aerial acts, including an MV-22 Osprey, Franklin’s Flying Circus air comedy act, Brittanee Lincoln in the Extra 330 Aerobatic Air Act, The Trojan Phlyers Flight Demonstration Team in a pair of T-28s and a KC-46 Demonstration.
Other stand-out acts include a Pearl Harbor reenactment by Tora! Tora! Tora! and, returning for the first time since 2014, Randy Ball, an experienced demonstration pilot flying a MiG-17.
“Warriors of Air and Space” is the theme for the 2025 Tinker Air Show, highlighting the warrior ethos, hard work and contributions of the military and civilian members of Tinker Air Force Base.
Families can also explore static displays of modern and historic military aircraft, military recruiting exhibits such as the Air Force’s Tactical Experience and view performances by the USAF Honor Guard Drill Team.
Hands-on fun in STEM City
In addition to a full slate of entertaining, high-flying acts, STEM will again be at the forefront of this year’s free community event. Dubbed “STEM City,” an aircraft hangar will be filled with a variety of hands-on activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. Kids can engage with simulators, robotics, drone technology, snap circuits and more, while exploring potential career opportunities.
“We want to encourage younger generations to get involved in the field of aerospace and encourage them to learn more about the many jobs available,” said Cliff Harden, STEM outreach program manager at Tinker AFB. “There’s everything from becoming a pilot to cyber security, 3D Graphics and imaging to engineering and aircraft maintenance.”
Activities in STEM City are provided by community partners and are free to enjoy.
Know before you go
Admission, parking and shuttles are free, but Tinker officials advise families to arrive early since the gates will close when capacity is reached.
Gates open at 8 a.m. with many activities beginning at 8:30 a.m. Aerial demonstrations begin at approximately 11:30 a.m. with the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Wings of Blue sky diving team. All air acts are expected to be performed on both days, but the order of performers may change. Both shows will end with the Thunderbirds.
Visitors are encouraged to park at Building 9001, formerly the General Motors Plant, off SE 74th Street, accessible from I-240. Shuttle buses will run continuously both days, dropping guests near the air show entrance.
Additional on-base parking is available from Douglas Boulevard through the Liberator and Lancer Gates and through the Hruskocy Gate at I-40 near 29th Street. A walk-in or vehicle drop-off option is available at the Liberator Gate.
The only paid attractions are the preferred seating areas, a Flight Line Club premium area with shade tents and catering, and the Kidz Zone, featuring inflatables, games, a rock wall and more. Preferred seating and club tickets are available online at air.show/tinker. Kidz Zone wristbands are $20 at the event.
Important tips to help you enjoy your day at the air show
- Follow Tinker AFB on social media. Tinker AFB will have air show updates through its social media channels leading up to and during the event. This will include security updates, where to park and even new performer announcements.
- Know what to and NOT to bring. If you can’t take it on a plane, you most likely can’t bring it on base. Visitors will have to go through a security checkpoint with a metal detector before entering the event area, and items are subject to confiscation. Important reminder: Leave pocketknives at home!
- NO smoking or vaping is allowed. No drugs or marijuana of any kind is permitted anywhere on base, regardless of a medical ID card.
- You CAN bring water. Tinker officials recommend bringing a sealed water bottle up to 32 ounces for each member of your party. Vendors will have beverages for sale, and free water filling stations will be available. Hydration packs and personal water bottles are permitted but must be empty before entry. Coolers are NOT allowed.
- Small diaper bags, purses and fanny packs are permitted but are subject to search. Clear bags are recommended to speed up the process.
- Hearing protection is important for everyone, especially infants and small children. Hearing protection is available for purchase at the event, but bringing your own is recommended.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. Shade is limited.
- Seating is not provided. Blankets, lawn chairs, small hand-held umbrellas, strollers and collapsible wagons where transporting children is the primary purpose are permitted. If you plan to ride the shuttles, your stroller or wagon must collapse and will need to fit in the seat with you. Shuttles have school-bus-style doors and seating.
- ATMs will be available on site, but remember to bring cash.
- Guests with wheelchairs or walkers are encouraged to enter through the Hruskocy gate, which will take you to 29th Street or Lancer Gates on Douglas Boulevard, where accesible parking is available.
To learn more, visit tinkerairshow.org or tinker.af.mil/tinkerairshow and follow Tinker AFB on social media.
At-home aviation STEM activity
Provided by Air & Space STEM Outreach
Before or after your trip to the airshow, try this at-home activity to explore aviation!
Objective
Build and test paper airplanes to see how shape and structure affect flight. Observe how the four forces of flight – lift, thrust, drag and weight – impact your planes.
Materials
- Paper
- Rubberbands (optional)
- Paperclips (optional)
- Stopwatch
- Measuring tape
- Pencil or pen
Test
Craft several different types of paper airplanes. Use your own designs or try these design ideas from Air & Space STEM Outreach. Record flight distance and hang time for each design.
Reflect
- Which airplane design flew the farthest? Why do you think that happened?
- Did the hang time change between designs? What caused the change?
