EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026: The Sky’s the Limit as Record-Breaking Expectations Soar
The world’s premier aviation celebration, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, has officially taken flight today, July 20, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The anticipation is already soaring for this year’s 73rd edition of the iconic show, which will run until July 26. Organizers are setting their sights high, aiming to surpass last year’s record-breaking attendance of 704,000 visitors.
EAA communications director Dick Knapinski has confirmed that early indicators are on par with 2025’s trajectory. Already, more than 6,000 eager volunteers and campers have set up camp on the grounds ahead of opening day. The economic impact of this event is nothing short of astounding — last year’s show injected a whopping $257 million into the Fox Valley region, far surpassing the $90 million generated by the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay.
The grand opening tonight is set to be a memorable one, with a special U.S. Air Force tribute in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. This includes a live performance by country music sensation Tyler Hubbard (of Florida Georgia Line fame) at the Theater in the Woods, included with Monday’s admission. Aviation enthusiasts can look forward to a week of highlights, including the Flying Bulls making their first-ever American public debut. They will be bringing a restored P-38 and DC-6 across the Atlantic from Austria. Despite the unusual atmospheric touch added by Canadian wildfire smoke, the spirits among the aviation faithful remain undimmed.
Source: EAA AirVenture – Opening Night Celebration