- The Oakland County International Airport's (OCIA) annual Open House & Air Show has been renamed "Festival of Flight.”
- The Aug. 11 event is free for all attendees and will feature a variety of air show performers, aircraft displays, a Kids Zone Play Area by Oakland County Parks & Recreation, and a health fair hosted by the Oakland County Health Division.
- Airplane and helicopter rides will be available for $50 per person.
The Oakland County International Airport (OCIA) has unveiled a new name for its annual Open House & Air Show. The "Festival of Flight” will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11 with the airshow scheduled from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of planes and military vehicles on display, watch performers in the air and on stage and take airplane and helicopter rides for $50 per person.
Admission and parking to the Festival of Flight is free for all attendees.
“Oakland County is proud to host the newly renamed Festival of Flight, which celebrates our rich aviation heritage and provides an exciting, educational experience for families,” County Executive Dave Coulter said. “We look forward to welcoming the community and showcasing the incredible impact of aviation on our region.”
This year’s air show performers include:
Local rock band Wanted will perform live at noon and play the National Anthem at the start of the air show. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy all the festivities.
The historic 1928 Ford Tri-Motor aircraft, a Boeing 727 cargo plane, World War II military vehicles, and the Lake Erie Warbirds TBM Avenger WWII Bomber will be at the event. Additionally, visitors can see vintage aircraft, single and multi-engine planes, the Tuskegee Airmen's "North American AT-6G," Civil Air Patrol aircraft, seaplanes, and various military, general aviation, and flight school aircraft.
The Festival of Flight creates a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Oakland County Parks & Recreation will offer a Kids Zone Play Area, and the Oakland County Health Division will host a health fair with information and services.
“We are thrilled to reintroduce our event as the Festival of Flight, highlighting the dynamic world of aviation with even more exciting attractions this year,” said Orrin Beckham, president of OCIA Air Fair, the non-profit organization which manages the open house and air show. “This event is a testament to the passion and dedication of our community, sponsors, and volunteers who make it all possible.”
The success of the Festival of Flight is not possible without the generous support of its sponsors. The festival committee extends its deepest gratitude to Airshow and Ramp Sponsor, Williams International, as well as to Gold Sponsors: Pentastar Aviation, Crosswinds Aviation, Comcast, and LL Johns Aviation Insurance. The festival also thanks Silver Sponsors: White Pine Helicopters and Michigan Helicopters, and Bronze Sponsors: Corporate Eagle, Mead & Hunt, MIAT College of Technology, Premier Private Jets, Waterford Aviation, Bowman Chevrolet, Peninsula Aviation, and GH Group General Contracting. Special thanks go to the Oakland County Health Division, the Health Fair Sponsor, and Oakland County Parks & Recreation, the Children's Discovery Sponsor. Their contributions are invaluable in making this event a memorable experience for all. For more information about the Festival of Flight, click here.
About OCIA Air Fair
The OCIA Air Fair is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting aviation safety, education, training, research, and public awareness in Oakland County. Managed by a volunteer group of pilots, aviation professionals, and enthusiasts, the OCIA Air Fair aims to educate the public on aviation's rich history and introduce future generations to the field. The annual air show at OCIA showcases the economic impact and diverse uses of aviation, from business and pleasure to military applications.
