Cleveland Air Show Highlights Thunderbirds, Red Bull Debut, and Economic Boost

The Cleveland National Air Show, scheduled from August 30 through September 1, 2025, at Burke Lakefront Airport, remains a staple of Northeast Ohio's Labor Day weekend festivities. With a tradition spanning over half a century, the event offers a blend of thrilling aerial performances and family-friendly activities, drawing tens of thousands of spectators each year.

This year’s lineup is headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, showcasing their precision flying and supersonic maneuvers. Attendees can expect an exhilarating display of gravity-defying aerobatics, performed at speeds of up to 500 mph by these iconic jets. Alongside the Thunderbirds, the show will feature the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, made famous by "Top Gun: Maverick," demonstrating its agility and power with high-G turns and slow-speed passes.

For the first time, the Red Bull Air Force will bring their dynamic performance to Cleveland, including the acclaimed Red Bull Helicopter, which performs the rare feat of flying upside down. Alongside them, solo aerobatic pilot Kirby Chambliss and skydivers will engage in a captivating aerial spectacle.

The event is not only about sky-high excitement; it extends to on-ground attractions such as aircraft and technology displays, STEM exhibits, and a variety of interactive activities designed to captivate audiences of all ages. This year, the Hot Streak II Jet Truck will race against aircraft on the runway, adding to the spectacle's drama.

General admission tickets, which grant access to lawn seating where spectators are encouraged to bring their own blankets or chairs, are carefully structured in pricing to be accessible for families. Options range from $35 for adults (pre-8/25 pricing) to free entry for children under 5, with premium seating available for those seeking an enhanced viewing experience.

Purchasing tickets and parking passes in advance is required, as no sales will occur at the gate, reflecting efforts to streamline entry and enhance the visitor experience. This strategy also aids in managing the significant traffic flow that accompanies the event, given its draw of 60,000 to 100,000 attendees annually, with a substantial economic impact on the city of Cleveland.

The Cleveland National Air Show continues to evolve, maintaining its status as a key tourism draw. Supported by the unique setting of Burke Lakefront Airport and the backdrop of Lake Erie, the event combines the energy of a global sporting extravaganza with the atmosphere of a summer festival.

Historically significant, the Cleveland Air Races, which preceded the current format, placed the city at the heart of aviation innovation during the early-mid 20th century. This heritage remains a point of pride and a foundational element of the show's enduring appeal. As the skies over Cleveland once again become a canvas for aerial artistry, the city's aviation tradition carries forth into the future, fueled by both legacy and innovation.