The free-admission Tinker AFB Air Show returns June 28-29, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, who will amaze Oklahomans with their skill and precision flying daily. This marks their first return to Tinker in six years.
The two days are almost exclusively headlined by U.S. Air Force precision in the sky as elite graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Basic Freefall Parachuting course demonstrate their team skills. The Air Force Parachute Team Wings of Blue will dazzle the crowd with their signature “Bomb Burst” maneuver at terminal velocity.
The aerial demonstrations will run from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. As the last show each day, the Thunderbirds aerobatic flight demonstration team of F-16s, will treat spectators to their precision flying skills and professionalism for an hour. Watch powerful fighter jets elegantly maneuver in the sky with only a few feet separating each wingtip. It’s a multisensory experience that will leave viewers impressed and inspired. This puts the SHOW in air show.
The Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the single-seat, supersonic F-16 Fighting Falcon, displays its robust maneuvering capability and showcases the pilot’s elite skills. The demonstration mixes six aircraft performing formation flying and solo routines. The four-ship Diamond formation showcases the precision and training of the pilots and the gracefulness of the F-16. The two solos display the maximum synergy of jet power and the maximum capabilities of elite pilots.
“We want to send an open invitation to the public so they can witness what we do here at Team Tinker,” said Col. Abby Ruscetta, Tinker installation commander. “We want to demonstrate the readiness and strength of American air and space power and the wonder of aviation.”
This open invitation in throwing the gates at Tinker open to the public comes with a caution. Come early to see the air and space power wonder of aviation because when the crowd exceeds a limit, the gates will be closed each day.
Visitors can learn more about Tinker’s missions, the military and how present careers in aviation and aerospace make up Oklahoma’s second-largest industry.
Because admission, parking and shuttles are free, organizers encourage everyone to arrive early. Visitors will want to arrive early enough to park at Building 9001, formerly the old General Motors Plant, off SE 74th Street, because those buses drop them off at the gate area requiring the least walking. The event has been popular, and the gates will close when capacity is reached. Gates open at 8 a.m. daily. All acts are expected to perform each day, but the order of performers may change.
The show will feature dozens of military and civilian aerial performers and various ground display aircraft, such as Tinker’s E-3 Sentry AWACS, the U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury, USAF Thunderbirds, Tora, Tora, Tora – up to Seven Japanese Zero type aircraft, MiG-17F (Russian MiG jets), B-1B Lancer, B-52H Stratofortress, KC-46A Pegasus, KC – 135 Stratotanker, WASP (AT-6, BT-13) and a Red Tail P-51C located next to the Rise above Exhibit.
This year, several aerial acts debut for the first time, including an MV-22 Osprey, Franklin’s Flying Circus air comedy act, and Brittanee Lincoln in the Extra 330 Aerobatic Air Act. The crowd will see and hear historic radial engines powering The Trojan Phlyers Flight Demonstration Team as the world’s only formation aerobatic pair of North AmericanT-28 Trojan Trainers.
Other acts include a Pearl Harbor reenactment by Tora! Tora! Tora! and Randy Ball, a professional demonstration pilot flying a Soviet-era MiG-17, who is returning for the first time since 2014.
The 2025 Tinker Air Show theme is “Warriors of Air and Space,” highlighting the warrior ethos, hard work and contributions of Tinker Air Force Base’s military and civilian members. Visitors will have access to plenty of food and merchandise vendors serving their needs. Complimentary water is provided, so bring an empty bottle to fill at the water stations.
Visitors can explore static displays of modern and historic military aircraft, military recruiting exhibits such as the Air Force’s Tactical Experience, and USAF Honor Guard Drill Team performances.
“Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) City” is an aircraft hangar filled with hands-on activities for kids of all ages. This area offers simulators, robotics, drone technology, snap circuits and more. Many of the booths allow visitors to explore 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.”
Community partners will provide free activities in STEM City.
Most attractions are free except for a VIP area, Preferred Seating, and the Kidz Zone. The VIP Experience tickets are available for $149 and offer shade tents, preferential seating, cold beverages, and a boxed lunch.
Preferred Seating offers shade seating on the northern end of the flight line, starting at $39. Wristbands for the Tinker Air Show’s Kidz Zone cost $20 and are good all day. The Kidz Zone and play area are located on the north end of the Airshow tarmac, and they include an activity tent with games, inflatables and a rock wall.
As Oklahoma’s largest single-site employer, Tinker AFB personnel are part of the enduring 72-year advantage as the world’s most capable and respected air power source. This open house will demonstrate why the last time an American combatant was killed on the ground by an adversary air force was April 15, 1953.
To learn more, visit www.tinkerairshow.org or tinker.af.mil/tinkerairshow and follow Tinker AFB on social media. story/photo by Darl Devault, contributing editor
