Fly-Outs: May

It’s airshow season!

May heralds the start of the airshow season across the country. From big and bold to small and silly, there’s an airshow this month somewhere near you. If the roar of F–16 engines isn’t your style, maybe you’ll find something else in this roundup—or check our online calendar for other ideas.

For more destinations and events, check out our calendar online.

Birmingham International Airport ( BHM)
Birmingham, Alabama

Dreams on Wings gives children with life-threatening illness and their families a chance to escape their harsh realities and simply go flying and have fun. From hot air balloons to helicopters, business jets, and single-engines, this gathering of all-volunteer aircraft offers a full day of entertainment. Check it out on Saturday, May 1.

Chino Airport ( CNO)
Chino, California

The 2010 Planes of Fame Air Museum annual airshow takes place May 15 and 16. This year’s “Salute to the Greatest Generation” airshow features a missing-man formation, aerobatic demonstrations, warbirds, air battles, and much more.

Brian Ranch Airport ( CL13)
Llano, California

Every year on Memorial Day weekend, Brian Ranch Airport hosts “The World’s Smallest Air Show.” This private airstrip features ultralights, light sport, and general aviation aircraft. Next door is the ranch’s U-Pick-Em fruit orchard. The event is open to the public.

Shoals Creek Sea Plane Base ( AL46)
Florence, Alabama

Splash in to the annual Bluegrass Splash-In held on Wilson Lake in northwest Alabama, Saturday, May 8. Live music, a seaplane fly-in, and an antique car show are all part of this fun event at this private base open to the public for the event—and free of charge.

Nantucket Memorial Airport ( ACK)
Nantucket, Massachusetts

The world’s historic whaling capital becomes the nation’s wine capital during the fourteenth annual Nantucket Wine Festival May 19 through 23. Fly in to enjoy great wines in the historic houses of this charming island and attend a celebrity chef and winemaker dinner.

Louisville International Airport ( SDF)
Louisville, Kentucky

Home to the Kentucky Derby, Louisville hosts the 136th annual Run for the Roses this year on May 1. Churchill Downs is just four miles from the airport (Bowman Field is eight miles from the racetrack). Other local attractions include the Derby Museum and Harland Sanders Museum.