The Show

24 years and still going strong!

Once again, the skies over Culpeper County will roar with the thunder of historic and high-performance aircraft this October 12th, along with an expanded programthat promises fun for the whole family. Free again to the public this year, the show will thrill with heart-stopping stunts and precision flying performed by historically significant aircraft by some of the nation’s best pilots. With a week of spectacular aviation events planned, we are sure that you too will be bitten by the “aviation bug”.

Our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program returns again bigger and better than ever. Running on Wednesday and Thursday the week of the Air Fest, we will see hundreds of 5th grade students from the county. These students will be exposed to aviation related technology exhibits and activities by a number of businesses and organizations. We are very proud of our commitment toeducating the next generation about aviation, aviation related fields, and other careers.

“The Culpeper Air Fest is the largest annual event in Culpeper, and we’re proud to put on another exciting show for 2024! We have a great line up planned with all of your favorite performers eager to be back in Culpeper. The show is free thanks to the support of local businesses, sponsors, and our community. We hope to see you there on October 14th.”

Steve Nixon

Culpeper Air Fest Chairman

On Saturday the 12th, our week-long aviation journey will culminate starting at 9 a.m. when gates open with a fabulous model aircraft performance. Then on to the full-scale show around noon. The show will continue with regular performers such as Bealeton’s Flying Circus and Kevin Russo and his team of Jersey Jerks performing in their T-6 Texans. Also returning this year, crowd favorite Manfred Radius will again dazzle the audience with his aerobatic glider act. Prepare yourself for an entertaining afternoon of amazing stunts by a variety of pilots.

Don’t forget about our various vendors and static displays for your viewing enjoyment and remember to bring sunscreen, hearing protection, especially for the little ones, and a chair. Please leave your pups at home as the loud noises tend to startle them. There is no onsite parking for spectators at the airport. Busing will be available from Eastern View High School and Culpeper County High School, free of charge. Check out our FAQs page on our website for how to prepare for your trip to the Air Fest.

In the event of rain or drizzle, the Air Fest will still be excited to host as many activities and acts as we can safely do, but always following direction from FAA and local authorities. There will not be an alternate rain date this year. Stay tuned to our website and social media outlets for updates.

If you are looking for hotels, our preferred partner is the Days Inn & Baymont by Wyndham Culpeper.

This was the best organized event we have ever been to. Beautiful planes and awesome talents were shown by the pilots. We will be back!!!
Jean Gardner

Beautiful day for an air show thanks to all the sponsors, it was FREE! School bus shuttle from local high school. FREE!
Great day!
Don Kirsch

What a great day! Evening riding the school bus was fun. Great air show!!!
Audra Mercer Willett

R/C Model Aviation

The morning Radio Control (R/C) model aviation portion of the 2024 Culpeper Airfest will again address all aspects of the hobby.

The members of several northern Virginia model aircraft clubs will participate in an all day show-and-tell static display of various flyable scale, historic, classic, WWI, WWII, present day, and jet model aircraft.