EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026: Your Ultimate Packing & Planning Guide

By Neil Glazer, Commercial Pilot (Multi-Engine and Instrument) | Last updated July 2026

Event Dates and Highlights

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 takes place from Monday, July 20 through Sunday, July 26, 2026. For one week, the small city of Oshkosh becomes the epicenter of the aviation world. More than 10,000 aircraft and over 600,000 people are expected for the 73rd annual fly-in convention, and Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) becomes the busiest airport in the world, handling a nearly continuous stream of arrivals and departures.

This year carries extra significance. The 2026 theme, "Celebrating the Freedom of Flight," ties AirVenture into the nationwide America250 commemoration of the United States' 250th anniversary, spotlighting more than a century of American aviation progress.

Daily schedule: Each day features afternoon air shows with top aerobatic performers and warbirds, plus showcase flights and hundreds of forums and workshops. Evening programs include concerts, movies at the Fly-In Theater, and presentations at Theater in the Woods. Two spectacular night air shows are scheduled for Wednesday, July 22 and Saturday, July 25 (weather permitting), featuring illuminated aerobatics and fireworks. These draw some of the biggest crowds of the week, so stake out a viewing spot early.

Plan which days you will attend and build in some downtime. Oshkosh is a marathon, not a sprint. Next, let's cover tickets, camping, and the rest of the planning details.

Tickets and Admission Prices

Admission wristbands are sold as daily or weekly passes. Buy in advance online for the best rate, or pay a few dollars more at the gate. Here are the 2026 advance prices:

Prices are advance rates as of July 2026; at-gate prices run a few dollars higher. Confirm current pricing on EAA's site before you buy.

• Weekly pass: Available to EAA members only at $169 for all seven days. Non-members can join EAA (about $50/year) to qualify, which pays for itself if you attend several days.
• Daily admission: $53 for members and $74 for non-members in advance. Veterans and active U.S. military pay the member rate ($53); bring military ID to wristband pickup.
• Two-Day special: Non-members can buy a $119 two-consecutive-day pass online, a small savings over two single days.
• Sunday only: The final Sunday has reduced programming and cheaper tickets: $26 member / $32 non-member.
• Youth 18 and under: Free all week. Kids still need a $0 wristband; those under 16 should be with an adult.

Where to buy: Advance tickets are on sale through EAA's official ticket page. Parking: Auto parking is $19/day in advance (or $25-$30 on-site depending on the day). Weekly parking passes are available to EAA members.

Camping Options and Reservations

Camping is one of the best ways to experience AirVenture. At least one person in your party must be an EAA member to buy a camping credential.

Camp Scholler (Drive-In Camping)

• Sites and pricing: First-come, first-served, with a three-night minimum. Basic sites are about $42 per night in 2026. All camping fees are nonrefundable.
• Improved sites: A limited number of sites with electric and water hookups cost more and can be booked starting Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. Central. They sell out quickly.
• Check-in: Express Arrival Camping Check-In runs Wednesday, July 15 through Sunday, July 19 for pre-purchased camping.
• Facilities: Potable water, dump stations, restrooms, free showers, and a convenience store. Generators are allowed during posted hours; pets are allowed on leash at your campsite but not on the event grounds.

Aircraft Camping (Fly-In Camping)

• Eligibility and cost: You must arrive by aircraft and be an EAA member. Cost is about $42 per night (three-night minimum), first-come, first-served in areas like the North 40, South 40, and Homebuilt Camping.
• Rules: One tent per airplane, no electrical hookups, and no campfires or engine starts in the camping area except when departing. Bring strong tie-down anchors; EAA prohibits cheap "dog-leash" stakes.

Other Lodging

Hotels in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, and Appleton book up far in advance, UW Oshkosh offers dorm rooms, and many locals rent homes. Plan early, because lodging demand is intense.

Flying In: 2026 Arrival NOTAM Tips

Flying your own aircraft to AirVenture takes real preparation. Every pilot flying in must read and follow the current FAA EAA AirVenture NOTAM for 2026. It is published ahead of the show and is in effect for the days surrounding the July 20-26 event (in 2025 the window ran from noon the Thursday before through noon the Monday after). Download the current version from EAA's flying-to-Oshkosh page and confirm you have the 2026 edition.

The Fisk VFR arrival is the classic way in: fly VFR to the town of Ripon, follow the railroad tracks northeast to Fisk at 1,800 feet MSL and 90 knots (or 2,300 feet and 135 knots if you cannot slow down), monitor Fisk Approach, rock your wings when the controller calls your aircraft, and land where you are assigned. Hold at Rush Lake or Green Lake if the arrival is saturated.

Preparation checklist:

• Brief the entire NOTAM and watch EAA's arrival-procedure webinars and videos.
• Plan a good-weather, off-peak arrival if you can, and carry fuel for alternates.
• Bring high-strength tie-downs, chocks, and a canopy or wing cover for sun and rain.
• Follow the flaggers to parking and camping, and depart only via the published procedure.

What Is New in 2026

AirVenture 2026 is built around the America250 theme, and the lineup is stacked. Confirmed highlights include:

• The RAF Red Arrows: The Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team brings its world-famous nine-ship formation display to Oshkosh.
• NASA's Super Guppy: One of the most popular Boeing Plaza aircraft in recent years returns to Oshkosh.
• B-29 Superfortress "Doc": One of only two airworthy B-29s in the world is back, supporting the America250 theme.
• New EAA Vertical Lift Center: A new venue debuting in 2026 that spotlights rotorcraft and vertical-lift technology.
• 100-year anniversaries: Special gatherings and displays honoring the centennials of Travel Air, Fairchild, and the Goodyear Blimp.
• More featured aircraft: Anniversary tributes for the Lockheed U-2, Robinson Helicopters, AirCam, Van's RV-8, Beechcraft Bonanza, and the Douglas Skyraider.
• Vintage in Review returns, along with more than 1,400 forums, workshops, and hundreds of exhibitors debuting new products.
• Evening programs: Theater in the Woods, the Fly-In Movie, WomenVenture, and the two night air shows midweek and Saturday.

Make a hit list of your must-sees and plan your days around the flying schedule and the night shows.

Using the EAA AirVenture App

EAA's official AirVenture app (iOS and Android) is free and genuinely useful:

• Interactive schedule you can build by favoriting events (all times Central).
• Grounds map with points of interest and a "you are here" feature.
• Push notifications for schedule changes, weather, and highlights.
• Exhibitor search, FAQs, transportation info, and e-ticket QR storage.

Download it before you arrive and pre-load the map, since cell service can be spotty. Keep your phone charged with a portable battery pack.

What Not to Bring

Review EAA's full prohibited-items list. Key rules:

• No outside alcohol past the gates (allowed at your Camp Scholler campsite only).
• No weapons or firearms. Bags are searched at entry.
• No drones. A TFR is in effect; do not fly drones anywhere near Oshkosh during the show.
• No pets on the convention grounds (service animals excepted).
• No bicycles, scooters, hoverboards, or personal golf carts inside the grounds.
• No large canopies or tents in viewing areas, and no ladders or step stools at the flightline.

Packing List and Gear Recommendations

Here is what to bring, with a few PilotMall picks that hold up well in the Oshkosh heat and crowds. Our top gear picks:

• Comfortable walking shoes plus extra socks. You will walk miles each day.
• Sun protection: a vented Boeing Vintage Foam Trucker Cap ($34.99), neutral-tint Randolph Aviator sunglasses ($269), high-SPF sunscreen, and lip balm.
• Rain gear and layers: a compact poncho or rain jacket and a light sweatshirt for cool evenings.
• Day bag: water bottle, snacks, a small towel, and a MyGoFlight Dual Digital Power Bank ($49.99) so your phone lasts all day.
• Hearing protection: inexpensive Moldex foam ear plugs ($0.49) or a full David Clark H10-13.4 headset ($369.95) if you are flying in.
• Flashlight or headlamp: a Flight Outfitters Horizon Headlamp ($29.95) or the hands-free Powercap Navigator LED hat ($24.99), plus spare batteries.
• For pilots flying in: a Claw tie-down anchor kit ($134.99), a handheld aviation radio ($599.95) to monitor the arrival, and a portable Sensorcon AV8 carbon monoxide detector ($164) for the flight.
• Folding chairs or a blanket for airshow viewing, and a cart or wagon if you are camping.
• Miscellaneous: cash, a multi-tool, camera, bug spray, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a small first-aid kit.
• Documents: your tickets or wristbands, photo ID, EAA membership card, and pilot documents if you are flying in.

Want a hand building your kit? Browse our full range of pilot supplies and gear before you head to Oshkosh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026?

The full show runs Monday, July 20 through Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Many attendees arrive the weekend before. Gates open at 7 a.m.

Q: How much do AirVenture 2026 tickets cost?

Advance daily admission is $53 for EAA members and $74 for non-members. A weekly member wristband is $169, Sunday-only is $26 member / $32 non-member, veterans and active military pay $53, and youth 18 and under are free. At-gate prices are a few dollars higher.

Q: What are the best days to attend?

Monday (opening day) has lighter crowds. Wednesday and Saturday have the night air shows, Friday is the busiest with the most variety, and Sunday is quieter with discounted tickets. WomenVenture is midweek.

Q: Camping or hotels, which is better?

Camping at Camp Scholler keeps you close to the action, is economical, and is very social, but facilities are basic. Hotels offer comfort and air conditioning at higher cost and a commute. UW Oshkosh dorms are a middle ground. Book either option early.

Q: Do I have to read the NOTAM to fly in?

Yes. Every pilot flying to Oshkosh must read and follow the current FAA AirVenture NOTAM for 2026, which covers the Fisk arrival, altitudes, speeds, and departures. Brief it thoroughly and bring strong tie-downs.

Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks (no alcohol or glass past the gates), and there are water refill stations plus hundreds of food vendors on the grounds.

See You in Oshkosh

We hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. It is an experience every aviation enthusiast should have at least once, and most of us go back year after year. For the latest official information, always check EAA's AirVenture site.

Heading to Oshkosh this year? What are you most excited to see? Share your tips for first-timers in the comments below.

About the author: Neil Glazer is a commercial pilot (multi-engine and instrument rated) and the owner of PilotMall.com. He has spent years helping pilots choose the right gear for everything from primary training to cross-country adventures like the pilgrimage to Oshkosh.