EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025: Your Ultimate Packing and Planning Guide

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 is fast approaching, and it’s time to get ready for the world’s greatest aviation celebration. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Oshkosh attendee, planning ahead will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from event dates and tickets to camping reservations, what to pack, and new attractions in 2025 – all in a friendly, informative tone. Let’s gear up for an unforgettable week in Oshkosh, Wisconsin!

Event Dates and Highlights for 2025

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 takes place from July 21 through 27, 2025. During this week, the small city of Oshkosh becomes the epicenter of the aviation world. In fact, more than 10,000 aircraft and over 600,000 people are expected to descend on Oshkosh for the 72nd annual fly-in convention. Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) literally transforms into the world’s busiest airport for the week, handling a continuous stream of arrivals and departures.

Daily Schedule: Each day of AirVenture is packed with aviation activities. Expect daily afternoon air shows showcasing top aerobatic performers and warbirds, plus fascinating showcase flights. Evening programs like concerts, movies at the Fly-In Theater, and presentations at Theater in the Woods add entertainment after the flightline closes. Notably, there will be two spectacular Night Air Shows on Wednesday, July 23, and Saturday, July 26 (weather permitting), featuring illuminated aerobatics and fireworks. These mid-week night shows are a must-see highlight that draw huge crowds.

“Twilight Flight Fest” is another unique evening event on select days. Hosted at the Fun Fly Zone (the ultralight airstrip), Twilight Flight Fest includes STOL (short takeoff and landing) competitions, lighted RC aircraft demos, parachute team jumps, and more excitement after sunset. It’s a fun, family-friendly show that complements the main airshow lineup.

Tagline and Theme: The tagline for 2025 is “One Week: Endless Possibilities.” Each AirVenture has special themes or anniversary commemorations. This year will feature tributes marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, with displays highlighting the incredible aviation innovations from those eras. You’ll see vintage aircraft from the 1940s and 1950s on display, and even flying in the shows, as Oshkosh honors aviation history.

In short, AirVenture 2025 is seven days of non-stop aviation bliss. Plan which days you’ll attend and don’t forget to build in some downtime – it’s a marathon, not a sprint! Now, let’s dive into tickets, camping, and other planning details.

Tickets and Admission Prices

Attending AirVenture requires purchasing admission wristbands, which are available as daily or weekly passes. You can buy tickets in advance online (recommended for the best rates) or at the gate. Here’s a breakdown of 2025 ticket prices and discounts:

• Weekly Pass (July 21–27): Available to EAA members only, the weekly wristband covers all seven days. The member advance price is $150 (discounted from $158). Non-members cannot purchase a weekly pass – but you can simply join EAA to become eligible. (Tip: An annual EAA membership costs around $40–$50, so if you plan to attend multiple days, it’s worth joining to save on tickets.)
• Daily Admission: If you’re coming for just a day or two, daily tickets are available to everyone. Adult daily admission is $65 per day (or $46 for EAA members). These prices reflect the advance purchase discount – buying at the gate may cost a few dollars more (on-site prices were $68/non-member and $49/member in 2024, so expect similar at-gate rates in 2025). Veterans and active U.S. military members get a special daily rate equivalent to the member price ($46), even if they aren’t EAA members. Be prepared to show military ID at wristband pickup.
• 2-Day Ticket Special: New for 2025, there’s a Two-Day ticket option for non-members: $110 for two consecutive days. This online-only deal saves you about 15% compared to buying two separate days. It’s great if you can only attend a couple days but want a small discount.
• Sunday, July 27 Only: Traditionally, the final Sunday has reduced programming. Accordingly, Sunday-only tickets are cheaper – $29 (non-member) or $24 (member) for adults. Youth are free (see below).
• Youth (18 & Under): FREE admission for ages 18 and under continues in 2025! Thanks to a sponsorship by Boeing, all kids and teenagers are free all week. (Note: youth still need to obtain a wristband, but it’s $0. Children under age 16 should be accompanied by an adult.)
• Member Guest Tickets: EAA members can purchase a limited number of guest tickets at member rates for friends/family (e.g. up to 14 daily admissions at member price, or up to 2 weekly passes).

Where to Buy: Advance tickets are on sale now via EAA’s official site or Etix links. It’s highly recommended to buy in advance.

Parking Passes: Driving in each day? Daily parking is $18 in advance or $25 paid on-site (cash only at the lot). Weekly parking passes (Mon–Sun) are $99 in advance or $150 on-site. Note: Weekly parking passes are available to EAA members only. Take note of which lot you park in.

In summary, plan your tickets ahead of time. Buying early saves money and time, especially if you leverage Express Arrival. And don’t forget – if you have kids or teens, they get in free, making AirVenture a fantastic family trip in 2025.

Camping Options and Reservations

One of the most popular ways to experience AirVenture is by camping. EAA offers several camping options:

Camp Scholler (Drive-In Camping)

Camp Scholler is the primary campground on the AirVenture grounds. At least one person in your party must be an EAA member to purchase a camping credential.

• Sites and Pricing: First-come, first-served. Minimum of 3 nights. 2025 Camp Scholler fees are $39 per night for a basic site. All camping fees are nonrefundable.
• “Improved” Sites: Limited sites with electric and water hookups cost $95 per night. Booking for 2025 opens Friday, June 27, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. Central. They sell out fast!
• Arrival and Check-in: General camping check-in likely begins around July 15 or 16. Express Arrival Camping Check-In is available for pre-purchased camping.
• Facilities: Potable water, dump stations, portable toilets, shower buildings, convenience store. Showers are free.
• Rules and Tips: Quiet hours typically late night to early morning. Generators allowed 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Contained above-ground fire pits might be allowed (check policy). Pets allowed in Camp Scholler on leash at campsite, but not inside AirVenture event grounds.

Aircraft Camping (Fly-In Camping)

If you are flying your own aircraft, you can camp under the wing in designated areas like the North 40, South 40, Homebuilt Camping, etc.

• Eligibility & Cost: Must arrive in an aircraft and be an EAA member. Costs $39 per night (same as Scholler, three-night minimum). One tent per airplane (second small tent for immediate family OK).
• No Reservations: First-come, first-served. Arrive early for prime spots.
• Facilities: Porta-johns, nearby shower houses, tram stops. No electrical hookups. No campfires or cooking under-wing. Cannot start engine in parking/camping area except when ready to depart.
• Tie-Downs Required: Bring strong tie-down stakes/anchors. EAA prohibits cheap “dog leash” tie-downs.

Other Aviation Camping: Seaplane base camping available. Group mass arrivals often have pre-assigned parking/camping.

Camping at Oshkosh keeps you close to the action 24/7. Be prepared for basic facilities and variable weather.

Other Lodging Options

Hotels in Oshkosh and nearby cities (Fond du Lac, Appleton) book up far in advance. UW Oshkosh offers dormitory rooms. Local residents may rent homes (Airbnb). Plan early, as lodging is in high demand.

Flying In: 2025 Arrival NOTAM Tips

Flying your own aircraft to AirVenture requires careful preparation. All pilots flying in MUST read and follow the 2025 Oshkosh NOTAM.

Where to Get the NOTAM: Released by May. Download from EAA’s website (eaa.org/NOTAM). Effective from noon CDT Thursday, July 17 until noon CDT Monday, July 28, 2025. Ensure you have the 2025 version.

Key Arrival Procedures: The Fisk VFR Arrival is central. Arrive VFR to Ripon, follow railroad tracks to Fisk (1,800’ or 2,300’), listen for ATC to call your airplane and assign a runway. Holding patterns at Rush Lake or Green Lake if needed.

For 2025, FAA and EAA have made important updates based on pilot feedback:

• Speed and Altitude: Maintain 90 knots until downwind (or 135 knots / 1,350’ if unable).
• New Descent Point (Runway 27): Gravel pit as visual checkpoint for descent to Runway 27.
• Transition Fixes: Points like Endeavor Bridge, Puckaway Lake, Green Lake may be assigned.
• Other Additions: Clearer references to mass arrivals, helicopter ops, seaplane base procedures. Group arrivals coordinate separately but should still review the NOTAM.

Safety and Preparation: Thoroughly brief the NOTAM. Plan for good weather and off-peak arrival if possible. Have fuel for alternates. Monitor Fisk Approach frequency. EAA offers online “AirVenture Arrival” videos and sim scenarios.

Parking & Departure: Follow flagmen to parking/camping. Use quality tie-downs. Departures via organized procedure in NOTAM, typically in windows when airshows aren't active.

Read the 2025 NOTAM cover to cover. Attend EAA’s arrival procedure webinars if possible. With preparation, you’ll be ready for this unique flying experience.

New Attractions and Features in 2025

AirVenture 2025 is shaping up to be memorable. Here are some headline features:

• Major Anniversaries – WWII and Korean War: 75 years since Korean War start, 80 years since WWII end. Expect Korean War-era jets (MiG-15s, F-86 Sabres hinted). Planned reunion of the world’s last two flying B-29 bombers, “Doc” and “FIFI”!
• USAF U-2 “Dragon Lady” Spy Plane: Iconic Lockheed U-2 on display for its 70th design anniversary. Potentially a T-38 Talon chase plane too.
• Double Goodyear Blimps: Two Goodyear blimps celebrating 100 years of Goodyear blimp operations.
• “Flight of the Cats” – Grumman Cats Gathering: Air Legends Foundation organizing a gathering of Grumman “Cat” fighters (Hellcats, Tigercats, Bearcats).
• Modern Military Demos: U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II STOVL demos confirmed. U.S. Army Golden Knights. KC-46 Pegasus tanker demo/display (a first). B-52 and C-17 also possible.
• Rare Vintage Aircraft: Flying Messerschmitt Me 262 jet replica. Pre-WWI and Golden Age aircraft.
• Special Exhibits – Public Benefit Flying & More: Spotlight on organizations like Angel Flight, Pilots N Paws. Air National Guard units displaying aircraft.
• Forums, Workshops & Exhibitors: Over 1,400 forums, seminars, workshops. Hands-on Workshops Plaza. 800+ exhibitors. Potential new product debuts.
• Evening Programs: Theater in the Woods presentations. Wednesday (July 23) is EAA’s WomenVenture evening program. Fly-In Movie Theater nightly.
• Goings-on Around Oshkosh: EAA Seaplane Base, Ultralight/Homebuilt Rotorcraft area flying demos. Possible Twilight Balloon Glow.

Make a hit list of your “must-sees” and plan your days accordingly. Stay curious and soak it all in!

Using the EAA AirVenture 2025 App

EAA offers an official EAA AirVenture Oshkosh app (iOS and Android), free to download and incredibly handy.

• Interactive Schedule: Full schedule, build your own by “favoriting” events. All times Central Time.
• Maps and Navigation: Grounds map with points of interest, “You are here” feature.
• Notifications and Alerts: Push notifications for schedule changes, emergencies, event highlights.
• News and Social Media: Feed of AirVenture news, highlights, social media updates.
• Weather and ATC Info: Basic forecasts, field status links.
• Other Useful Features: Exhibitor search, FAQ, transportation info, e-ticket QR code storage.

Download the app before arrival (search “EAA AirVenture”). Wi-Fi/cell service can be spotty, so pre-load. Keep your phone charged (bring a portable battery pack!).

What Not to Bring (Prohibited Items)

Review EAA's list of prohibited items for safety and enjoyment:

• No Outside Alcohol on Grounds: Allowed at campsite in Scholler, but not past gates into event.
• No Weapons or Firearms: Strictly prohibited. Bags searched at entry.
• No Illegal Substances: Includes cannabis products.
• No Drones: TFR in effect. Cannot fly drones anywhere near Oshkosh during the show.
• No Pets on Convention Grounds: Service animals excepted. Pets not allowed in aircraft camping areas. Pets tolerated in Camp Scholler (leashed, at campsite only).
• No Bicycles, Scooters, or Personal Golf Carts: Inside show grounds. Bikes okay outside grounds.
• No Large Canopies or Tents in Viewing Areas: Small umbrellas/personal canopies okay if considerate.
• No “Hoverboards” or Personal Transport Devices.
• No Unauthorized Commercial Activity.
• Be Mindful of Flightline Rules: Follow volunteer instructions. No ladders/step stools at front of flightline.
• No Smoking in Crowds or Buildings: Use designated smoking areas.

Pack smart and be considerate. Security staff and volunteers enforce these rules.

Oshkosh Packing List & Gear Recommendations

Here are essentials and useful items to bring:

• ✔️ Comfortable Walking Shoes: Plus extra socks.
• ✔️ Sun Protection (Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen): Vented cap (e.g., Boeing Trucker Caps on Pilot Mall), polarized sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm.
• ✔️ Rain Gear and Layers: Compact poncho/rain jacket. Lightweight sweatshirt/jacket.
• ✔️ Backpack or Day Bag: With water bottle, snacks, portable phone charger, small hand towel. Name/contact info on bag.
• ✔️ Hearing Protection: Foam earplugs, aviation headset, or earmuffs.
• ✔️ The Claw Aircraft Tie-Down System (for Pilots Flying In): High-strength anchor kit. EAA bans weak stakes. Available at Pilot Mall.
• ✔️ Handheld Aviation Radio: For listening to ATC/airshow narration. E.g., Yaesu Handheld Transceivers on Pilot Mall.
• ✔️ Flashlight or Headlamp: For camping/night navigation. E.g., Panther Vision LED Hats on Pilot Mall. Spare batteries.
• ✔️ Folding Chairs or Blanket: For airshow viewing.
• ✔️ Miscellaneous Useful Items: Cash, multi-tool, camera, bug spray, wet wipes/hand sanitizer. Medical kit.
• ✔️ Important Documents & Essentials: Tickets/wristbands, photo ID, EAA membership card, pilot documents (if flying in).
• ✔️ Attitude & Patience: Essential for a great Oshkosh experience! 😃

With these items, you’ll be well-prepared for AirVenture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I arrive at AirVenture?

Full show: July 21–27. Many arrive weekend before (July 19–20). Mid-week (Wed–Sat) is peak. Arrive early in the day. Gates open 7 a.m.

Q: What are the best days to attend?

Monday (Opening Day): Fewer crowds. Wednesday & Saturday: Night shows. Friday: Busiest, max variety. Sunday: Quieter, discounted tickets. WomenVenture Day is Wednesday. Family Weekend (Fri-Sun) good for kids.

Q: Camping vs. hotels – which is better for AirVenture?

Camping: Full immersion, economical, social, rustic. Hotel: Comfort, AC, private bath, but cost/commute. UW Oshkosh dorms are a middle ground. Consider a hybrid.

Q: What food options are available? Can I bring my own food?

Many food vendors (brats, burgers, BBQ, etc.). Yes, can bring own food/drinks (no alcohol/glass past gates). Water refill stations. Cook at campsite if camping.

Q: How do I get around the AirVenture grounds?

Free shuttle trams and buses. Accessible shuttles/scooter rentals for mobility needs. Wear comfy shoes!

Q: Is AirVenture kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids 18 & under free. KidVenture area with hands-on activities. Bring hearing protection, stroller. Family Tent for breaks.

If you have more questions, EAA’s website has a detailed FAQ section, and the AirVenture community online is very helpful.

See You in Oshkosh!

We hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025! It's an experience every aviation enthusiast should have at least once (though many of us go back year after year!).

Are you heading to Oshkosh this year? What are you most excited to see or do? Share your tips for first-timers or favorite AirVenture memories in the comments below!

For the most current and official information, always visit the official EAA AirVenture website: https://www.eaa.org/airventure