Darpa Lift Challenge

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DARPA

DARPA Lift Challenge & Flite Fest

Aug. 6–9, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. daily

Experience the future of aviation at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) brings the Lift Challenge to Dayton. For four days, visitors can watch engineers, researchers and innovators from across the country test groundbreaking drone designs capable of carrying payloads far heavier than today's aircraft of similar size.

The DARPA Lift Challenge is a national competition designed to advance vertical-lift technology. Teams representing startups, aerospace companies, universities and independent inventors will compete for a share of $6.5 million in prize money by demonstrating lightweight unmanned aircraft capable of carrying payloads up to four times their own weight over a demanding flight course.

More Than One Event

Your visit includes more than the competition.

Co-located with the DARPA Lift Challenge is Flite Fest 2026*, one of the nation's premier radio-control aviation events. Throughout the weekend, visitors can experience RC flying demonstrations, giant-scale model aircraft, build tents, STEM activities and a vibrant community of aviation enthusiasts. (Federal endorsement not implied)

While you're here, explore the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force—the world's oldest and largest military aviation museum—featuring more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles spanning the history of military aviation and the future of flight.

Plan Your Day

  • ⏰ Event Hours: 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
  • 🛩️ Museum Galleries: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • 🎟️ Admission: Free
  • 🚗 Parking: Free
  • 📍 Location: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
  • 📅 Event Map & Schedule: Coming Soon

What You'll Experience

Make the most of your visit by enjoying all three experiences included with your trip:

DARPA Lift Challenge

Watch engineers, researchers and innovators compete in a national competition to advance the future of heavy-lift drone technology. Spectators can follow the action from the viewing area and large video screen.

Flite Fest

Explore one of the nation's premier radio-control aviation events featuring flying demonstrations, giant-scale model aircraft, STEM activities, a build tent and more.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Step inside the world's oldest and largest military aviation museum and explore more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles spanning the history of military flight.

Event Schedule

Flite Fest schedule can be found here. Please note some items on the schedule are for Flite Fest participants only and not open to spectators. 

A schedule for the DARPA Lift Challenge as well as event FAQs and a video livestream of the event can be found here.

Event Map

What Will I see? 
  • Live DARPA Lift Challenge competition
  • Large video screen (Jumbotron) coverage with live commentators
  • Flite Fest flying demonstrations
  • Giant-scale RC aircraft
  • STEM activities
  • Flite Fest build tent 

Because the flight course covers a large outdoor area, spectators are encouraged to bring binoculars for the best viewing experience. Competition flights will also be displayed on large video screens throughout the venue.

Admission

Admission to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the DARPA Lift Challenge spectator area and Flite Fest is free. Spectators are encouraged to register in advance through DARPA to help organizers plan for attendance.

Food 

A variety of food trucks will be available in the event area for spectators to enjoy. Trucks will be open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug 8-9, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug 9. Trucks will vary daily but current list includes: Squeaky Wheels, A Cut Above, Cray Cray Cajun, Lilias Outside Cafe, Between the Bunz, JoJos Concessions, Tortilla, The Little Bear, Dirty Chicken, Northing Bundt Cakes, Toms Coffee, Gourmet Grub Shack, Brents Smokin Butts BBQ, Lumpia Queen, and Better Blends. 


FAQs

When is the DARPA Lift Challenge taking place?
The event is scheduled for Aug. 6–9, 2026, at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

Where is the event located?
The DARPA Lift Challenge will take place on the grounds of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Is the event free?
Admission to the DARPA Lift Challenge spectator area and Flite Fest is free. Fees apply for those who wish to participate as a Flite Fest pilot, and build kits must be purchased to participate in activities inside the Flite Fest build tent.

Do I need tickets?
No. Tickets are not required for spectators.

What are the event hours?
The DARPA Lift Challenge and Flite Fest are open daily from 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Museum galleries are open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Where should I park?
Visitors should use the Museum’s regular parking lots. Accessible parking is available in designated Museum parking areas. Access to the DARPA Lift Challenge and Flite Fest will be located on the south side of Memorial Park.

Can I come and go during the day?
Yes. Visitors are welcome to move between the outdoor event areas and the Museum throughout the day.

Can I fly my own drone?
No. Personal drones and other unmanned aircraft are prohibited on Museum grounds during the event.

Will there be seating?
Yes. Bleacher seating, as well as designated seating for people with accessibility needs, will be available in the spectator viewing area near the jumbotrons and misting stations. 

Should I bring binoculars?
Binoculars are welcome and may provide a closer view of portions of the flight course. Competition footage will also be shown on a large video screen in the spectator area.

What happens if it rains?
The flight competition is weather dependent. Flights may be delayed, paused or rescheduled because of rain, wind or other unsafe conditions. Event updates will be shared as information becomes available.

Will food be available?
Food and beverage information will be added once details are confirmed.

Will restrooms be available?
Yes. Portable restrooms, including ADA-standard porta-johns will be available throughout the outdoor event area. 

Accessibility

Wright Field, the outdoor space where all DARPA Lift Challenge activities will take place, has some amenities to support wheelchair access, but it does not meet full accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  We’re doing all we can to accommodate all our attendees. There will be designated parking and a wheelchair-accessible bus to transport attendees from parking to the front gate, ADA-standard porta-johns throughout the public area, and designated seating for people with accessibility needs in the shade tent, near the jumbotrons and misting stations. Please note: There are taxiways around the main areas, but they are bumpy and may cause issues for some wheelchairs.

Note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the National Museum of the USAF, the U.S. Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external website, or the information, products or services contained therein.

 

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