Event at a Glance
Date: June 26, 2026 | Rain Date: June 27, 2026
Drone Show: 10 p.m. | Recommended Arrival Time: Before 7 p.m.
Admission and Parking: Free | Museum: Open Late
Food Trucks: On Site | Community Partners/Activities: 3–9 p.m.
National Aviation Hall of Fame Activities
The National Aviation Hall of Fame will extend its hours during Lights Over Dayton and activate the Joe Clark Innovation Lab with hands-on activities exploring drones, flight technology and innovation.
Families and students can participate in a variety of activities that connect today's drone technology with the aviation pioneers who helped shape the future of flight. Activities include:
- Drone activity sheet station
- Explore the "Drones at Work" exhibit
- Electronic circuit activities demonstrating how drone lights are powered
- Build a 3D model of NASA's Mars Ingenuity helicopter
- Drone tangram puzzles
- Wind tunnel experiments with visitor-designed drone concepts
- Special screening of a Why I Fly short featuring Theodore Tzanetos of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory discussing drones in space
A special guest DEXA will be on hand in the Innovation Lab during Lights Over Dayton to give families an exciting up-close look at drone technology. Visitors will have the opportunity to see drones up close, ask questions, watch a live demonstration, and learn how drones are transforming industries and impacting our everyday lives. Don't miss this unique chance to explore the future of flight with local drone experts!
These activities will be available prior to the evening drone show and are designed to inspire curiosity about aviation, aerospace and STEM careers.
Community Partners
Community partners from across the region will be on site from 3–9 p.m. inside the Museum. Visitors can explore exhibits, learn about local organizations, discover educational and recreational opportunities, and participate in select activities offered by participating partners.
Partner displays are part of the full Lights Over Dayton experience and provide additional opportunities to engage with aviation, STEM, history, tourism and community resources before the evening drone show.
- Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc.
- National Aviation Heritage Area
- Destination Dayton
- America 250-Ohio
- National Park Service – Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Food Trucks
- A Cut Above
- Brents Smokin Butts BBQ
- Jojo Concessions
- Kona Ice
- Squeaky Wheels (ice cream and coffee)
- The Little Bear
- Tortilla
- Wheelfresh Pizza
Traffic and Parking
Lights Over Dayton is expected to be a well-attended event. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy Museum activities throughout the day and review the event map before arriving.
Free parking will be available on Museum grounds. Beginning at 5 p.m., the Spinning Road entrance will open to provide additional parking and pedestrian access to the Museum grounds.
Please watch for Museum employees and volunteers directing traffic and parking on Museum grounds throughout the evening. Their goal is to help guests reach convenient parking and keep vehicles moving safely and efficiently.
As with any large public event, visitors should expect increased traffic and allow extra time when departing after the show.
Viewing Areas
A designated viewing area is identified on the event map and offers a direct perspective of the drone formations and aerial imagery. However, guests are not required to use this area to enjoy the show. Because the drone formations are oriented toward the designated viewing area, visitors viewing from the sides may experience a different perspective, while those viewing from behind the performance area may see mirrored images and reversed text elements.
Museum personnel will help direct visitors to parking and viewing locations throughout the evening. Guests are encouraged to choose a viewing location that is convenient for their group and allows them to safely enjoy the show.
Listen Live During the Show
Lights Over Dayton is more than a visual experience. The drone show is choreographed to a synchronized soundtrack and narration that help tell the story of flight.
Through a partnership with Cox Media Group, the soundtrack will be broadcast live during the drone show on the following stations:
In addition to carrying the synchronized audio, stay tuned to these stations for traffic and event updates leading up to and during the event.
Visitors attending the event are encouraged to bring a portable radio or use their vehicle radio to enjoy the full experience. When listening through available station streaming platforms and mobile apps there will be a 10 second audio delay so we are encouraging the use of traditional radios.