Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio -- The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™ and the National Aviation Heritage Area will host Lights Over Dayton: A Celebration of Flight on Friday, June 26, 2026, with a rain date scheduled for Saturday, June 27.
This free, family-friendly event will light up the night sky above the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force with a large-scale drone show celebrating the evolution of flight. From Ohio’s aviation roots to the innovations that continue to shape air and space, the show will offer visitors a unique way to experience aviation heritage in the place where flight began.
“Lights Over Dayton is our gift to the Dayton region and the state of Ohio as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in the Birthplace of Aviation,” said Mackensie Wittmer, executive director of the National Aviation Heritage Area.
“This is a unique opportunity to connect the history inside the Museum with a modern technology experience in the sky above it,” said David Tillotson, director of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. “We hope visitors will come early, explore the galleries and stay to see the story of flight come to life in a new way.”
The Museum will remain open into the evening, giving visitors time to explore the galleries before the drone show begins. Additional details, including event schedule, arrival guidance and visitor information, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Lights Over Dayton: A Celebration of Flight is presented by the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and the National Aviation Heritage Area, with funding support from the America 250-Ohio Commission and the Air Force Museum Foundation. This event is part of the nationwide Freedom 250 celebration.
For updates and future event information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.
About the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day), the Museum features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world come to the Museum. For more information or to plan your visit, go to www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.
About the National Aviation Heritage Alliance/Area
The National Aviation Heritage Alliance is a private, nonprofit organization designated by Congress as the management entity of the National Aviation Heritage Area. Established in 2004, the Alliance works to preserve and develop the assets of the National Aviation Heritage Area and promote the heritage and future of aerospace. The Heritage Area is the recognized center of aviation heritage tourism and aerospace innovation, sustaining the legacy of the Wright brothers. For more information, visit www.visitNAHA.com.