Due to public health precautions in relation to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), all events are subject to change and are re-evaluated on a weekly basis. We will continue to update this website and social media outlets with the latest information.

On these days, visitors will have the unique opportunity to look inside one of the museum’s aircraft from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
(The list of aircraft is updated quarterly)

Next Open Aircraft Day: Saturday, May 21: HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant" (Sikorsky) AND CH-3E "Black Mariah" (Sikorsky)

Video here: https://youtu.be/38AiTAXFhX0

Future Dates:
Saturday, June 4 - Monday June 6, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day: :B-17F Memphis Belle™
Saturday June 25 - Sunday June 26, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day: F-86A "Sabre" (North American) AND MiG-15bis (Mikoyan-Gurevich)
Saturday, Aug 13: B-24D "Liberator" (Consolidated)

Plane Talks will occur a few times a year and allow visitors the opportunity to interact with various subject matter experts. The experts at these talks may include veterans, active duty, former pilots, crew members, engineers, navigators, and more. These experts will be stationed in the galleries near the aircraft or exhibit that relates to their expertise. These Plane Talks programs often occur in conjunction with the anniversary of a significant Air Force or military event. 

10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Upcoming Plane Talks:

Saturday, May 21 - In honor of Armed Forces Day
Saturday, Sept. 17 - in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Air Force
Friday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
Wednesday, Dec. 7 - Pearl Harbor Day

Video-USAF Maj.(Ret.) Lew Newhard- Former SAM 26000 Pilot

This first-year event will take place at the National Museum of the USAF.  There is no better place to start your Memorial Day Holiday than at the museum which showcases the rich heritage of the U.S. Air Force and aerospace history.

This event features both an in-person and virtual run option. Runners will receive a custom finisher's medal, a t-shirt and post-race refreshments.  

Registrations will be accepted until 8 a.m. on May 30. T-Shirt availability and size preferences can only be guaranteed for those who register before May 13.

After the race, all runners are also welcome to tour the museum.

Visit the race website for more details and to register. 

Kick off the 75th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force with a weekend of activities honoring WWII and the anniversary of D-Day.  Family-friendly activities include a look inside the B-17F Memphis Belle, a B-25 fly-over, USAF Band of Flight pop-up concerts, a replica WWII Memorial and much more!

Visit the WWII Memorial page for more details. 

Download the B-17F Memphis Belle™ Coloring Sheet HERE

The museum will showcase signs from the American Sign Museum's collection "The Signmaker's Journey" from April 4 - October 12.  Signs in this exhibit are not regularly on display at the American Sign Museum, and feature a closer look at the three historically significant eras of illuminated signage--Lightbulb, Neon, and Plastics--with signs representing.  The exhibit tells a story of the fictional character Joe Signmaker’s journey through the 20^th century, relating his personal experiences in the ever-changing sign industry.

The character of Joe Signman was inspired by the life of William H. Hahn. Hahn began his career as a signpainter for the Thomas Cusack Company of Chicago. He later opened his own company in Chicago and was soon joined by his son, William B. Hahn.  The Museum has expanded upon the limited information known about Hahn in order to give a more complete view of a signman in the first half of the 20^th century. Follow Joe’s journey as he navigates changing technology to illuminate the night sky.    

The Sign Makers Journey was developed by the American Sign Museum in cooperation with the National Museum of the US Air Force.  Artifacts are on loan from the American Sign Museum, Cincinnati, OH.. (Federal Endorsement Not Implied)

Remember the 72nd anniversary of the start of the Korean War and honor those who served by visiting this replica exhibit of Washington DC’s Korean War memorial. Hear the living history from museum volunteers sharing the vital role that many of the museum’s aircraft played in this war, and visit the Air Force Museum Foundation Theatre to see Korean War related movies.

Aerial events, reenactor encampment, antique cars, workshops and a speaker series frame an exciting weekend of fly-ins from replica WWI aircraft. Sights, sounds and activities for the whole family will take place throughout the museum complex as we look back to WWI and America’s early air superiority.

Participant registration forms for Pilots, RC Pilots, Vendors, Antique Autos and Reenactors can be found HERE.

 

Video-Replica WWI Flying Aircraft at the Dawn Patrol Rendezvous 2018

The museum is planning evening events exclusively for adults ages 21+ with food, fun and drinks! Tickets will be required. Dates and details coming soon!

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is proud to host the USAF Band of Flight for museum concerts.  Continue to follow our website and social media for upcoming opportunities. 

Video-Air Force Band of Flight Concert Footage(2019)