Lights Over Dayton: A Celebration of Flight

Experience one of the region's largest drone light shows as 500 drones illuminate the night sky above the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on June 26, 2026. Lights Over Dayton: A Celebration of Flight is a free, family-friendly event celebrating the evolution of flight and Ohio's rich aviation heritage in the place where flight began.

The Museum, National Aviation Hall of Fame, Air Force Museum Store and Museum Attractions will remain open into the evening, with food trucks and community partners on site throughout the day. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, explore the Museum and grounds, and enjoy this one-night celebration of aviation, innovation and community.

Additional event details, including schedules, parking information, FAQs, community partner activities and visitor guidance, will be added to this page as they become available.

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

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​


FAQs

Is the event free?
Yes, this is a free public event.

Is parking free?
Yes, parking is free for this event.

What time should I arrive?
Arrive early to allow time for parking and entry.

What time does the drone show begin?
The drone show is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking, entry and exploring the Museum before the show.

Where will viewing areas be?
A designated open viewing area will be available and clearly marked on-site. Guests may also view the show from their vehicles or set up near their parking space.

Can I bring chairs or blankets?
Yes, guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.

Will the Museum remain open? 
Yes. Museum galleries will remain open until 9 p.m. The National Aviation Hall of Fame, Air Force Museum Store and Museum Attractions will also remain open into the evening.

What is the weather / rain plan?
The rain date for this event is June 27. The event is weather dependent, and updates will be communicated as needed. 

Can I bring food?
Yes. Guests may bring their own food, beverages, alcohol and coolers to enjoy outdoors on the Museum grounds during the event. Outside food, beverages, alcohol and coolers are not permitted inside Museum buildings.

What is not allowed?
For safety and event operations, the following items and activities are not permitted:

  • Open flames
  • Pop-up tents (staking into the ground is not allowed)
  • Overnight camping

For additional general visitor information, please refer to our main visitor page.

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.