2023 Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival - America's Air Show *OFFICIAL*
Date & Time
Thu Jun 29 2023 at 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Location
Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival | Battle Creek, MI
Details
The Skies will Come Alive over Battle Creek, Michigan June 29th through July 4th, 2023. Let your family vacation or staycation soar to new heights at Battle Creek Executive Airport as you watch #AmericasAirshow, see #ColorsInTheSky, experience #DeliciousFood and so much more!The Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival is North America's LARGEST Combined Air Show & Balloon Festival. The event is the largest and longest running annual 4th of July Air Show, hence the term "America's Air Show", and has been continually voted and ranked as one of the BEST AIR SHOWS in North America in multiple polls, including USA Today's 10Best (where you can still vote for us once daily in 2023 through Noon on April 10th): https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-air-show-2023/battle-creek-field-of-flight-air-show-battle-creek-michigan/. We're a #PureMichigan event!
There is fun for the whole family at Michigan's LARGEST, Best, and Favorite Air Show & Aerial Event. Make sure you check https://fieldofflight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-Tentative-Schedule-of-Events-2.pdf for our Schedule of Events to help you plan but check out our highlights below!
**NOTE: All events are weather permitting. Due to the non-profit nature of our event - No rain checks or refunds. In addition, aircraft/attraction appearances are subject to change due to many reasons beyond our control including operational need, maintenance, weather (at the show site or en route) and more. Lots can factor in. We thank you for your understanding**
Also, please make sure you are following our main page. This is where we will be posting OFFICIAL updates during the event. We are creating this Event Page so folks can share and such. Please follow us over there for the latest updates.
2023 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
-America's Air Show - The Nation's LARGEST 4th of July Aerial Extravaganza. we'll have FOUR DAYS of air show action this year beginning on Saturday, July 1st and running through Tuesday, July 4th. Get ready to feel the ROAR as the United States Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team screams into the skies and drops your jaws in 1.8 seconds. We also have the BEST Civilian Pilots in the industry performing...and who can forget that we'll LIGHT UP THE AIRFIELD with some amazing pyrotechnical explosions including....THE WALL OF FIRE! Just check out what our Air Show will feature this year:
**Note: All acts are scheduled to appear July 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th unless otherwise noted. Again, subject to change**
-United States Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team
-United States Air Force Heritage Flight featuring the F-22, US Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II, and a Warbird TBA.
-Pyro provided by FIREWALKERS INTERNATIONAL PYRO - Feel the Heat as numerous pyrotechnical explosions are produced including a 1000 foot WALL OF FIRE! You'll see strafe runs, mini-walls, double bombs, attention getters...and the ALMIGHTY F-BOMB!
-Red Bull Air Force Skydivers - The world's most elite skydiving team that continually pushes the limits of human flight.
-Redline Airshows - Father & Son Formation Aerobatics in Vans RV-8s
-Rob Holland Aerosports - WORLD CHAMPION & Award Winning Aerobatics that will leave you amazed!
-Bill Stein in the Zivko Edge 540 - Award Winning Air Show Legend & Michigan Native performing amazing aerobatics in a plane that appears to change colors!
-Kirby Chambliss in the Red Bull Edge 540 - Red Bull Air Racer and Aerobatic Champion that starts his show with his trademark Cobra Maneuver (he is the only pilot to do this on takeoff).
-Scott Urschel "Pylon Aviation, Inc" in the Airbus BO-105 Helicopter - You'll actually see a helicopter doing aerobatics. Actual loops, rolls, you name it! This is an amazing show that your eyes won't believe!
-Bob Carlton "Vertigo Airshows" in the Jet Super Salto Sailplane - A graceful aerial ballet in a sailplane coupled with a low, high-energy show with a jet engine powering the aircraft. You have to see it to believe it!
-Susan Dacy in the Super Stearman "Big Red" - 1930s Barnstorming style flying recreated in the present day by one of the most experienced women pilots, the Award Winning Susan Dacy!
-Nathan Hammond "GhostWriter Airshows" - Watch as Nathan Hammond performs aerobatics in the Super Chipmunk with an amazing smoke system!
-Kyle Franklin's Flying Circus in the Super Cub Comedy Act - It takes a lot of skill to fly this horribly! Watch as he even drags his wingtip on the ground!
-Holland/Stein Duel - Watch as two of the BEST PILOTS ON EARTH square off in a Duel act that features gyroscopic aerobatics, formation maneuvers, and opposing passes!
-Mark Smith in AFTERSHOCK Jet Fire Truck (Darnell Racing Enterprises) - The World's FASTEST Jet Fire Truck!
-Award Winning Air Show Announcer - Phil Dacy
...PLUS POSSIBLY MORE! STAY TUNED!
Nation's THIRD LARGEST TWILIGHT & NIGHT AIR SHOW PLUS A "Teaser" Warm-Up Air Show
-Friday, June 30th will have some Aerial Action as well! Watch as we have an "Air Show Warm Up" featuring Skywriting, Skydiving, Aerobatics, and MORE!
As the sun begins to set, we'll take to the skies again for a beautiful "Twilight Air Show". Watch as some of the best pilots in the Nation perform aerobatics against the setting sun. The F-22 RAPTOR will also take to the skies, performing an amazing demo FILLED with burner action!
Once the sun is down, things really start to heat up with an event so amazing and magical that even Walt Disney himself would've been impressed...a NIGHT AIR SHOW WITH PYRO! Bob Seger said it best in his song "Night Moves" and this is truly an event you won't want to miss!
-Watch as the Red Bull Skydivers skydive towards Earth with sparklers and pyro illuminating their path. They've had people report UFOs near their showsites before!
-Ken Rieder of Redline will light up the night with wingtip pyro and a fireworks show!
-A Night Display by the AFTERSHOCK Jet Fire Truck!
-Bob Carlton will light up the night sky in the Jet Super Salto Sailplane in his "Fire & Lights" Night Show!
-Nathan Hammond will perform his FAMOUS Night Air Show featuring LED Lights and 200 pounds of pyro as he fills the air with sparks, fireworks, and more!
-Firewalkers International Pyro - Pyro during the day is awesome, but it is a whole different thing at night. You'll surely feel the heat and watch the airfield be illuminated.
-HOT-AIR BALLOONS: We'll be having daily Hot-Air Balloon Launches (weather permitting) daily. Morning Launches will take place throughout areas in Kalamazoo & Calhoun Counties. These may not necessarily involve the airport (event grounds will NOT be open for morning launches). Evening Launches will either be launches from the airfield or fly-ins. Morning Launches begin July 1st while Evening Launches begin on June 30th. Don't miss these sights as we will the skies with colorful hot-air balloons!
-SKYWRITING - Watch throughout the weekend as Nathan Hammond takes up his "GhostWriter" Super Chipmunk and writes messages, draws shapes, and MORE! These can be seen for up to miles #BuiltInAdvertising
-SKERBECK ENTERTAINMENT GROUP CARNIVAL:
Kiddie Rides: CHECK
Mild Rides; CHECK
Wild Rides: CHECK
EXTREME THRILL RIDES: CHECK
This carnival has it all! Have some fun with the kiddos or sneak away and get your rides in on the ever-thrilling Supernova 360 or the TOP GUN ride! All-You-Can-Ride Wristbands are available online now for $30.00 but must be purchased by 12 NOON EDT on JUNE 29TH! Online sales allow you to purchase with a credit or debit card. Sales at ticket booths will be CASH ONLY (ATM will be available). Note that if you are attending on June 29th (Thursday), we recommend you purchase your ride wristbands at the booth as they will be $25.00 that day.
IF YOU REALLY WANT TO UPGRADE...purchase an All-Week Mega Band. For $100, you get unlimited rides for the whole event. These are limited to the first 200 sold...so make sure you purchase yours today before they all sell out. That's basically TWO & A HALF DAYS FREE!
You may purchase your tickets here: http://www.skerbeck.com/sales/shop/category.aspx?catid=34
**Note: All Sales are FINAL and cutoff at NOON EDT on June 29th. The Mega Band is an ONLINE OFFER ONLY! The TOP GUN ride, due to its limited capacity, will require 4 additional tickets in addition to the Mega Band or a Daily Wristband**
*Standby for On-Site Pricing for Individual Tickets or Blocks of Tickets*
The Carnival will open at the following times:
-Thursday, June 29th: 5:30 PM
-Friday, June 30th: 3:30 PM
-Saturday, July 1st: 11 AM
-Sunday, July 2nd: 11 AM
-Monday, July 3rd: 11 AM
-Tuesday, July 4th: 11 AM
GREAT AMERICAN KITES: Make sure you check out one of the most SPECTACULAR GIANT KITE shows in North America daily during this year's event! This event is truly for the young and young-at-heart. Great American Kites produces a family friendly, colorful, and extraordinary aerial display of some of the largest kites IN THE WORLD! This includes a former Guinness Book of World Records sized giant kite called "Old Glory". This is a USA Flag Kite over 10,000 square feet and weighing over 550 pounds. A truly patriotic site to see!
VICTORIA CIRCUS: Founded in 2003 by The Sensational Murcia family consisting of Walter and Victoria Murcia, Victoria Circus is the product of a long line of Circus history and experience. Before starting their own show, The Sensational Murcias performed on several different Circuses and shows gaining prestige not only in The United States but also worldwide. Today the tradition continues with sons Alexander and Antony Murcia, following the footsteps of their family in providing nothing but the best family entertainment at fairs, festivals, and other events. Victoria Circus provides some of the best Circus and Thrill Show acts available today, featuring specialty Motorcycle Globe Acts and High Wire experience, among other available ground acts and clown gags.
-FIREWORKS DISPLAYS: We’ll be having TWO amazing fireworks displays this year. Don’t miss these amazing displays set to a terrific soundtrack. July 1st's show will take place around 10:30 PM (dusk) and will feature rock, pop, and country hits. The July 4th Show will take place around 10:30 PM (dusk) and will feature a patriotic salute for the 4th of July!
-Mesmerizing Hot-Air BALLOON ILLUMES (presented by KALSEE Credit Union): Are you prepared to be in awe? The Balloon Illumes are truly magical experiences as you see hot-air balloons twinkle and light up the airfield. These even feature audience involvement in which you tell them to twinkle or light 'em up! Prepare to make family memories on Thursday, June 29th (evening) and the evening of Sunday, July 2nd
-FireKeepers Casino Field of Rock Concert Series: Don’t miss nightly concerts on the FireKeepers Casino stage! Our concert lineup is as follows:
-June 29th: Jake Kershaw
-June 30th: HairMania
-July 1st: Sage Castleberry
-July 1st: The Megan Rae Band
-July 2nd: The Swift Brothers
-July 3rd: Earth To Mars: The Bruno Mars Experience
-July 4th: Great Scott!
-Battle Creek Half-Marathon & 5K:
An early morning run with hot-air balloons soaring overhead plus a run past the F-22 Raptors and some other aircraft? Yes, please! Head on over to https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/BattleCreek/BattleCreekHalfMarathonand5k?fbclid=IwAR2gmI3qO5bnWhItgr8u14XGFbEd4rLahcvaR0vPiCghWVwfrZCWc87kCG8 to sign up now! Oh, and depending on which one you participate in, you can get up to 2 admission and a parking pass to the Field of Flight. Come join the fun with Cereal City Athletics.
-Kid’s Day (brought to you in part by Meijer):
A day just for Kids? Well, yeah. But Thursday, June 29th is a day for families too! With $10.00 parking and FREE Gate Admission for the entire family, you can enjoy a night of family fun. This is a special day you certainly won’t want to miss! Free gifts for kids and a bike giveaway!
-Delicious Food!
Battle Creek has long been known as a location with the BEST AIR SHOW FOOD. Don’t believe us? Well, you’ll have to check it out for yourself. We have all different kinds of foods available from traditional fair food to delicious cheese, ice cream, and MORE!
-BEER TENTS:
Yes, we will have beer for sale at the event at two beer tents. We will have everything from Miller Lite and Coors Light to some delicious micro and regional brews (plus maybe a few surprises). Alcohol will only be sold to those 21+ with the proper identification. You can purchase the beer and take it right back to your seat to continue to enjoy the show!
-Specialty Vendors, Arts & Crafts, and MORE!:
We will have a plethora of vendors on-site where you can grab some souvenirs from the event, some amazing arts & crafts, handmade goods…and more! There will be something for everyone! Are you a crafter/specialty producer or commercial company that wants to put your product in front of over 100,000 people? There is still time to apply: https://fieldofflight.com/vendor-information/
**NOTE: Military Teams will also have swag for sale. Get them before they're all gone as they sell out quickly!!**
-RV Campground
Yes, we have a campground right at the airport. If you have an RV or self-contained unit, come on out and stay where all of the action is. But hurry, spaces are selling out quick and we are limited to only 100 units. Fill out this form and send it on in as soon as possible: https://fieldofflight.com/rv-lodging/
Admission & Parking Information:
There will be some changes for 2023. Please stay tuned for updates regarding admission & parking.
**HANDICAP PARKING: When arriving, ask parking volunteers to direct you to handicap parking. We will also have complimentary golf cart shuttles running from the lot to the gates. Handicapped scooters and Wagons will be available for rent at the main gate. Call Randy & Betty at 407-492-2321.
**MOTORCYCLE PARKING: Motorcycle parking will be on pavement. Ask parking volunteers to please direct you to motorcycle parking**
**BICYCLE PARKING: Bikes are welcome to be ridden to the event but are not allowed on the event grounds. Upon arrival, you will be directed to where you may park your bike and secure it. You will be able to lock your bike up here and enjoy the event. A bike parking fee will be assessed.**
Visit here to ensure you are following all posted rules and don't bring any prohibited items. **ANYTHING BROUGHT IN, INCLUDING COOLERS, ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH**: https://fieldofflight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-Festival-Event-Guidelines.pdf
We hope to see you at the Field of Flight June 29th through July 4th at Battle Creek Executive Airport in Battle Creek, MI. www.fieldofflight.com
**Event Details last updated on March 28th, 2023. Stay tuned for further updates. Follow the official Facebook page for all up-to-date information and ensure your visit the website at www.fieldofflight.com as well. Schedule subject to change. All events weather permitting. No Rain Checks or Refunds**
Event Location
Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival, Battle Creek, United StatesEvent Host
Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival
