COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE TO HOST AVIATION DISCOVERY FEST OCT. 4-6

Dallas Tx, (August 15, 2024)

COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE TO HOST AVIATION DISCOVERY FEST OCT. 4-6

Family-friendly festival celebrates our veterans by bringing history to life

Since its inception in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has worked to preserve, protect, and share the history of American military aviation. For the second year, the Dallas-based nonprofit will host Aviation Discovery Fest from Oct. 4-6 at Dallas Executive Airport. A fantastic array of historically significant and beautiful World War II-era airplanes will be on display at the Aviation Discovery Fest, many of which can be booked for private rides. For true history buffs, these airplane rides serve as bucket-list memories and an exceptional way to experience history. Funds generated from rides help maintain and preserve these flying pieces of history. In addition to rides, several airplanes attending will offer cockpit tours and hands-on experiences. Featured aircraft at this year’s event and their classifications include:

New to the festival this year is an AC-47 “Spooky,” which is interesting because it was a frequently used gunship in the Korean War and Vietnam War eras. Also known as “Puff the Magic Dragon” for how it looked while unleashing bombs, the AC-47 will be on static display at the festival, with veterans who flew the warbirds on hand to speak about the airplane.

But the Aviation Discovery Fest offers more than just seeing these historic warbirds. Families will enjoy one of the largest Living History experiences available in the country, with re-enactors and military vehicles. These expertly staffed interactive displays bring the wartime experience to life for guests of all ages. Kids will love the chance to ride in a half-track or other military transport vehicle.

Visitors will find the Aviation Discovery Zone inside the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center (NAEC). This highly interactive area includes dozens of educational experiences, live performances, and more. Throughout the weekend, veterans will share their experiences, often in front of the airplanes that were historically significant during the campaigns in which they served. The event will also include a classic car show featuring restored vehicles from the 1930s through the 1960s.

“American veterans are celebrated in every aspect of Aviation Discovery Fest,” said Leah Block, Vice President of Marketing for the Commemorative Air Force. “Their stories will come to life in ways that families cannot experience anywhere else.” Friday, Oct. 4, is Education Day at Aviation Discovery Fest. On that day, thousands of school groups and homeschooled children can attend the event free of charge when registered by September 20. Schools or homeschool groups should register to attend here: .

Volunteers are needed throughout the weekend. Those interested should register here: . Tickets for the Aviation Discovery Fest start at just $5. A family pass, which includes two adult tickets and up to three children’s tickets on Saturday or Sunday, is available for $40, which reflects up to a $30 savings. New this year, visitors can purchase an additional cockpit tour pass, which gives access to inside the aircraft. Tickets for the event can be purchased at aviationdiscoveryfest.org.

Event information:

Name: Aviation Discovery Fest

When: Oct. 4-6, 2024 Friday, Oct. 4 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: 5657 Mariner Dr., Dallas, TX 75237

Price: Tickets (Good for 1 Day; not including online fees): * Family Pass (2 adults & up to 3 kids ages 18 and younger; valid for Saturday or Sunday entry) $40
* Adults (18-64) $20
* Seniors (65 & up) $15
* Veterans & CAF Colonels $10
* Students (12-18) $10
* Children (6-12) $5
* Kids 5 and younger are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult Free on Friday for registered school-age students, children under 5, active/retired military and CAF Colonel members

Website: