Eyes to the Skies

Watch the Thunderbirds zip through the sky at the first annual Branson Air Show during the grand opening of the Branson Regional Airport.

By Ashley Reh

Photo courtesy AeroShell

Grab your family, your friends and your earplugs. Branson Regional Airport—the country’s only privately operated and financed commercial airport—celebrates its grand opening this month with the first annual Branson Air Show. The air show kicks off on Friday at twilight with a rare night show. The night show features six civilian air performers from around the country. Special effects on the aircrafts’ wings create a majestic and beautiful presentation against the black night sky. A 10- to 15- minute firework presentation marks the closing of the night.

Saturday and Sunday are full days packed with activities: military performers, 13 civilian performers and other displays and exhibits. Featured flyers include the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron (you might know them as the Thunderbirds), showcasing America’s frontline fighters and the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the parachute team celebrating its 50th anniversary of wowing audiences.

The 411

What: Branson Air Show
When: May 8–10
Where: Branson Airport
Cost: Advance tickets are $16 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Advance Flight Deck
tickets, which includes special seating and other perks, are $60 for adults, $20 for children. At the gate, tickets are $18 for regular adults, $6 for regular children and $65 for Flight Deck adults. All children ages 5 and younger are free.
Military tickets available for $10 with valid military I.D.
More information: To learn more, visit bransonairshow.com.

When you aren’t watching what’s in the air, there’s plenty to do on the ground. The whole terminal ramp will be covered with static aircraft displays showcasing military and commercial aircrafts both old and new—and you can get a sneak peak at the aircrafts that will be used in the airport.

Don’t forget to pack lawn chairs and blankets, but leave your coolers at home. Full concessions will be available at the show.

Gates open Friday night at 5 p.m., and the show starts at 6 p.m. The night show is limited to 10,000 people, so make sure to buy tickets in advance. On Saturday and Sunday, the gates open at 8 a.m. The flying starts at 10 a.m. and doesn’t end until 4:30 p.m.

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