The Department of Airports is pleased to announce the return of the the 21st Annual Apple Valley Airshow and NAPA® Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Apple Valley Airport. General admission is $10, military /veterans is $7 cash with ID and children 11 and under are free. Parking is also free.
The Apple Valley Airshow, a family favorite event, attracts spectators from all over Southern California and beyond. Apple Valley Airshow attendees will be thrilled by the sounds and sights of this year’s headliners, which include world-renowned pilots flying vintage jets such as Jason Somes in the red Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG 17, David Costa flying the TS-11 Iskra, Ace Maker Airshows in the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, and Stephanie Goetz in The Pink Jet L-39 Albatros with a trail of customized pink smoke to promote breast cancer awareness.
A full schedule is planned, including Dawn Patrol RV Formation Team of five, breathtaking aerobatics by Undaunted Airshows formation aerobatics dual team, Air Racer Tony Higa in the Pitts S-1S, John Collver in his AT-6/SNJ “Wardog”, Yuichi Takagi in the Pitts S2S, Torrey Ward in the Micro Jet, Anthony Oshinuga in the Pitts Special and Dr Vicky Benzing in her bright red 1940 Boeing Stearman.
In addition to aerobatics, attendees will see Skydivers, Round Canopy Parachute USA Team paratroopers jumping from the C-53 Skytrooper D-Day Doll, vintage warbirds like two North American P-51 Mustangs “Man O’War” – Bunny, Bell P-63 Kingcobra “Pretty Polly”, North American T-28B Trojan “El Centro,” Douglas C-47 Skytrain “What’s Up Doc” from Palm Springs Air Museum and General Motors TBM-3E Avenger and Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless, Grumman F8F Bearcat from Planes of Fame Air Museum to name a few. There will be a meet and greet with the pilots for photos and autographs after each performance.
On the ground, you will see experimental and vintage airplane static displays, military vehicles, and the NAPA® Car Show “Show and Shine” along with Inglis Classics “Hot Rod Hotties” and Sunland Ford showcasing new vehicle highlights. Spectators are encouraged to stop by the NAPA® booth and pick up a form so you can vote for your favorite car.
The High Desert aerospace valley STEM Expo has been expanded for 2024 with new partnerships, exhibitors and hands-on experiences in aviation activities. The Air & Space STEM Outreach from Edwards Air Force Base has coordinated free youth experiences in partnership with the Air Force Academy, Civil Air Patrol, Stem Pilot, ROTC, and Edwards AFB activities. The expanded STEM Expo will include Southern California EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) flight simulators, Millionaire Mind Kids, Rocket Science Club of San Diego, and the Science Olympiads of Irvine. General Atomics has also created a specially designed experience for you to see the work they do right here in the High Desert. Bring your children, school friends, Scout groups, and families to learn about the fundamentals of flight, fly a simulator, build a model airplane, or stomp an air-powered rocket to new heights.
Community groups, volunteer organizations and our sponsors are a big part of the airshow. The show provides scholarship support for local students in STEM fields. You can browse booths offering information, souvenirs, food and support the Rotary Club of Apple Valley Beer Garden.
Plan to arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to secure parking, walk to the main entry gates, and purchase your admission.
Apple Valley Airport is located at 21600 Corwin Road in Apple Valley. No animals except service animals are allowed at the event. There is limited grandstand seating available but you are welcome to bring your own portable chairs, and sitting blankets. For safety, drones, canopies, large umbrellas, large coolers, and alcoholic beverages will be NOT be admitted to the venue. Be prepared with hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, earplugs, water, and don’t forget your camera.
For a complete list on how to plan your day at the show, go to AppleValleyAirshow.com and click on FAQs. Follow the airshow on Facebook or Instagram for the latest announcements and updates.