Aviation Discovery Fest Lets Visitors Step Inside World War II Aviation History

Aviation Discovery Fest Lets Visitors Step Inside World War II Aviation History
Two-day event features more than 20 historic aircraft, vintage aircraft rides, living history, kids’ activities and more
DALLAS, Texas (September 21, 2026) — More than 80 years after World War II, some of the aircraft that helped shape the course of history are still taking to the skies. At Aviation Discovery Fest, Nov. 6-7 at Dallas Executive Airport, visitors can climb aboard these historic aircraft and experience history first-hand.
Hosted by the Commemorative Air Force, Aviation Discovery Fest puts visitors directly alongside the aircraft and the people who preserve them. Guests can walk among historic bombers, fighters, trainers and transports, explore aircraft interiors, meet pilots and restoration volunteers, and learn how these rare flying machines are maintained decades after they were built.
More than 20 vintage aircraft are expected to be part of the two-day event, representing nearly a century of military aviation history. Among the marquee aircraft scheduled to appear are:
• B-29 FIFI – one of the world’s most iconic surviving Superfortresses
• B-24 Diamond Lil – the world’s only currently flying B-24
• P-51D Gunfighter – legendary Mustang fighter
• B-25 Devil Dog – iconic twin-engine bomber
Select aircraft will offer cockpit tours, giving visitors the opportunity to sit where pilots once sat and see the instruments, controls and crew positions up close.
Take a Ride Into Living History
For those who want to go beyond the ramp, rides will be available aboard select historic aircraft, offering a rare opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and sensation of flying in a vintage military aircraft.
Aircraft offering rides include numerous heavy and medium bombers, torpedo and dive bombers, fighters, transport, and trainer aircraft, subject to availability and operating conditions.
The experience gives visitors a perspective that photographs, videos, or museum exhibits can’t replicate: the roar of vintage engines, the aircraft’s vibration, and the view from the cockpit or passenger compartment.
“As impressive as these aircraft are to see on the ground, there’s nothing like experiencing them up close and in the air,” said David Oliver, CEO of the Commemorative Air Force. “When visitors climb inside these airplanes, talk to the people who maintain them and hear those engines come alive, history becomes something they can experience rather than simply read about.”
The Stories Behind the Aircraft
Aviation Discovery Fest will also bring together military veterans, pilots, aviation volunteers and living history reenactors who can help visitors understand the people and events connected to the aircraft.
Veterans will share personal experiences, while living history participants will recreate aspects of the World War II era through uniforms, equipment, and demonstrations.
For the Commemorative Air Force, preserving an aircraft means preserving the stories associated with it.
“These aircraft are tangible connections to generations of Americans who served and sacrificed,” said Oliver. “Our goal isn’t simply to keep old airplanes flying. It’s to make sure the history, experiences, and stories connected to them continue to reach new generations.”
Aviation History for the Next Generation
Aviation Discovery Fest also gives young visitors a chance to discover the science and technology behind flight.
The Aviation Discovery Zone will feature hands-on STEM activities, interactive exhibits and opportunities for children to learn about aviation, engineering and the science of flight. Students can also explore aviation-related careers and hear firsthand accounts from veterans and aviation enthusiasts.
The event will also feature historic military vehicles, including jeeps, trucks and other wartime vehicles, along with a Classic Car Show featuring automobiles from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Food, vendors, and additional family activities will round out the weekend.
Plan Your Visit
Aviation Discovery Fest will take place Nov. 6-7, 2026, at Dallas Executive Airport.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission includes access to the static aircraft ramp, vendors, food trucks, and kids’ area. Aircraft rides and some special experiences require separate tickets. Parking is free.
For tickets and the latest aircraft lineup, activities, and event information, visit AviationDiscoveryFest.org.
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