Photo credit: Midland Airsho

What to watch: The Commemorative Air Force High Sky Wing’s 35th annual AIRSHO takes over Midland International Air & Space Port this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12–13, at 9600 Wright Drive.

This year’s show salutes Vietnam War veterans, bringing Vietnam-era aircraft including the F-4 Phantom II, F-100 Super Sabre, and A-1 Skyraider together with World War II warbirds and other historic aircraft.

The big picture: AIRSHO is Midland’s big living-history weekend in the air, combining vintage military aircraft with an up-close look at the planes and a tribute to the people who flew and serviced them.

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Before the flying begins, visitors can walk the bomber and fighter ramps, see aircraft up close, shop TRADESHO in the hangar, visit the living-history camp, grab food, and visit the kids’ area.

Flying begins at 11:30 a.m. The main show runs into the afternoon, including CAF pyrotechnics simulating bombing and strafing, the “wall of fire” and a missing-man formation. One aircraft to watch this year is the F-104 Starfighter from Starfighters Space. Piercarlo Ciacchi, a former Italian Air Force F-104 pilot, will fly the Mach 2 Cold War-era jet, and it will also be available for static viewing.

Go Deeper: Here is the full schedule for Saturday and Sunday:

  • 9 a.m. — Gates open
  • 10 a.m. Sunday only — Worship in the CAF Chapel
  • 10:45 a.m. — Fighter ramp closes
  • 11:30 a.m. — Flying starts with “Trainers of WWII”
  • 11:45 a.m. — Presentation of Colors
  • 11:55 a.m. — Opening remarks
  • Noon — National anthem and main flying begins: during the show, see the Missing Man Formation
  • 3 p.m. — Flying ends
  • 4 p.m. — Grounds close

What to know: Buying tickets in advance will save money compared with gate admission. Children 5 and younger are free, while advance tickets are $5 for ages 6–13 and $10 for ages 14 and older. General parking is $10 cash on arrival, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Boy Scouts. For tickets and updates, check out airsho.org.