Udvar-Hazy’s ‘Innovations in Flight’ Event Takes Off with More Than 50 Visiting Aircraft

See WWII-era planes, plus other vintage and modern models, on display for one day only.

By Jamie Gholson • Posted June 5, 2025 at 12:50 p.m.

Courtesy Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center’s annual Innovations in Flight event is back, with dozens of aircraft flying in for one day only. Innovations in Flight is known as one of the museum’s most popular events, drawing in large crowds every year. It will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 14.

To commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the end of World War II, this year’s event will include several World War II fighters, trainers, and bombers, plus military reenactors.

Outside the museum, visitors will be able to view over 50 visiting aircraft. These will include WWII planes, as well as additional vintage, modern, and commercial models. Anticipated displays include a WP-3 Hurricane Hunter from the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration, an A400 Atlas, and a variety of civilian aircraft.

Planes at Innovations in Flight — *Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum*

While perusing the visiting planes, visitors will get a chance to talk with pilots and explore some planes’ cockpits and cabins.

Inside, visitors can participate in the “Soar Together at Air and Space” family day series. During the event, the programming will focus on the United States home front during the war. Family-friendly activities inside will include demonstrations by the Smithsonian Ham Radio Club, a Morse code activity, and coloring “flyable” planes. Visitors will also have a chance to meet pilots and reenactors, and swing dancing with a live band.

Visitors can also look around the museum’s permanent collection, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay, Air France’s Concorde, and the museum’s restoration hangar.

Since the opening of the Udvar-Hazy Center in 2003, over 24 million people have visited the popular museum, and it still welcomes around 1.5 million visitors every year. The museum hosts other events throughout the year, including stargazing sessions, IMAX Theater movies, simulated flight scenarios, and book signings.

Free tickets are required for the outdoor portion of Innovations in Flight but not for the indoor activities. Parking is $15.

14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly

Feature image courtesy Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum