Lake Erie · Labor Day weekend (confirm dates)

Cleveland National Air Show

A late-summer aviation event on Cleveland's Lake Erie waterfront.

Organizer website Plan a trip around it

Plan ahead

About Cleveland National Air Show

Held over Labor Day weekend since 1964, the show turns Burke Lakefront Airport into a grandstand for military jets, aerobatic pilots and static aircraft displays on Lake Erie's shore. It carries on Cleveland's long history as host of the National Air Races, and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels or Air Force Thunderbirds often headline.

The air show brings aviation programming to Burke Lakefront Airport and the city shoreline. Treat it as a separately planned event day, with time for the city's other waterfront attractions before or afterward. Tickets, permitted viewing areas, transport and accessibility arrangements should be checked with the organizer.

Typical timingLabor Day weekend (confirm dates)
RegionOhio
LakeLake Erie
Nearby townCleveland

Highlights

What draws the crowds.

  • Walk among static displays of military and civilian aircraft on the airport ramp.
  • Watch aerobatic pilots and jet teams perform over the lake with the downtown skyline as a backdrop.
  • Visit neighboring North Coast Harbor, home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center and museum ship William G. Mather.
  • Look up in the days before the show, when performers often practice over the lakefront.

Know before you go

Make the day easier.

  • Bring sun and ear protection — the ramp has little shade and jet noise is intense.
  • Downtown traffic and parking are heavy; consider public transit or walking from a downtown hotel.
  • Headliners change from year to year, so check the lineup before you go.
Great for Festivals & events Cities & culture

Dates, venues and programs may change. Check with the event organizer before making travel plans. Organizer & current information

Nearby

Pair it with.

Ohio · Lake Erie

Cleveland

A Lake Erie city linking waterfront museums, neighborhoods and urban beaches.

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Ohio · Lake Erie

Headlands Beach State Park

A broad Ohio Lake Erie beach beside a protected dune landscape.

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Ohio · Lake Erie

Sandusky

A bayside Ohio city and a jumping-off point for the Lake Erie islands.

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Plan the trip

Make a visit out of it.

Stay for the shoreline.

The event is only the beginning. Explore the towns, parks and maritime stories around Lake Erie.

Places on this lake

Build a trip around it.

Tell the trip planner what you love and when you can travel, and it will suggest a route that fits around the event.

Start planning

Think beyond the date.

Confirm venues, tickets, parking, access needs and weather plans with the organizer before booking.

Before you leave