The Wings Over Houston Airshow, one of Houston’s largest annual events, returns to Ellington Airport Oct. 9-10, 2021.
In 2020, Wings Over Houston converted to a drive-in format for spectators as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To maintain space between others, spectators were permitted to set chairs and tables only on one side of their vehicle. Some spectators viewed the “parade in the sky” from atop their vehicles while others stood in front of their vehicles. Inclement weather only allowed for a Saturday, Oct.10, performance but it was well-attended and highly praised.
Kicking off its 37th consecutive year, the event returns fully to the great outdoors and will include performances by two headliners, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the Canadian Forces (CF) Snowbirds. Tickets are available now at www.wingsoverhouston.com.
“We are thrilled to return this year, not only with our traditional-style show, but with two jet teams — the Thunderbirds and Snowbirds,” Bill Roach, Executive Director of Wings Over Houston said. “Between the hours of aerial performances, displays of vintage aviation, a classic car show featuring up to 100 vehicles, interactive areas for children and adults, live music, and opportunities for guests to give back to the community, we have no doubt this year’s event will be filled with fun and entertainment for families and guests of all ages.”
"We were able to spend the time gained back from last year’s canceled airshows on enhancing our aerial demonstration and ground show performances,” said Col. John Caldwell, Commander/Leader of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. “One of our main goals was to enhance the show sequence with the crowd experience in mind, and we’re very excited to debut these changes at the Wings Over Houston event.”
The Thunderbirds’ new show sequence now follows seven distinct themes focused on evoking crowd emotion as well as gradually showcasing the complexity of the maneuvers. Fans can also expect to see a new maneuver, Rapid Recovery, along with other modified maneuvers.
In addition to the USAF Thunderbirds’ and CF Snowbirds’ demonstrations, the event will also include performances by an array of talented teams, including the F-22 Raptor Demo Team, TORA! TORA! TORA! and the Commemorative Air Force.
Other special elements of this year’s airshow include Guitars N’ Cars, a classic car show including a classic guitar auction hosted and sponsored by Fuller's Guitars to benefit U.S. VETS-Houston, as well as a Saturday night live musical performance by the Texas Eagles, an Eagles tribute band, to close the first day.
Arturo Machuca, General Manager at EFD and the Houston Spaceport, said he is always thrilled when Wings Over Houston appears and looks forward with many others to the upcoming shows.
“We are still in the middle of some difficult times,” Machuca said, “ These performances never fail to uplift the attendees. We always count it an honor when they stop by Ellington. This year’s show promises to be very special with an even more spectator-oriented mentality to be showcased.”
Machuca cited Houston Airports long association with Wings Over Houston, dating back to 1984. Wings Over Houston contributes to the local region through scholarships, many local and national charities, nonprofit organizations and military recruiting efforts.
“We would encourage everyone to come out and support them. The performances are always thrilling and the work of Wings Over Houston is so important to who we are as a community that supports worthy causes,” Machuca said.
To learn more about ticket options, display aircraft, additional event attractions, travel accommodations, sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, visit www.wingsoverhouston.com.