The Culpeper Air Fest
Program Details & Spotlights
Witness the skies over Culpeper County roar to life with the thunder of historic warbirds and high-performance modern aircraft. This premier, family-friendly air show is free to the public and features heart-stopping precision stunts, historic flight exhibitions, and extensive static ground displays. The 2026 show features the VA250 Mobile Museum and historic aircraft like the B-25 and C-47.
For Lake Anna locals and weekend visitors looking to trade the gentle lap of lake waves for the thundering roar of historic engines, the Culpeper Air Fest is the ultimate autumn day trip. Just a scenic drive north through the rolling Virginia Piedmont, this highly anticipated event transforms the Culpeper Regional Airport in Brandy Station into an open-air theater of aviation marvels. It’s an exhilarating gathering where local heritage meets high-flying spectacle, making it a staple on the calendars of families from all over Central Virginia.
The sheer sensory experience of the Air Fest is unmatched. You will feel the rumble in your chest as iconic warbirds like the B-25 Mitchell and the C-47 Skytrain soar overhead, painting a vivid picture of mid-century aviation prowess. These legendary workhorses of World War II share the skies with cutting-edge modern aerobatic pilots who push their high-performance aircraft to the absolute limit, executing dizzying loops, rolls, and knife-edge passes that will have the entire crowd holding its breath in unison.
On the ground, the excitement continues with an expansive static display that allows you to get up close and personal with the aircraft and chat with the passionate pilots who fly them. The 2026 show brings a particularly unique historical feature to the tarmac: the VA250 Mobile Museum. This state-of-the-art interactive experience celebrates Virginia’s pivotal role in the semiquincentennial of the United States, seamlessly weaving together the commonwealth's revolutionary history with the spirit of innovation that defines modern aviation.
What truly sets the Culpeper Air Fest apart is its incredible community spirit. Despite drawing massive crowds and world-class aerial talent, the event remains completely free to the public, a testament to the generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers who make it happen. It’s a warm, welcoming environment where you can pack a picnic, spread out a blanket, and enjoy a spectacular day of free family-friendly entertainment under the wide-open Virginia skies.
Why You Should Attend
- Historic Warbirds in Flight: Watch living history take to the skies with thrilling flight exhibitions of iconic military aircraft like the B-25 and C-47.
- Heart-Stopping Aerobatics: Marvel at precision stunts, barrel rolls, and high-g maneuvers executed by elite modern civilian aviators.
- The VA250 Mobile Museum: Explore Virginia’s rich 250-year history through an engaging, high-tech mobile exhibition making a special stop at the 2026 fest.
- Unbeatable Value: Enjoy a world-class air show with absolutely free admission, making it the perfect budget-friendly outing for families of all sizes.
Insider Tips
- Arrive Early: Gates open at 9:00 AM, and traffic on Beverly Ford Road can back up quickly. Early arrival ensures prime parking and the best spot along the flight line.
- Pack the Essentials: Bring comfortable lawn chairs or a heavy blanket, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect your eyes as you track the action overhead.
- Bring Hearing Protection: The roar of radial engines and high-performance propellers can be very loud, especially for young children and toddlers.
- Make it a Day Trip: On your drive back to Lake Anna, take some time to explore historic downtown Culpeper for dinner, or make a quick detour to the nearby Brandy Station Battlefield.
⚓ Local Visitor Navigation Tips & Parking
Admission is free to the public, but premium parking passes may be purchased online in advance. The main flight performances begin at noon. Bring ear protection for young children as the roaring aircraft engines can be very loud.