Airshow FAQ

WHEN IS THE AIR SHOW?

The 2025 National Cherry Festival Airshow is June 28 & June 29 from 1 pm to 4 pm.

WHEN IS THE AIRSHOW PRACTICE AND WHAT IS IT?
The airshow practice will take place on Friday, June 27, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Think of it as a dress rehearsal for the main event – it gives the participating aircrew a chance to familiarize themselves with the aerobatic box and fine-tune their performances for the Saturday and Sunday shows.

HOW MUCH DOES THE AIR SHOW COST?

The National Cherry Festival Air Show is free! It can be viewed from the beaches of West Grand Traverse Bay as well as the Open Space and several exclusive event venues that can be booked through the link below:

WHERE IS THE BEST VIEW FOR THE AIR SHOW?

The Airshow will be best viewed from The Open Space, as well as the beaches of West Grand Traverse Bay. The Open Space is considered to be the show center, and is the prime spot for viewing all performances. If you plan to view the airshow by boat, please see the boaters information tab.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE AIR SHOW?

Hearing protection, such as foam ear plugs are highly recommended. ESPECIALLY for young children. We recommend you bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water along with a lawn chair or beach blanket.

CAN I MEET THE PILOTS?

You can! Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City hosts the OPEN RAMP each year. This FREE event is on Friday, June 27, 2025 5:30pm to 8:00pm. Meet the pilots and see the aircraft performing at the National Cherry Festival Air Show..

WHAT RADIO STATION DO I TUNE INTO TO LISTEN TO THE AIR SHOW ANNOUNCERS?

You can tune in to 107.5 WCCW to hear our air show announcer Luke Carrico! He will provide information on each act, as well as accompanying music to each performance, meticulously selected by each airshow demonstration team. It is highly recommended to tune in to fully experience the airshow. Luke will be broadcasting from the show center at the Open Space.

WHERE CAN I LEARN ABOUT THE AIR SHOW ACTS?

You can find information on the Military Support Demonstration teams, and the Civilian Acts on our Airshow Page.

HOW ARE THE PERFORMERS SELECTED EACH YEAR FOR THE NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL AIR SHOW?

Every year, the National Cherry Festival Air Show Committee works to build a performer line up TWO years in advance for the airshow. The committee works hard to bring in new acts every few years to introduce performers who have never been seen over West Grand Traverse Bay before! They also pride themselves on bringing recurring acts that have been staples for years. It is healthy to balance and maintain a variety of acts between military and civilian performers for every show, to get the most thorough experience of all the wonders aviation has to offer. Please check out this article for more information on how our awesome airshow gets planned every year. https://www.northernexpress.com/news/feature/how-to-plan-an-air-show-cherry-festival/

HOW EARLY SHOULD I GET TO THE AIR SHOW?

Our expert how attendees recommend you arrive just early enough to park your car, make the trek to the beach, and get yourself a cup of cherries to eat while you watch the show. If you want to get to the beach early to stake out your prime viewing spot, we recommend 45 minutes to an hour in advance.

WHEN IS IT?

The Coast Guard Open Ramp will be held on Friday, June 27th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm at Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City.

HOW DO I GET THERE, AND HOW DO I GET IN?

Airport Access Road will be CLOSED for the duration of the Coast Guard Open Ramp. Access to the Open Ramp will be either via shuttle, biking via TART trail, or a short walk from available parking at Presbyterian Church on West Minster Road. Please plan accordingly and be patient as you navigate your way to the Open Ramp.

BUT AIRPORT ACCESS ROAD IS SO BUSY!

No vehicle traffic will be permitted on Airport Access Road during the Open Ramp. Foot traffic is asked to utilize the grass pathway designated beside Airport Access Road to access the Open Ramp via security checkpoints. Please remember, this opportunity provided by the USCG of Traverse City is incredibly special, and we work hard to make the event run smoothly. We recommend arriving early, and enjoying the walk to the access gates, and taking a picture or two in front of the permanent USCG static display Falcon at the roundabout into Airport Access. While you wait in the security checkpoint line, make a game plan of which aircraft you’re going to B-line to, and which pilots you hope to find and ask questions!

HOW DO THE BUSES WORK?

The bus will shuttle USCG Open Ramp attendees between the designated parking to the USCG Open Ramp security checkpoint. Please be patient with this free service.

I PLAN TO BIKE, ARE THERE BIKE RACKS AVAILABLE?

Attendees are more than welcome to bike, in fact, we encourage it! Airport Access is easily accessible via the TART trail. At this time, we do not have bike racks but are working to provide a solution to this as we wish to discourage bike locks on the USCG perimeter fencing. Please be mindful of automobiles and pedestrians as Airport Access Road gets very busy for this special event.

WHAT WILL I SEE THERE?

All the aircraft that you will see over the skies of West Grand Traverse Bay will be on display at the USCG Open Ramp for you to see up close and in person. Plus more! This unique event’s goal is to get the public excited and involved in aviation, as well as showcase the Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City. Along with displayed aircraft, you will be able to meet some of the airshow pilots, visit with some of the local aviation companies, and get inspired!

WHAT CAN I BRING?

Strollers, wagons and small necessary personal handbags are allowed, but be advised they will all be subject to a brief search at the security checkpoint before accessing the Open Ramp.

WHAT IF IT IS RAINING?

The Coast Guard Open Ramp will be held rain or shine. June 27th 5:30pm-8:00pm Is the only scheduled time for this event.