Airshow Atlanta: How to Experience Air Shows In and Around Atlanta, GA

Atlanta’s skies are busy year-round, but a few times each year they become a full-on stage for fighter jets, vintage warbirds, skydivers, and stunt pilots. If you’re searching for “Airshow Atlanta”, you’re most likely looking for:

• When and where you can see an air show near Atlanta
• What to expect if you go
• How to plan your trip, get tickets, and stay safe

This guide walks through the major air shows that affect Atlanta, plus practical tips for locals and visitors who want to enjoy aviation events in and around the city.

Is There an Official “Airshow Atlanta”?

There is not one permanent, year-round, officially branded event called “Airshow Atlanta” that runs the same weekend every year. Instead, Atlanta-area residents usually experience air shows through:

• Regional air shows within a 1–2 hour drive of downtown
• Special flyovers and demonstrations over the city
• Occasional touring air shows or aviation festivals that may market themselves using “Atlanta” in their name, even if they’re technically in a nearby city

So when people say “Airshow Atlanta”, they’re often talking about one of several recurring events, especially:

• Atlanta Air Show (often held at a nearby airport, such as Rome or other regional fields)
• Great Georgia Airshow–style events (when scheduled)
• Big military or civilian air shows at bases or airports within driving distance

Dates, branding, and locations can change, so it’s always smart to double‑check the current year’s schedule before you make firm plans.

Major Air Shows Near Atlanta

Here are some of the most commonly attended air shows for Atlanta-area aviation fans. Distances are approximate from downtown Atlanta.

1. Atlanta Air Show (Regional Event Branding)

Typical distance from Atlanta: Often within 1–2 hours’ drive, depending on host airport
Type of show: Large civilian and military demonstrations

The “Atlanta Air Show” name has been used for touring air show weekends that feature Atlanta in the title but may be staged at regional airports that serve the metro area (for example, airfields north or west of the city).

You can usually expect:

• Jet demo teams (depending on the year, sometimes military jets or top-tier civilian performers)
• Aerobatic stunt planes
• Parachute teams and formation flying
• Ground displays, food vendors, and family activities

Because the specific airport and date can change, this is one of the events you’ll want to look up each year by searching for the current “Atlanta Air Show” schedule and checking which airport is hosting.

2. Wings Over North Georgia Air Show (Rome, GA)

• Location: Richard B. Russell Regional Airport (RMG), 304 Russell Field Rd NE, Rome, GA 30165
• Approx. drive from downtown Atlanta: About 1.5 hours northwest

Wings Over North Georgia is a popular regional air show that often draws large crowds from the Atlanta area. Although it’s not inside the city limits, it’s one of the closest large-scale air shows to metro Atlanta.

Typical features include:

• Military jet teams or single-ship demos (when scheduled)
• Heritage flights (modern fighters flying with WWII or Vietnam-era warbirds)
• Large displays of vintage and modern aircraft on the ground
• Food trucks, kids’ zones, and VIP or premium seating options

Atlanta families often make it a day trip or weekend trip. Lodging in Rome can fill quickly on show weekends, so it’s wise to book early if you plan to stay overnight.

3. Air Shows at Military Bases Within Driving Distance

While not in the city, several regional military installations occasionally host open-house air shows that Atlantans attend:

Dobbins Air Reserve Base (Marietta, GA)

• Location: 1290 Richard Petty Blvd, Marietta, GA 30060
• Approx. drive from downtown Atlanta: About 25–35 minutes northwest

Dobbins has periodically hosted air shows or open house events with:

• Military and civilian static displays
• Flyovers and aerial demonstrations
• Opportunities to see airlift and cargo aircraft up close

These events are not necessarily annual and are typically publicized when scheduled, often under names like “Open House & Air Show” or similar.

Other Regional Bases

Bases in neighboring states (such as Alabama or South Carolina) sometimes host major shows that are within a 2–4 hour drive of Atlanta. Many Atlanta aviation enthusiasts will make a weekend trip to see:

• U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
• U.S. Navy Blue Angels
• Large military formation and capability demonstrations

If you’re willing to drive, it’s worth scanning regional base air show calendars in the Southeast.

4. Airport and Aviation Events Around Metro Atlanta

Even when there isn’t a full-scale “Airshow Atlanta” weekend, metro Atlanta has smaller aviation events that can scratch the same itch:

Dekalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK)

• Location: 2000 Airport Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341

PDK is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the region and periodically hosts:

• Aviation expos or community days
• Static displays of private jets, helicopters, and historic aircraft
• Occasional fly-ins or youth-focused aviation events

Events may not be branded as “air shows,” but they often include aircraft tours, pilot talks, and sometimes brief aerial demonstrations.

Local Fly-Ins and Open Houses

City and county airports around metro Atlanta — such as those in Gwinnett County, Fulton County, and Henry County — may host:

• Fly-in breakfast events (popular with pilots and aviation fans)
• Open house days with aircraft on display
• Limited aerobatic or formation flight demonstrations, if permitted

These are typically lower-key than a full air show but often easier for families with small children who want shorter lines and less noise.

What to Expect at an Atlanta-Area Air Show

If you’ve never been to an air show near Atlanta before, here’s what the experience usually looks like.

Typical Schedule and Format

Most shows follow a pattern like:

• Morning:
  • Gates open with parking and shuttles
  • Ground exhibits, static aircraft, and vendor booths open
• Midday to afternoon:
  • Opening ceremonies or parachute jumps
  • Aerobatic acts and jet team performances
• Late afternoon:
  • Headliner acts (jet teams, large formation flights)
  • Closing flyovers

Timelines vary with weather and performer availability, so you’ll want to arrive early and stay flexible.

Types of Aircraft and Performances

At larger Atlanta-area and regional air shows, you may see:

• Modern jets: Fighter or demo jets performing high-speed passes and maneuvers
• Vintage warbirds: WWII-era fighters and bombers flying or on static display
• Aerobatic stunt planes: Solo and formation aerobatics with smoke trails
• Helicopter demos: Search and rescue or tactical demonstrations
• Skydivers and jump teams: Flag jumps, formation parachuting

Smaller local events may focus more on static displays and general aviation aircraft, with limited aerobatic activity.

Planning Your Visit from Atlanta

Getting There and Parking

Since many “Airshow Atlanta” weekends are held at regional airports:

• Driving is usually the primary way to get there.
• Some shows offer off-site parking with shuttle buses to the airport gates.
• Plan to arrive early, especially if the show advertises a big-name jet team. Traffic can back up for miles before showtime.

If you’re staying in downtown or Midtown Atlanta and don’t want to drive yourself:

• Look into rideshare drop-off zones at the event, if allowed.
• For distant shows, some local aviation fans arrange carpools or charter buses.

Tickets and Seating

Many air shows use tiered ticketing:

• General admission: Lawn or open area seating — bring your own chairs or blankets.
• Reserved or premium seating: Chairs, shade tents, or closer viewing areas.
• VIP experiences: Sometimes include catered food, private restrooms, and prime views.

💡 Tip: Atlanta-area fall shows can still be very sunny and warm, while spring shows may be cooler but bright. Shade and seating comfort are worth considering if you’re bringing children or older family members.

Safety, Noise, and Comfort Tips

Air shows are exciting, but they can also be loud, hot, and crowded. A bit of planning goes a long way.

Noise Protection

Jet engines and aerobatic aircraft can be extremely loud, especially for:

• Children
• People with sensitive hearing
• Anyone standing near the flight line

Consider bringing:

• Over-ear hearing protection for kids
• Foam or silicone earplugs for adults
• Extra pairs in case someone forgets theirs

Weather and Sun

Metro Atlanta weather can be humid and sunny, especially in late spring and early fall when many events are held.

Pack:

• Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
• Refillable water bottles, if allowed (some shows permit sealed plastic bottles)
• Lightweight folding chairs or a small blanket for general admission areas

Some shows allow small coolers, while others restrict outside food and drinks to certain items, so it’s important to check event rules in advance.

Families and Accessibility

For families and visitors with accessibility needs, it helps to check:

• Stroller policies (many allow them, but terrain can be grassy or uneven)
• Accessibility options for wheelchairs or mobility scooters
• Restroom locations, including accessible and family restrooms
• Availability of quiet or shaded areas for breaks

Atlanta-area airports generally provide paved surfaces, but large crowd areas may also use grass fields as viewing zones or parking.

How to Stay Informed About Air Shows Around Atlanta

Because “Airshow Atlanta” can refer to different events over time, staying informed is key.

Here are practical ways Atlantans keep up with air show news:

1. Check Local Airport and Base Announcements

Airports that sometimes host or support aviation events include:

• Dekalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK)
  2000 Airport Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341

• Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY)
  3952 Aviation Cir NW, Atlanta, GA 30336

• Dobbins Air Reserve Base (Marietta)
  1290 Richard Petty Blvd, Marietta, GA 30060

Regional hosts, like Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Rome, will also promote upcoming shows.

2. Monitor Atlanta Media and Community Calendars

Local Atlanta news outlets and community calendars often list:

• Major regional air shows and flyovers
• Special holiday or tribute flypasts over downtown or stadiums
• Aviation-related festivals or STEM events for kids

These can be helpful if you want to catch a flyover from within the city rather than committing to a full day at an airfield.

3. Connect With Local Aviation Organizations

Atlanta and its suburbs have:

• Flying clubs and pilot groups
• Aviation museums or historical groups
• Youth programs like aviation STEM organizations

These communities often share information about upcoming air shows, fly-ins, and aviation events that might not be heavily advertised elsewhere.

Quick Reference: Air Show Options for Atlanta Residents

If you’re in or near Atlanta and craving the roar of jet engines and the sight of precision flying, you’ll almost always find at least one major air show within easy driving distance each year, plus smaller aviation events closer to home. The key is to check current-year schedules, decide how far you’re willing to travel, and plan for sun, noise, and crowds so you can enjoy the show safely and comfortably.