High-Flying Fun at the Tinker
Air Show BY LINDSAY CUOMO. PHOTOS PROVIDED.
SPONSORED BY
KIDS CAN ENGAGE IN HANDS-ON STEM ACTIVITIES INSIDE A WORKING AIRPLANE HANGER.
O klahoma's largest air show is back, with the high-flying U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlining the free two-day Tinker Air Show June 28 and 29 at Tinker Air Force Base. Kids (and adults!) of all ages are invited to learn about our state’s second largest industry, aviation and aerospace, as well as Tinker’s missions and the military. “This is our chance to thank the community and provide an opportunity for people to come on base to learn about what goes on at Tinker, to pull back the curtains, if you will, about the many services and the different areas of support,” said Lt. Col. Eric Cring, Tinker Air Show director. “Most people are not aware that Tinker is a maintenance depot that helps keep many portions of our Air Force fleet flying.” Thrills in the air and on the ground This year’s lineup includes some new-to-the-show aerial acts, including an MV-22 Osprey, Franklin’s Flying Circus air comedy act, Brittanee Lincoln in the Extra 330 Aerobatic Air Act, The Trojan Phlyers Flight Demonstration Team in a pair of T-28s and a KC-46 Demonstration. Other stand-out acts include a Pearl Harbor reenactment by Tora! Tora! Tora! and, returning for the first time since 2014, Randy Ball, an experienced demonstration pilot flying a MiG-17. “Warriors of Air and Space” is the theme for the 2025 Tinker Air Show, highlighting the warrior ethos, hard work and contributions of the military and civilian members of Tinker Air Force Base. Families can also explore static displays of modern and historic military aircraft, military recruiting exhibits such as the Air Force’s Tactical Experience and view performances by the USAF Honor Guard Drill Team.
Hands-on fun in STEM City In addition to a full slate of entertaining, high-flying acts, STEM will again be at the forefront of this year’s free community event. Dubbed “STEM City,” an aircraft hangar will be filled with a variety of hands-on activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. Kids can engage with simulators, robotics, drone technology, snap circuits and more, while exploring potential career opportunities. “We want to encourage younger generations to get involved in the field of aerospace and encourage them to learn more about the many jobs available,” said Cliff Harden, STEM outreach program manager at Tinker AFB. “There’s everything from becoming a pilot to cyber security, 3D Graphics and imaging to engineering and aircraft maintenance.” Activities in STEM City are provided by community partners and are free to enjoy. Know before you go Admission, parking and shuttles are free, but Tinker officials advise families to arrive early since the gates will close when capacity is reached. Gates open at 8 a.m. with many activities beginning at 8:30 a.m. Aerial demonstrations begin at approximately 11:30 a.m. with the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Wings of Blue sky diving team. All air acts are expected to be performed on both days, but the order of performers may change. Both shows will end with the Thunderbirds. Visitors are encouraged to park at Building 9001, formerly the General Motors Plant, off SE 74th Street, accessible from I-240. Shuttle buses will run continuously both days, dropping guests near the air show entrance. Additional on-base parking is available from Douglas Boulevard through the Liberator and Lancer Gates and through the Hruskocy Gate at I-40 near 29th Street. A walk-in or vehicle drop-off option is available at the Liberator Gate. The only paid attractions are the preferred seating areas, a Flight Line Club premium area with shade tents and catering, and the Kidz Zone, featuring inflatables, games, a rock wall and more. Preferred seating and club tickets are available online at air.show/tinker. Kidz Zone wristbands are $20 at the event.
44 SUMMER FUN GUIDE
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