# Event Details

- **Event Name**: AirFest 2026 – WWII Aircraft, Fly-Ins, & Family Fun
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 05 Sep, 2026 at 10:00 am – Sat, 05 Sep, 2026 at 04:00 pm (-04:00)
- **Event Description**: Get ready for four unforgettable days of aviation history in action! We’re excited to announce the return of AirFest, NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum’s signature annual event, taking place 
Thursday, September 3 through Sunday, September 6, 2026. AirFest continues to grow—and this year promises an incredible lineup of operational and historic aircraft.

Thanks to our partnerships with the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, the Tunison Foundation, the Commemorative Air Force Capital Wing, and other participating organizations, visitors can look forward to:

Messerschmitt Me 262 – Once again scheduled to appear at AirFest, the Me 262 represents the world’s first operational jet fighter. Capable of speeds exceeding 500 mph, it outpaced nearly every Allied fighter it encountered during the final months of World War II. Although introduced too late to alter the war’s outcome, its revolutionary design helped shape the future of military aviation.

C-47 “Luck of the Irish” – Delivered to the 75th Troop Carrier Squadron in September 1944, Luck of the Irish is an authentic World War II veteran that flew combat resupply missions during the Battle of the Bulge, dropping supplies to surrounded troops at Bastogne. She later took part in Operation Varsity, towing two Waco CG-4A gliders filled with troops into Germany. During the war, the aircraft flew 25 combat resupply missions and participated in at least 96 missions of various types. Restored to flight by Air Heritage Aviation Museum, Luck of the Irish continues flying today as a remarkable link to the aircrews and airborne forces of World War II.  

Aero L-39 Albatros - Developed in Czechoslovakia by Aero Vodochody, the L-39 Albatros became one of the world’s most successful military jet trainers. First flown in 1968, nearly 3,000 were produced and the type has trained generations of military pilots around the world.  

TBM Avenger “Doris Mae” – The largest single-engine bomber of World War II, the TBM Avenger carried torpedoes and bombs from the decks of American aircraft carriers. Its enormous folding wings and powerful design made it one of the Navy’s most formidable strike aircraft.

Fuji LM-1 and Beechcraft T-34 Mentor – AirFest will welcome two closely related but distinct aircraft: an original T-34 Mentor and the rare Japanese Fuji LM-1 developed from its design. The T-34 trained generations of military aviators, while Fuji Heavy Industries enlarged and strengthened the design to create the four-seat LM-1 for communications and utility duties. Only 27 LM-1s were built, and the visiting aircraft is one of only a handful believed to remain flying.

Fairchild UC-61 Forwarder “Miss Cherrie II” – Built as a light transport and utility aircraft, the UC-61 also played a role in protecting the American coastline during World War II. Aircraft of this type conducted anti-submarine patrols along the Atlantic Coast.

Stinson OY-1 Sentinel “Gayle Ann” – This rare U.S. Marine Corps liaison aircraft has genuine Pacific combat history. Transported aboard the escort carrier USS White Plains, it flew artillery-spotting missions during the Battle of Saipan in June 1944. Its current “Gayle Ann” markings honor a decorated L-5 flown by the 25th Liaison Squadron. 

SNJ (AT-6 Texan) – Before taking the controls of frontline combat aircraft, thousands of World War II aviators trained in the SNJ, the U.S. Navy’s version of the AT-6 Texan. SNJs were used at NAS Wildwood to prepare naval aviators for combat flying, giving these aircraft a special connection to the station’s history. One SNJ is scheduled to appear throughout AirFest, with two additional examples expected to join the flight line on separate days.

Additional flying legends may still join the lineup—and at AirFest, you never know what might fly in next!

More Than Just Aircraft

AirFest brings together four full days of aviation, history, entertainment, and family fun. Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy:

● The museum’s collection of 28 aircraft and helicopters
● Military vehicles, fire trucks, and living-history reenactors
● Smokey Bear and a New Jersey Forest Fire Service aircraft on Thursday
● AtlantiCare helicopter displays on Friday and Sunday
● Cape May County Mosquito Control’s Bell 206 Jet Ranger on Saturday
● The Aero Club of Pennsylvania and EAA Fly-In on Saturday
● Live music by the John Walter Cape Community Band on Thursday, Maddie Hogan on Friday, and Animal House on Saturday and Sunday
● Food vendors and local artisans
● Free face painting and caricatures
● Magnolia Sadies Vintage Dancers on Saturday
● Ted Schwartz’s 1940s-style live radio show throughout the event

Additional appearances are being coordinated with Atlanticare, the New Jersey State Police, U.S. Coast Guard, military agencies, public-safety organizations, private aircraft owners, and other operators.

A visiting DC-3 and an exceptionally rare Yak-52TD—one of only 21 built and one of just three believed to be in the United States—may also join the lineup, pending confirmation.

Aircraft participation, arrival times, the event schedule, and availability for static display are subject to change due to operational missions, weather, maintenance, or other unforeseen circumstances. Follow us on Facebook and our other social media channels, and join our email list for the latest announcements and the full AirFest agenda as the event approaches.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/erma/airfest-2026-wwii-aircraft-fly-ins-and-family-fun/200030659475706
- **Event Categories**: air-shows, music, entertainment, live-music, art, fine-arts
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 90

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Erma
- **state**: NJ
- **country**: United States
- **location**: Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
- **lat**: 39.005045081623
- **long**: -74.90954875946
- **full address**: Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Erma, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: AirFest 2026 – WWII Aircraft, Fly-Ins, & Family Fun
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/3a248b16b4ad22e8741623f13b0160b01e8e48fb7d1a456ceb1e138171fbded2-rimg-w1200-h675-dc182838-gmir?v=1788563945

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is AirFest 2026 - WWII Aircraft, Fly-Ins, & Family Fun being held?
  - **A:** AirFest 2026 - WWII Aircraft, Fly-Ins, & Family Fun takes place on Sat, 05 Sep, 2026 at 10:00 am to Sat, 05 Sep, 2026 at 04:00 pm at Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Erma, United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing AirFest 2026 - WWII Aircraft, Fly-Ins, & Family Fun?
  - **A:** AirFest 2026 - WWII Aircraft, Fly-Ins, & Family Fun is organized by Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** AirFest 2026 - WWII Aircraft, Fly-Ins, & Family Fun is ideal for art lovers, trade professionals, collectors, and exhibition enthusiasts exploring the latest in their field. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Erma, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. With 90+ people already showing interest, this is clearly an event worth adding to your calendar - don't miss out.

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