CHANTILLY, Va., May 13, 2025 — The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center will host its annual “Innovations in Flight” event on Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., showcasing over 50 vintage, modern, and commercial aircraft on outdoor display. The event, held outside the museum in Chantilly, Virginia, will feature World War II-era trainers, fighters, and bombers to mark the 80th anniversary of the war’s end, alongside military reenactors. Visitors can reserve free passes for the outdoor display starting May 13 at 7 p.m. on the museum’s website.
The “Innovations in Flight Outdoor Aviation Display” will highlight a century of aviation engineering and design. Attendees can interact with pilots and explore aircraft cockpits and cabins. Aircraft expected to participate include a WP-3 Hurricane Hunter from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an A400 Atlas, and various civilian planes. United Airlines sponsors the event, which draws large crowds annually.
Inside the museum, the “Soar Together at Air and Space” family day, supported by Northrop Grumman, will focus on the U.S. home front during World War II. No passes are required for indoor activities, which include Smithsonian Ham Radio Club demonstrations, a Morse code activity, coloring “flyable” planes, meeting reenactors, and swing dancing with a live band. These programs cater to families and children, offering hands-on engagement with aviation history.
Public transportation is recommended due to limited parking, which costs $15. The Fairfax Connector’s 983 bus connects to the Innovation Center Metro station, with schedules and fares available at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector. The Udvar-Hazy Center, located near Washington Dulles International Airport, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except December 25. Admission is free, and timed-entry passes are not needed for regular indoor visits.
The event underscores the museum’s mission to preserve and share aviation history. The National Air and Space Museum, with locations in Washington, D.C., and Chantilly, attracts millions annually. The D.C. site, at Jefferson Drive between 4th and 7th Streets S.W., requires timed-entry passes and is open daily from 10 a whistles to 5:30 p.m., except December 25. The Udvar-Hazy Center, opened in 2003, houses larger aircraft and artifacts, complementing the D.C. location.
“Innovations in Flight” has become a flagship event since its inception, offering rare access to aircraft not typically displayed. The inclusion of World War II-era planes this year ties to global commemorations of the war’s end in 1945, providing educational value through reenactors and interactive exhibits. The family day activities indoors ensure broad appeal, connecting younger visitors to historical and scientific concepts through play and discovery.
Travelers should plan ahead, as the event’s popularity may strain parking and transit options. The museum advises checking its website for updates on aircraft participation and event details. With its blend of history, technology, and family-friendly programming, “Innovations in Flight” offers a unique opportunity to explore aviation’s past and present.
