September 10, 2025

Aviation Discovery Fest Returns to Dallas Executive Airport

Dallas, September 10, 2025

News Summary

The Commemorative Air Force will hold the Aviation Discovery Fest at Dallas Executive Airport, featuring 20 historic aircraft and a variety of activities for attendees. The festival will focus on the theme of ‘Victory’ to honor the 80th anniversary of the Allies’ victory in World War II, with flight demonstrations, education programs, and Living History exhibits planned. Tickets for the event are available for purchase online, and educational opportunities are provided for registered school groups.

Dallas

The Commemorative Air Force will host the Aviation Discovery Fest at Dallas Executive Airport on October 3-4, 2024, with an expanded schedule of activities and exhibits marking the festival’s third year. The event centers on the theme “Victory” to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allies’ victory in World War II and will present historic aircraft displays, flight demonstrations, educational programming, and Living History exhibits.

What to expect at the festival

The festival will feature a total of 20 historic aircraft, primarily from the World War II era. Notable aircraft on display include the B-29 Superfortress FIFI, P-51 Mustang Red Nose, B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil, P-40 Warhawk, and the Douglas R4D Ready for Duty. Many aircraft will be available for paid rides, with additional airplane rides scheduled on Sunday, October 5, following the main festival.

Event schedule and daily hours

The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, October 3, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 4. Education Day for registered school groups and homeschooled children takes place on Friday, with free admission for those groups that register in advance.

Tickets and admission

Standard ticket prices are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Children aged 5 and younger are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. A family pass is available for $40, which includes two adult tickets and up to three children’s tickets. Tickets can be purchased online at aviationdiscoveryfest.org.

Activities and programming

The festival program includes:

Warbird rides and paid flight experiences.
Cockpit tours and flight demonstrations.
Living History area with re-enactors and military vehicles.
Immersive exhibits and interactive hands-on experiences.
Aviation Discovery Zone with STEM-related activities and live performances.
First-hand veteran accounts and veteran tributes.
A classic car show featuring vehicles from the 1930s through the 1950s.

Education Day and outreach

Education Day on Friday, October 3, offers free admission for registered school groups and homeschool students. The Aviation Discovery Zone is designed to provide classroom-linked STEM activities and demonstrations, intended to help students learn basic principles of flight, aviation history, and related technology. Registration information for Education Day is available through the festival website.

Volunteers and logistics

Volunteers are needed throughout the weekend to support operations, assist visitors, and help with educational activities. Interested volunteers can find details and sign-up information on the event website. The festival site is located at 5657 Mariner Drive, Dallas, Texas.

Background and purpose

This will be the third year the Commemorative Air Force has presented the Aviation Discovery Fest. The organization’s stated focus for the event is the preservation and sharing of American military aviation history, with particular attention this year to World War II and the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory. The fest combines aircraft displays with educational programming and community-oriented experiences to reach both aviation enthusiasts and general audiences.

Admission and additional notes

Visitors planning to attend should purchase tickets in advance when possible and review the festival website for details on paid flight rides, which may require separate reservations and fees. Additional airplane rides are scheduled for Sunday, October 5, offering extended opportunities for flight experiences beyond the main two-day festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the Aviation Discovery Fest?

The festival is scheduled for October 3-4, 2024, at Dallas Executive Airport, located at 5657 Mariner Drive, Dallas, Texas. Event hours are 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday.

What is the theme of this year’s festival?

The theme is “Victory,” commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allies’ victory in World War II.

How much do tickets cost and where can I buy them?

Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors. Children aged 5 and younger are free with a ticketed adult. A family pass (two adults and up to three children) is $40. Tickets are available at aviationdiscoveryfest.org.

Are there educational programs for schools?

Yes. Education Day is on Friday, October 3, and registered school groups and homeschooled children receive free admission. The Aviation Discovery Zone offers STEM activities and related learning experiences.

Will there be aircraft rides and demonstrations?

Yes. Warbird rides, cockpit tours, and flight demonstrations are part of the festival. Some flights require separate paid reservations. Additional airplane rides will be offered on Sunday, October 5.

How can I volunteer?

Volunteers are being recruited for weekend roles. Details and registration are available on the festival website.

What other attractions will be at the festival?

In addition to aircraft displays, the festival will include Living History exhibits, re-enactors, military vehicles, a classic car show, interactive exhibits, and live performances.

Key Festival Features

Feature	Details
Dates	October 3–4, 2024 (additional airplane rides on October 5)
Location	Dallas Executive Airport, 5657 Mariner Drive, Dallas, TX
Aircraft on display	20 historic aircraft, including B-29 FIFI, P-51 Red Nose, B-24 Diamond Lil, P-40 Warhawk, Douglas R4D
Hours	Friday 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admission	Adults $20; Students & Seniors $15; Children 5 & under free with adult; Family pass $40
Education Day	Friday for registered school groups and homeschooled children — free admission with registration
Other attractions	Living History area, STEM Aviation Discovery Zone, classic car show, veteran tributes, interactive exhibits

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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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