What To Know About The 2024 Duluth Airshow

The annual Northland aviation tradition returns as the 2024 Duluth Airshow is set to take off this weekend.

Two days of high-flying airborne performances and ground displays and attractions will once again await crowds on Saturday and Sunday at the Duluth Airport.

While this year's event is a little earlier on the calendar than it has been in the last couple of years, a lot of great performances and static displays will be on hand for this year.

This year's lineup includes the headlining performers from the United States Air Force Thunderbirds as the big show at the end of both days this weekend. While this headliner may be one of the biggest draws for the weekend, there's an awful lot more to see and do through the weekend both on the ground and in the sky.

Here's what to know about this weekend's Duluth Airshow, running Saturday, May 18 through Sunday, May 19:

2024 Duluth Airshow Performers & Ground Displays

On the ground

Visiting the Duluth Airshow includes a huge amount of vendors and displays to check out as part of your visit. Included in this year's lineup of static displays on the ground are as follows:

• F-22 (192nd FW)
• F-16 (148th FW)
• A-10 (303rd FS)
• KC-46 (97th AMW)
• C-130 (133rd ALW)
• CH-47 (MN Army Guard)
• UH-60 (MN Army Guard)
• T-38 (71st FTW)
• T-6 (14th FTW)
• BT-13
• T-34
• North American SNJ-4
• PT-22
• Stearman (N2S)
• Chinese CJ-6
• L-5
• L-17
• Cirrus SF-50
• Cirrus SR-22
• T-1 (47th FTW)

In the air

Taking center stage this year among performers and demonstrations includes a dozen different groups:

• U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
• U.S. Navy F-18 Rhino Demonstration
• Skip Stewart
• MIG-17 Randy Ball
• MN Air National Guard F-16 (148th FW)
• Britt Lincoln and her Extra 330SC
• Patriot Parachute Team
• P-38 Lightning
• US Air Force C-17 Demonstration
• US Air Force KC-135 Demonstration
• Jerry Conley (Vampire Airshows)
• B-25 Miss Mitchell

A couple of things to look for:

• Tom Cruise impersonator "Maverick" and an "Iceman" impersonator will be at this year's show! Keep an eye out for them walking around during the event.
• The "Voice of the Duluth Airshow" will be hanging up his headset after this year. Rob Reider has been announcing at air shows for over 25 years, including many years of being the friendly voice you hear while attending the Duluth Airshow. More about his retirement here.

Schedule of Events

The schedule is the same for both Saturday and Sunday. Gates open to the public at 9:00 am, with flying getting underway at 11:00 am. Flying continues through the day, ending by 4:30 pm. You can continue to see ground displays on the grounds until gates close at 6:00 pm.

The specific performer schedule is announced day-of, on-site as times are subject to change due to a number of factors.

Parking

There are a number of on-site and satellite lots for a number of needs. Among different parking options are on-site general admission parking, upgraded on-site parking, motorcycle parking, disabled parking, RV day parking, weekend camping/parking, and express shuttle lot parking.

Known as the Teal Lot, off-site shuttle lot parking can be found off Rice Lake Road at the Arrowpointe Medical Center. This is a great option to avoid the large amount of traffic - especially at the end of the event.

You can see maps and costs for all parking on the Duluth Airshow website.

Important Info, Things You Can/Can't Bring & Tips To Know

For general admission attendees, bringing a chair and some sunscreen is a great idea. The show is conducted in an open space along the airfield, so there isn't much in the way of shade. Bringing a folding or bag chair is a great way to give you a comfortable place to enjoy the show.

One thing you can't bring in is coolers or outside food or beverages. If you had hoped to bring a cooler for beverages and/or seating, this is not allowed. Food and beverage providers will be available on-site, though each visitor is allowed to bring in one personal-sized water bottle or container, under 20 ounces.

You'll absolutely want to consider bringing sunglasses, and bringing earplugs or earmuffs is a very good idea. While some of the demonstrations are not very loud, some can be quite loud, and having ear protection will make enjoying the show easier.

Bring your camera! Whether it's your cell phone or a larger camera, everyone is welcome to bring your camera to capture the show and share the memories! Just know that cameras in a bag may be subject to search before entering the grounds.

Finally, consider bringing cash. Some vendors do accept credit cards and you can pay with a credit card to get into the show, but cash is king. There will be some ATMs on site, but having cash with you will make it easier to pay for everything.

While you're waiting, here are some photos from the 2021 Duluth Airshow, when the US Navy Blue Angels were the headlining act.