Tyler will host the Rose City AirFest this October at the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, an event designed to raise funds for Camp V and the military families it serves across East Texas. The airfest is scheduled to kick off on Oct. 9 and continue through Oct. 11.
The weekend begins on Wednesday, Oct. 9, with a hangar party dedicated to celebrating East Texas veterans. This opening event will include a dinner, a presentation to honor a local veteran, live music performed by the U.S. Air Force rock band, and a drone show.
The main airshow portion of the festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11. These days will feature military aircraft and a range of aerial demonstrations. Co-chairs Bob Westbrook and Roy Gillean confirmed details about the aircraft lineup, which is set to include F-16 fighters, KC-135 and KC-46 refuelers, and a prop-driven aerobatic performance by the Red Bull Air Force. The event will also feature the country’s sole flying Vietnam-era F-4 Phantom.
Attendees who arrive early on Saturday or Sunday will have the opportunity to walk inside a C-17 cargo plane. Beyond the aerial displays, the weekend schedule includes performances by a motorcycle jump team and an exotic car driving experience, offering rides in vehicles such as a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
Gates for the airshow will open at 9 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with parking lots accessible starting at 8 a.m. Shuttles will be available to transport attendees from designated airport parking areas to the event grounds. Food trucks will begin serving at 11 a.m. on both airshow days. The grounds will also host local food and merchandise vendors, various family activities, and booths for veteran service organizations.
All proceeds generated from the Rose City AirFest are designated to support Camp V. This Tyler-based resource center provides comprehensive support services to more than 145,000 veterans spread across a 14-county region in East Texas.
Tickets for the event are available for purchase online through the Rose City AirFest website and can also be bought at the gate. General admission at the gate is $40. A discounted admission price of $25 is offered for military veterans, and tickets for children aged 5 to 12 are $5. Additional seating tiers and sponsorship packages are also listed online.
