Largest Fourth of July Air Show in Country Voted No. 4 Last Year, Now Competing for Top Spot

*BATTLE CREEK, Mich.* — Battle Creek Field of Flight Airshow and Balloon Festival is competing once again to be the best air show in the nation. The West Michigan event, held annually at the Battle Creek Executive Airport, was voted No. 4 in the country last year in a USA Today 10best Readers' poll and is now asking fans to help it reach the top spot in 2026.

The festival runs July 1 through 5, 2026, and combines military and civilian air demonstrations with twilight and night shows, fireworks, concerts, carnival rides, hot air balloon launches, shopping, food vendors, a marathon and 5K, and more.

Vote to Make Michigan's Largest Air Show the Nation's Favorite

Last year Battle Creek Field of Flight Airshow and Balloon Festival was voted No. 4 in the country in a USA Today 10best Readers' poll. Can we get it to No. 1 in 2026? It's competing with 19 other air shows selected by experts and now it's up to a public vote.

You can vote once per day through May 6 to help pick the 2026 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Air Show.

2026 Lineup Packed with Top Performers

The 2026 lineup is packed with top performers. Highlights include:

  • F-35A Lightning II Demo Team
  • Golden Knights parachute team
  • Skip Stewart in his Pitts biplane "Prometheus"
  • Mini Jet Airshows featuring the SubSonex Microjet
  • Misty Blues, an all-women skydiving team

The festival also honors the late aerobatic legend Rob Holland.

Full Schedule of Events

July 1 (Wednesday)

  • The American Ride Toby Keith Tribute — 7:30 p.m.
  • First 800 children receive gift pack at Kids Day
  • First fireworks show of the event

July 2 (Thursday)

  • Tyler Roy Band — 7:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
  • Air show performances begin

July 3 (Friday)

  • Megan Rae Band — 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Air show performances continue
  • Second fireworks show of the event

July 4 (Saturday)

  • The Insiders Tom Petty Tribute — 9:30 p.m.
  • Military Appreciation Day — those with military ID get in free
  • Fourth of July fireworks

July 5 (Sunday)

  • The Air Force Roots in Blue Top 40 Ensemble — 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Military Appreciation Day tickets $15 or free with military ID

Historical Significance

Battle Creek Field of Flight has established itself as one of the premier air shows in the Midwest. The event has consistently ranked among the top air shows in the nation according to USA Today 10best readers' polls.

The festival is one of the largest Fourth of July air shows in the entire country. It's back in the spotlight, competing once again to be the best in the nation.

The event has drawn crowds from across Michigan and surrounding states, featuring a mix of military demonstrations, civilian aerobatic teams, and family-friendly activities.

What Makes Field of Flight Special

The festival combines multiple attractions that appeal to all ages:

  • Military and civilian air demonstrations featuring some of the best aerobatic teams in the world
  • Hot air balloon launches creating spectacular aerial displays
  • Carnival rides and amusement activities
  • Live music concerts with multiple acts over the weekend
  • Drone shows adding a modern technological element to the festivities
  • Fireworks displays at twilight and night
  • Marathon and 5K running events
  • Shopping and food vendors offering local vendors and restaurants

The festival also includes special days like Kids Day where the first 800 children that enter receive a gift pack, and Military Appreciation Day where active duty military and veterans can attend free.

Community Impact

Field of Flight has become a cornerstone community event in Battle Creek, drawing thousands of visitors each year and supporting local businesses through the festival weekend. The event brings economic benefits to the community while providing entertainment and education about aviation and military operations.

The festival's popularity has grown over the years, with the air show alone featuring over a dozen participants in the lineup including prestigious demonstration teams like the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

How to Get Involved

Fans can vote daily through May 6 to help Battle Creek Field of Flight win the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Air Show. Each vote counts, and the event organizers are hoping to see their homegrown festival take the top spot in the nation.

Tickets and more information can be found online, with Military Appreciation Day offering free admission for those with military ID.

Sources

  • WGRD: "Battle Creek Field of Flight Races to Be America's Best Air Show" — https://wgrd.com/vote-battle-creek-air-show-2026/
  • WWMT: "Field of Flight brings hot-air balloons, a carnival, air show and more to West Michigan" — https://wwmt.com/news/local/field-flight-hot-air-balloons-carnival-fourth-july-fireworks-view-tickets-schedule-events-community-live-music-drone-show-battle-creek-western-michigan
  • Battle Creek Enquirer: "Battle Creek Field of Flight among top US air shows, only one in Michigan to rank in top 10" — https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/story/entertainment/2025/06/27/michigan-must-see-attractions-battle-creek-field-of-flight-air-show-in-july-us-reader-poll/84374467007/