The 40th annual Commemorative Air Force Show, Wings Over Houston, takes place at Ellington Airport on Oct. 26-27 this year.

The nonprofit event will showcase vintage World War II aircraft and modern aviation. Proceeds are used to sponsor a scholarship program for students pursuing careers in aviation, aircraft restoration, and many area non-profit groups, according to the event website.

The CAF is made up of aircraft from the Houston Wing, Gulf Coast Wing, “Tora, Tora, Tora” Pearl Harbor re-enactors and the Vietnam War Flight Museum. The show features famous battle reenactments with pyrotechnics to simulate a “near real experience,” according to the show’s press kit.
U.S. Navy and Marines Blue Angels will perform flight demonstrations in Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets (Courtesy Wings Over Houston)
U.S. Navy and Marines Blue Angels will perform flight demonstrations in Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets (Courtesy Wings Over Houston)
What to expect

Military aviators and skydivers will demonstrate various aerial techniques, while the CAF’s “Tora, Tora, Tora” group will recreate the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor as a living history lesson, an airshow spokesperson said.

"This year's event is a celebration of the community we've built over the past 40 years by sharing our passion for aviation," Executive Director Bill Roach said in an emailed statement. "We are thankful to have a platform to give back to our Houston community, as well as provide an opportunity to honor and support our military personnel."
The 40th Wings Over Houston celebrates military personnel and gives back to local organizations. (Courtesy Wings Over Houston)
The 40th Wings Over Houston celebrates military personnel and gives back to local organizations. (Courtesy Wings Over Houston)
Attendees can access the displays, including a special NASA aircraft, and get the chance to meet pilots and aircrew of civilian and military aircraft. The event also features a kid’s carnival, interactive exhibits and a variety of local food and novelty vendors, the spokesperson said.


Performances include:
The nonprofit event showcases military aircraft and features a Pearl Harbor flight reenactment. (Courtesy Karie Hubnik)
Attendees can access a special NASA aircraft and get the chance to meet pilots and aircrew of civilian and military aircraft. (Courtesy Karie Hubnik)
The details

Ellington Airport’s gates open at 8 a.m., and aerial performances begin between 10-10:30 a.m. There will be no admittance after 3 p.m.

Free shuttle bus service is included with each ticket purchase. The three pick-up locations are:
  • Bay Area Park and Ride at Feather Craft: 801 Bay Area Blvd., Houston
  • Fuqua Park and Ride at Sagetree: 11755 Sabo Road, Houston
  • Eldorado Park and Ride near Sam’s Club: 203 W. Eldorado Blvd., Friendswood
For more information and discount ticket prices, visit the Wings Over Houston website.