The Owensboro Air Show marks the end of my air show season, and I can’t think of a better way to finish it. This show isn’t an exhausting, all-day marathon; instead, it offers easy access, no drama, and a stunning venue to witness world-class performers over a perfect 3.5 hours.
When I first attended the Owensboro Air Show in 2015, I was amazed by the caliber of acts. Name almost any U.S. Air Combat Command Demo Team (with the A-10 being the exception), and chances are they’ve supported Owensboro. Even all the three big North American jet teams – Thunderbirds, Blue Angels and Snowbirds – have attended within the last decade. This show consistently delivers, making it a gem in a fantastic location at the perfect time of year.
There’s something magical about mid-September in Owensboro. The show seems to always produce cumulus clouds – my favorite air show backdrop. Although Friday night’s event was rained out, Saturday and Sunday (the day I attended) were perfect. I started by strolling along Smothers Park, a beautifully maintained riverside park just under a quarter mile (0.4km) long. It’s one of the most family-friendly venues I’ve found – perfect for families with kids who might not last through an all-day event. The crowd was buzzing with anticipation.
A big plus is that the Owensboro Air Show is free to the public, though if you prefer reserved seating, options abound. Some packages offer better views, meals, shade, and even elevated seating. Still, there isn’t a bad spot anywhere along the Ohio River. Even food and drink prices were surprisingly reasonable – $3 for a bottle of water! That’s a steal compared to other venues this season.
The show kicked off with a solo Wings of Blue jumper from a U.S. Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry. Once he landed safely, three more jumpers followed. English Park, another popular viewing spot, was the target for their landing, while show center was right in front of the pier. After the jumps, the Ocean Sentry came back for a flat pass in front of the crowd. Next, Redline Airshows impressed with a solo RV-8 demo. It’s always fun to see a homebuilt aircraft in an air show. These pilots are professionals, but it’s cool knowing that you could potentially build and fly one of these yourself with enough skill and approvals.
The Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing, brought two stunning bombers to Owensboro as their east coast tour transitions to the midwest before heading home: B-17G Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey” (Registration N9323Z) and B-25J Mitchell “Maid in the Shade” (Registration N125AZ). Both aircraft made multiple flat passes from opposite ends of the airbox, showing off their polished aluminum skins against a partly cloudy blue sky. While they didn’t fly together, each aircraft’s presence was a powerful nod to history. Air show announcer Rob Reider thoughtfully paused his commentary during one pass from each aircraft, allowing the crowd to fully absorb the sound of those vintage engines—an experience that speaks directly to the heart of aviation enthusiasts.
Owensboro introduced me to the Northern Stars Aeroteam, a group of Canadian Air Force veterans flying Pitts Specials. This was their second US airshow. Pilots Mario Hamel, Todd Farrell, and Greg Hume-Powell flew solo and formation routines that were highly entertaining. The triple stall turns and the Echelon Topside Pass were visual treats, while the corkscrew had me watching in awe, camera by my side.
Friends of Vintage Flight from Bowling Green, Kentucky, showcased their Curtiss Robin (Registration NC395K) to the delight of the crowd. I love the contrast an aircraft like the Robin brings to the lineup. Sandwiched between the Northern Stars Aeroteam’s energetic performance and the adrenaline-pumping F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, the Robin provided a moment to catch your breath. It’s a beautiful reminder of aviation’s quieter, slower roots before the roar of fast jets takes over.
The F-35A was the first of two jet displays at Owensboro, and one more reason why this show stands out. With the Ohio River as the backdrop, the F-35A Demonstration Team was able to dump flares. The combination of the aircraft, atmospheric conditions and flares made for some of my best Lightning II photos yet. After Capt. Melanie Kluesner concluded the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team’s exhilarating routine, she joined up with the P-51D “Jack’s Happy Go Buggy” (Registration N74190) for the Heritage Flight. The duo made graceful, sweeping passes that elegantly combined the power of modern technology with the classic lines of World War II aviation. After the formation break, the P-51 treated the crowd to a few spirited solo passes while the F-35A dazzled with additional high-speed “zoomies” that thrilled the audience below.
Rob Holland, a multi-award-winning aerobatic pilot, took to the sky next. His custom MXS-RH packs 375 horsepower into a 1,200-pound (545kg) frame. Watching him, I often try to guess the stick and rudder inputs needed for those extreme maneuvers, but before I can figure it out, he’s on to the next move. Holland’s dedication is unmatched – less than a month earlier, he competed in the 2024 World Aerobatic Championships in Poland, finishing in a career-best third place. Owensboro was his 17th event of the season.
The Blue Angels closed the show with their usual elite precision. I was hoping for more vapor during the sneak pass due to the humidity, but it didn’t happen. Still, this is my favorite venue for photographing sneak passes. With the Ohio River in full view and the “Blue Bridge” at the east, you get a nearly eye-level view of the lead solo as they level out just 50ft above the water. Note the best sneak pass images are going to come from the west to show center. Beyond that, Lieutenant Commander Griffin Stangel pitches the jet up to avoid the “Blue Bridge” to the east.
As the show wrapped, I took my time packing up and made the easy ten-minute walk to my car. Traffic had thinned out by then, and I was able to merge smoothly into the roadway—no stress, no hassle. That’s my kind of exit.
The Owensboro Air Show continues to be the icing on my airshow season cake. It wasn’t the largest show I attended. It wasn’t the longest. And it didn’t need to be. It’s a low-effort, high-reward event at a top-notch venue with just the right amount of action. I left feeling energized, already planning my 2025 season. While the next Owensboro date hasn’t been announced yet, rest assured, I’ll be there.