Quad City Air Show Returns with U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

Quad Cites – After a several-year hiatus, the 32nd Quad City Air Show returns in 2023 to showcase aviation in the skies of the Quad Cities.  This year’s Quad City Air Show features the incredible United States Air Force Thunderbirds on June 24-25, 2023, at the Davenport Municipal Airport.

The Quad City Air Show is a world-class event and an Aerial Salute with the best military and civilian pilots and aircraft in the world.  In addition to the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, you’ll see in the skies the USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team with the Raptor Demo flown by a local QC pilot named Captain Sam Larson, who graduated from Bettendorf High School in 2011, and in 2015 graduated from the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs. He then entered Flight School and today is flying the unbelievable F-22 Raptor.

Also in the skies, you’ll see the SkyHawks Canadian Forces Parachute Demonstration Team, AeroShell Aerobatic Team performing tight, awe-inspiring formation aerial maneuvers; Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation featuring modern fighter and attack aircraft flying alongside WWII, Korean and Vietnam-era planes in a dramatic display of our nation's air power history.

What’s going on in the sky is only one piece of the event at the Davenport Municipal Airport, 9230 Harrison St. in Davenport, Iowa.  There are military and general airplanes on display giving an opportunity to talk to the pilots, WWII aircrafts and displays, and many ground exhibits with activities.  Go for a helicopter ride, try the flight simulator or Army Challenge course, play Kidspace Games, or see the USAF Performance Lab, Army Special Ops Display, and USAF Major Ground Display.

Gates open at 8 a.m. with the main air show going from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

President and Founder Ken Hopper says, “My goal has always been to highlight aviation, the importance of airports, highlight the greatest military in the world, showcase the rare and important aircraft from WWII, and provide a first-class, family entertainment event.”

Tickets for youth age 6-10 are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate, adult ages 11 and over are $30 in advance and $40 at the gate.  Parking is also available for $8 in advance and $10 at the gate.  Coolers, pets, bikes, scooters, skates/skateboards are not allowed.  Wheelchairs and other such devices are allowed.  For more information on the Quad City Air Show, visit www.quadcityairshow.com

The Quad Cities is a family of communities located on the Mississippi River.  The area is just a 2-½ hour drive from Des Moines, Iowa, and Chicago, Illinois.  It is easily accessible via I-80, I-74, I-88 and several major state highways.

Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities is the official Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO) for the region.  Visit Quad Cities is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit engine charged with driving economic opportunity through tourism, improves quality of life and markets the Quad Cities brand by attracting visitors, meetings/conventions, sporting events, and group tours to the area.  For more information, visit us online at www.visitquadcities.com, call 800-747-7800 and be sure to connect with us on social media.