Gary Air Show Weekend

The Gary Air Show Weekend takes place August 9-10, 2025, at Marquette Park Beach along the south shore of Lake Michigan in Gary, Indiana. The main attraction is thrilling aerial performances by a mix of military and civilian acts, headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, with additional acts such as the USAF F-35 Demo Team, vintage warbirds, stunt pilots, and aerobatic teams. The daily show runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Event vibe and setting:
Marquette Park provides a picturesque lakeside venue with views of Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes National Park nearby. The atmosphere is festive and family-friendly, with vibrant beachfront activities, food vendors, a beer garden, and a dedicated kid’s zone. It attracts aviation enthusiasts, locals, and visitors seeking a celebration of flight along with community camaraderie.

Activities and features include:

• Aerial performances: Military jet demos by the Thunderbirds and F-35 as well as civilian aerobatics, vintage warbird flybys, and parachuting by the Golden Knights.
• Static aircraft displays: Visitors can see aircraft up close and interact with pilots for an educational experience.
• Food and drink: A variety of food vendors and a beer garden offer refreshments.
• Kids’ zone: Interactive children’s activities related to aviation and science.
• Beachfront activities: Alongside the show, guests can enjoy lakefront recreation.
• Free shuttle service: Provided from nearby South Shore Line’s Miller Station to Marquette Park for convenient access.
• On-site parking: Available with fees ($40 per day or $60 for the weekend).

Schedule highlights:

• Daily air shows: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days August 9-10, 2025.
• Pre-event activities: Include exploring local attractions such as Miller Beach shops and a bar crawl featuring area breweries and wineries, adding to the weekend experience.

History and founding:
The Gary Air Show is an annual regional event coordinated by the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, City of Gary, and local partners like Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. It is designed to showcase aviation heritage and precision flying teams while boosting community engagement and tourism along Lake Michigan’s south shore.

This event combines thrilling flight demonstrations with community activities in a scenic outdoor setting, honoring aviation and providing an accessible, inclusive experience for all ages. It is free to attend, making it a popular summer destination on the Indiana lakefront.