Grissom Air Museum Warbird Cruise-In

The Grissom Air Museum Warbird Cruise-In is a popular annual event held at the Grissom Air Museum in Peru, Miami County, Indiana. The 2025 event takes place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with vehicles allowed into the airpark starting at 7:30 AM.

The event features a huge car show alongside the museum's collection of historic military aircraft, creating a unique atmosphere celebrating vintage vehicles and aviation history. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, vendors, and live music, making it a festive day for all ages. The museum itself is open during the event, allowing attendees to explore aircraft displays, artifacts, and educational exhibits.

Admission for vehicle registration is $15 per vehicle (includes driver), and additional passengers are $5 each. Public entry is $5 per person, with children 5 and under admitted free. Display cars line up early for parking by 7:30 AM, and gates open to the public at 9:00 AM.

There are several awards given in different categories during the car show, including Commander, Chief’s, Fivecoate, Riggs, Volunteer, and Warbird awards, honoring outstanding vehicles and contributors.

The surrounding atmosphere blends the nostalgia of classic cars with military aviation heritage, set in an open airpark at the museum location. The event is handicap accessible and popular for community gatherings, fostering local pride while supporting the museum's mission of preserving military history.

Rough Schedule and Activities:

• 7:30 AM – Vehicle entry and display car lineup begins in the airpark.
• 9:00 AM – Public gates open.
• 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Car show, museum open for tours, food trucks and vendor booths active, live music performances.
• Award presentations are held throughout the day (exact time not specified but likely afternoon).

Event History and Founding:

The Warbird Cruise-In has been running for several years (at least since 2021), growing each year to become a key event for the Grissom Air Museum. It serves both as a fundraiser and a community celebration, supporting the museum’s efforts to maintain an extensive aircraft collection and educate visitors about military aviation history. The event honors veterans and highlights the legacy of those who served.

This event is one of the museum's signature gatherings, supported by local sponsors such as Beacon Credit Union, which recently donated to the museum in support of the Warbird Cruise-In.

Additional Context on the Area:

Peru, Indiana, where the Grissom Air Museum is located, is a small city known for its aviation history tied to the former Grissom Air Force Base. The museum sits on part of this historic airbase, providing a scenic park-like setting for outdoor events like the Warbird Cruise-In. The community vibe is welcoming and family-friendly, drawing classic car enthusiasts, aviation buffs, and local families for a day of celebration and education.

Nearby accommodations and dining options make it easy for attendees to spend the day or weekend enjoying the vibrant blend of history, vehicles, and entertainment.