Looking for a loud, family-friendly event to watch this weekend? Pack the car, and take the kids to Willow Run Airport just outside Ypsilanti for Thunder Over Michigan. You may want to bring ear plugs, too.
On Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29 and 30, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will take to the skies as part of the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show, presented by Wayne County Airport Authority.
Thunder Over Michigan offers an exciting lineup of events. From 10:30 to 11 a.m. is the World War II Air and Ground Battle, featuring the largest gathering of WWII American half tracks in the world.
After the reenactment, the air show kicks off at 12:15 p.m. and ends at 4:15 p.m. The flight show will exhibit planes of all types, including Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, Boeing F/A-18C Hornet, and Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon.
For the grand finale, the Blue Angels will amaze the crowd with their precision flying. The Blue Angels flight team includes pilots from the Navy and Marines. The team was formed in 1946, and it usually does over 70 shows a year in the U.S.
Tickets and Parking
This is one air show you’re going to want to wake up early for. The admission points open at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, and the grounds open at 9 a.m. The events start at 10:30 a.m. both days.
General admission is $35 for adults age 16 and over until Aug. 30 at noon. Kids 15 and under are free. Buy your tickets online to avoid paying the day of the event. If you wait until the day of the event, tickets cost $40, and you’ll only be able to pay in cash.
Parking costs $15 per vehicle until Aug. 30 at noon. During the event, parking costs will be $20. However, you can also buy your parking tickets online to beat the price hike.
Don’t get lost on the way. Make sure you have directions to Willow Run Airport.