Flying Circus Airshow 2025 in Virginia

The longest continuously running airshow in Virginia

Dates: May–October (every Sunday)

The Flying Circus Airshow has operated in Virginia for over 50 years, providing entertainment with vintage aircraft and aerial stunts. Held every Sunday from May through October, the airshow is located at the Flying Circus Aerodrome in Bealeton, Virginia, 16 miles (26 km) southeast of Warrenton. This airshow showcases early aviation with classic planes, aerobatics, and opportunities for visitors to experience rides. The Flying Circus remains a longstanding event for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.

Schedule & Highlights

The Flying Circus Aerodrome offers a thrilling airshow featuring formation flying, wing walkers, and classic comedy routines, along with unlimited aerobatics. Guests can purchase rides, choosing between a standard 10-minute experience or a 15-minute aerobatic adventure that includes maneuvers like spins and loops. Additionally, the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place in August. Keep in mind that all events are weather-dependent.

Admission Prices & Schedule

The Flying Circus Aerodrome hosts airshows starting around 2:30 pm. Admission prices are $20 for adults, $15 for military members, $10 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children under 5. For aircraft rides, the Open Cockpit Biplane (Stearman) offers a standard ride for $135 and an aerobatic ride for $200.

History of Flying Circus Airshow

The Flying Circus Aerodrome was founded in 1970 by a group of passionate aviators who sought to recreate the thrill of early 20th-century "barnstorming" entertainment. This form of aviation spectacle, popular in the years following World War I, involved daring pilots performing stunts, wing-walking, and aerial acrobatics. At the Flying Circus, the lineup of vintage aircraft brings this era back to life. The show opens with a 1943 Stearman, used for skydiving demonstrations and wing-walking acts, while a 1939 WACO offers thrilling "fly-together" rides for spectators. The versatile 1942 Stearman 88 rounds out the performances, taking part in various stunts throughout the airshow.