This event has passed.
We invite you to join us at the Military Aviation Museum as we bring history to life all around you!
Step back into time and experience history as it was meant to be lived!
Despite the difficult decision to postpone our premier airshow "Warbirds Over the Beach" until Fall 2027, the Museum is excited to host a living history event on Saturday, October 3, 2026, 9:00am - 5:00pm.
Celebrating America's 250th year, and encompassing the scope of the Museum's historic aircraft collection, living historians and reenactors representing WWI through the Korean War will be encamped on site from Friday evening through Sunday morning. The Museum's historic warbirds will still be on full static display in the Museum's four hangars.
Saturday is the focal point of the weekend: Military vehicles, demonstrations, living history camps- including the Parris Island Living History Detachment static display and non-tactical weapons demonstrations- authors, and activities for the whole family will make this event an exciting and memorable time for all.
With food trucks on site, new Museum exhibits to explore, and an immersive journey into history, we invite you to join us Saturday, October 3, 2026 for a day of history and fun!
the living history event is included with regular museum admission
Museum Members receive free admission to the museum and living history event, plus more. Not a Museum Member yet? Considering joining today! Click the link below for membership information.
Register your Living History Group
We invite interested living history and reenactment groups to join us for the weekend! In celebration of America's 250th and to highlight the entire scope of the Museum's historic aircraft collection, registration is open to groups representing WWI through the Korean War.
The main event runs Saturday, October 3, 9:00 - 5:00. Groups are welcome to camp on Museum grounds starting with set up on Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4.
Groups must be pre-registered to attend. Please fill out the required form at the link below.
Gates Open 9:00am - 5:00pm
Join us For a special living history event!
Immerse yourself in the 1940s! The day will include living history encampments, period weapons demonstrations, military vehicles, and aircraft rides (at additional cost)!
While our historic warbirds will not be flying this year, they will still be on full static display inside our four hangars. Be sure to check out our historic buildings and new exhibits inside the main museum building!
Airshow RULEs
- There is no smoking permitted on the field.
- Please do not touch or climb on vehicles, displays or aircraft.
- No drones, quad-copters or similar machines may be operated on the airport property.
- No segways, hoverboards or similar motorized vehicles are permitted on the field (this does not
- include mobility assistive devices).
- No pets (only service animals will be permitted on the property during an event).
- No hard sided coolers.
- No tents, umbrellas or sun coverings.
- No alcohol is permitted at the show.
- No weapons (No weapons may be brought in by the general public. Historic or reproduction weapons can be carried by registered living history event participants only).
Doors Open 9:00am - 5:00pm
The Schedule
Enjoy the excitement of stepping back into history on our 130-acre campus, transported back in time for the day! Reenactors and living historians will provide immersive interpretation throughout the day. Demos, activities, and more will be posted soon.
View our historic aircraft collection on the ground in our four hangars. Tour our original historic structures, and be sure to check out our new exhibits inside the main building!
Join us at 2:00 for an exciting guest lecture!
For a donation, guests may have the opportunity to get hands-on with weapons from the Parris Island Living History Detachment, or our other reenactors.
Please continue to check back for more schedule announcements.
Please check back as we continue to update the schedule!
- 9:00am - Gates open to the public
- 2:00pm - Guest lecturer, main museum building mezzanine
- 5:00pm - Gates close to the public
All day events: Living history displays, kid's coloring, model railroads, authors, food trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to pay for parking?
No! Parking is free on site in our on-field parking with purchased admission, and there is no bus ride needed to get from the parking lot to the event space!
Are we allowed to bring food and drinks into the event?
Will we be able to take tours inside the planes or get close to them?
Can I fly-in to see the event?
Can I purchase a ride in an aircraft?
Will this event proceed rain or shine?
Are discounted tickets available for the Military?
Location & Parking
Getting to the Air Show
The October Living History Event is held at the Military Aviation Museum, 1341 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA.
Parking is free on-site in our on-field parking, for anyone who purchases a show admission. There is no bus ride needed to get from the parking lot to the event space.
Please note: Accessible parking is available, but is on grass, and is limited in quantity.
Become a Sponsor
Thank you for your interest in sponsoring the October Living History Event. While we do have a high degree of flexibility to create the right sponsorship opportunity for your business, some pre-made sponsorship packages are outlined below.
If you have any questions or would like to get additional information, please do not hesitate to contact our Partnership Marketing Director, Staci Martin: smartin@aviationmuseum.us. We appreciate your consideration of our packages and we look forward to your support and participation in this great patriotic weekend!
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
Sponsor our one-day event
- Recognition on signage online and at event
- Social media exposure
- Show tickets for 6
Cost $ 2,000
- Recognition on signage online and at event
- Show tickets for 4
Cost $ 750