Flying Colors

The Wings Over Wayne Air Show

US Navy Blue Angels fly in formation over Seymour Johnson Air Force Base during the Wings Over Wayne 2023 Air Show in Goldsboro. This year’s May 3–4 show will feature the USAF Thunderbirds elite demonstration team.
US Navy Blue Angels fly in formation over Seymour Johnson Air Force Base during the Wings Over Wayne 2023 Air Show in Goldsboro. This year’s May 3–4 show will feature the USAF Thunderbirds elite demonstration team.
The B-52 Stratofortress bomber, which has been in service since 1955, will be at this year’s show.
The B-52 Stratofortress bomber, which has been in service since 1955, will be at this year’s show.
The F-15E Strike Eagle is based at Seymour Johnson AFB.
The F-15E Strike Eagle is based at Seymour Johnson AFB.
F-22 Raptor
F-22 Raptor
Replica Zeros, which reenact the attack on Pearl Harbor in Tora! Tora! Tora! The Combined Arms Demo demonstrates the modern airpower capabilities of multiple services and airframes, incorporating pyrotechnics and the Wall of Fire.
Replica Zeros, which reenact the attack on Pearl Harbor in Tora! Tora! Tora! The Combined Arms Demo demonstrates the modern airpower capabilities of multiple services and airframes, incorporating pyrotechnics and the Wall of Fire.
Spectators take a closer look at an F-35.
Spectators take a closer look at an F-35.
The air show is a picture-perfect experience, but ear protection is recommended for kids.
The air show is a picture-perfect experience, but ear protection is recommended for kids.
Japanese replica Zeros
Japanese replica Zeros
Crew chiefs, who maintain and prepare jets prior to each flight, salute their pilots.
Crew chiefs, who maintain and prepare jets prior to each flight, salute their pilots.
When in close formation, the Blue Angels fly just inches from each other.
When in close formation, the Blue Angels fly just inches from each other.
F-22 Raptor
F-22 Raptor
An F-15E Strike Eagle taxis in another’s heat vapors before taking off for a combined arms combat demo.
An F-15E Strike Eagle taxis in another’s heat vapors before taking off for a combined arms combat demo.
Though the Stearman biplane won’t appear at the 2025 air show, acts in this year’s lineup will push the limits of aviation.
Though the Stearman biplane won’t appear at the 2025 air show, acts in this year’s lineup will push the limits of aviation.

Want to take off this summer without having to get airborne yourself? With the fastest and fiercest in flight once again taking to the North Carolina skies, the Wings Over Wayne Air Show has got you covered.

A mere day-tripping distance away in Goldsboro, Wings Over Wayne has grown to become the state’s largest free air show open to the public. The event happens biennially in odd-numbered years, with an estimated 200,000 people attending in 2023. At this year’s May 3–4 air show weekend, the expectation is to meet or exceed that number.

And for the visitors planning to descend on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base with their sights set on the skies, what will be seen is nothing short of spectacular! With a theme of “Push the Limits,” the USAF Thunderbirds demo team will lead the way in precise formation work and aerobatics. According to 2025 Air Show Director Maj. Ryan Young and Assistant Air Show Director Lt. Col. Bridgett Fitzsimmons, the much-anticipated event will “present new acts this year as well as welcome back some old favorites including the Combined Arms Demo, showcasing today’s Air Force assets as they regain control of the airfield with bombs, guns, jump teams, and the Wall of Fire!”

A C-5 with its nose raised for cargo loading.

Much like the 2023 show, which was led by the dazzling Blue Angels, it will be hot, and the smell of jet fuel will hang heavy in the air. The 2025 schedule is packed with plenty of wheels and wings: Historic warbirds will cut through the air in their old radial engines, and fire-breathing F-15s and F-16s will shake visitors to their core. “You will no doubt see the United States’ finest flying on display this year,” say Ryan and Bridgett.

Whether attendees choose to simply spectate (be sure to slather on the sunscreen and bring a hat or umbrella; sunglasses are also a must) or get hands on with the static aircraft that offer cockpit access by ladder, the attractions at Wings Over Wayne are once again plenty.

The 2023 air show marked the inaugural appearance of a dedicated STEM Expo. This year’s event will feature a bigger and better Expo, with the presence of 40 professionals representing diverse career fields that incorporate science, technology, engineering, and math.

“These professionals are passionate about what they do and want to inspire and interact with the next generation of STEM leaders,” say Ryan and Bridgett. The STEM Expo will be in a covered hangar; rain or shine, it will run throughout the airshow weekend.

The Wings Over Wayne Air Show is also excited to offer a variety of delicious concessions as the perfect complement to an action-packed day of aerial performances. Tasty options will range from classic festival fare to specialty treats that are certain to satisfy any appetite. In addition, premier seating and experiences — to include bleacher seating, box seating, new-to-2025 flight line club access, and VIP party chalets — will be available.

The public is encouraged to step under the B-52’s bomb bay.

This two-day event will fly high with something for everyone. Copious concessions, a beer garden, kids’ zone, and varied seating options and upgrades will all encourage long days on the airfield.

And on that airfield are the B-52 Stratofortress bomber, C-17 transport aircraft, F-35 supersonic stealth fighter, F-15 Eagle, F-22 Raptor, and many other memorable aircraft — forming a formidable lineup and serving as a poignant reminder of their role in preserving our freedoms.

According to Ryan and Bridgett, “Our duty is to protect the rights we hold dear as citizens of the United States for all Americans.” With recruiters onsite to answer questions for anyone who is interested in serving, they continue: “We hope to inspire and display our commitment to service.”

Seymour Johnson is the only active-duty Air Force base in North Carolina, so the organizers behind Wings Over Wayne “feel it is our obligation to make it special and a world-class display of aviation!” say Ryan and Bridgett. “It is our chance every two years to honor the city of Goldsboro, Americans, and veterans everywhere for their trust, support, and service and reach out to our neighbors, friends, and community to say thank you for your continued support and trust.”

Arrive early to get a good seat! Massive crowds are expected.

Gates open at 8 a.m. on both days. Visitors are encouraged to bring water bottles that can be refilled at free water stations and — since the Thunderbirds will make passes at just below the speed of sound — some form of hearing protection! There is no entry fee and the gates to the base will be open to everyone. Note that although parking is free, exit lines in 2023 were slow moving. At this year’s show, parking will have trams to help move people more efficiently.

Thrilling performances, a dominating display of airpower, and community enrichment all await: The 2025 Wings Over Wayne Air Show is cleared for takeoff.

Visit wingsoverwayneairshow.com for the latest information on featured acts and activities, directions to the event, what to bring (and what not to bring), and anticipated event schedules.

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