Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo underway in Lakeland: What you need to know
LAKELAND, Fla. - The 50th Annual Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo is underway through April 14 in Lakeland. The flying-in attracts aerial enthusiasts from around the world and organizers are expecting another big crowd this year.
The week-long fly-in and airshow is held at Lakeland Linder International Airport at 4075 James C. Ray Drive.
This year's edition is extra special for one air force pilot who's flying in the airshow.
"Very few people are born knowing what they want to do, but I grew up knowing I wanted to fly," said Chad Smith, a Lakeland native who grew up going to Sun 'n Fun Air Expos. "The big jet demo teams. Those are always very inspirational. The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds."
It's where his military story started. After taking flight lessons at Lakeland Linder in high school and getting his pilot's license at 17, he then enlisted in the Air Force, at the air show, where he was an aircraft mechanic for seven years. At this year's event, he'll be flying with his Fairfield KC135 Demo Team this week -- a military aircraft that does aerial refueling, cargo and evacuation.
"It feels very, very weird to be doing this because I remember myself as the kid who wanted to do it and if I can inspire somebody – another eight year old out here watching the show – that's the goal," said Smith.
Thousands of aviation enthusiasts flocked to Lakeland to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the second largest air show in the U.S. This year is all about celebrating the 2,900 volunteers who make this week-long event happen. For Smith, it's a truly full circle moment.
"Watching the planes and being around people really passionate about aviation makes me feel at home," said Smith.
Smith will be performing on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday where they will be doing an air refueling demonstration.
Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of aviation education.
Gates
- Admission gates open at 8 a.m.
- Parking lot gates open at 7 a.m.
Admission
- An adult single day pass is $45. It's $40 for members
- Youth, 11-17, will cost you $20
- Children under 10 are FREE
- A weekly pass for adults is $170. $140 for adult members
- A weekly pass for young people, 11-17, is $70
What’s Included In Your SUN ‘n FUN Single Day or Weekly Ticket?
- Daily Airshow
- Wednesday & Saturday Night Airshows
- Over 500 Aviation-Focused Exhibitors
- Access to the Showplanes on the Flightline
- Static Military Aircraft and Demonstration Flights
- Register your Aircraft to be judged
- Fly-By Showcase
- Educational & FAA Forums, Workshops, and Seminars
- Museum Lectures
- Evening Movies and entertainment programs
- Shuttle transportation throughout the site
- Kids 10 and under are FREE
- Free Admission to the Florida Air Museum
Parking
- General parking purchased online is $10
- General parking purchased onsite is $20
- Weekly parking purchased online is $60
- Weekly parking purchased onsite is $80
Frequently asked questions
Q. May I bring a backpack?
A. Yes – but, it may be subject to search!
Q. May I bring a chair?
A. Yes.
Q. May I bring a cooler?
A. Coolers are only permitted in the Convention Campground or if you are camping with your aircraft.
Q. May I bring a golf cart?
A. No, personal golf carts are not permitted – golf carts are for official use. Mobility carts are available for rent onsite. For those confined to wheelchairs or other mobility devices, please refer to our Handicap Services Information.
Q. Will golf carts be available to rent?
A. Golf carts are not available for rent to the general public.
Q. May I bring a pop-up tent or large umbrellas?
A. Pop-up tents are not permitted. These items are blow-away hazards and obstruct the view of other guests.
Q. Are Pets Allowed?
A. Pets are allowed in campground areas ONLY (not on airside) and must be leashed. Pets are not permitted on the Fly-In Expo site and on airside. Qualified service animals are allowed on leashes. You are required to clean up after your pet/service animal and leave the area clean.
Q. What items are prohibited on the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Site?
A. In general, the following are prohibited items for any event on the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus:
- Roller skates, rollerblades, skateboards, "Razor" style boards, hoverboards, Segway personal transports or any other self-propelled device are not permitted onsite. Devices meeting the following requirements are allowed: a. One person electric/handicapped convenience vehicles; and b. other personal disability devices, such as Segways, when required because of the individual’s mobility disability and when operated in a safe manner, consistent with 28 C.F.R. 36.311(b)(1).
- Bicycles are permitted in the Campground only. Bicycles are NOT permitted on airside before, during or after convention hours.
- Coolers are restricted, except those guests who are camping in the RV Campground or on airside with their aircraft. Large coolers can be kept in their camping area, but may be subject to search at any time. Random security checks can be done on coolers, backpacks, large purses and other bags as required. All items, vehicles and persons are subject to search.
- Unauthorized or uncredentialed vehicles;
- Weapons, except for those carried and concealed pursuant to a valid concealed weapons permit, pursuant to Chapter 790, Florida Statutes;
- Fireworks, explosives or explosive devices, and any inflammable product.
- Destructive devices;
- Illegal substances;
- All remotely controlled devices such as drones, aircraft, cars, etc.;
- Any alcoholic beverage (unless in SUN ‘n FUN designated areas)
- Oversized backpacks
- Offsite food and beverage except in camping areas.
Prohibited items, not allowed on site, are the responsibility of the individual who brought the item.
Q. Are there designated smoking areas?
A. Smoking is permitted in designated areas only and is marked onsite and on the convention map. Smoking is NOT permitted on airside or around aircraft.
For more information on the event just click here.
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