AirVenture

Festival Location: Oshkosh, WI, USA

Festival State: Wisconsin Festivals

Festival Type: Air Shows

By: © Nelson Taylor 2009

Since 1952, the Experimental Aircraft Association has sponsored the word's largest sport aviation event. In 1999, they drew upwards of 765,000 aviation enthusiasts. Held during the last week in July every year, the event promises exhibitions of classic planes, like the only Boeing 247D still flying, and modern planes like NASA's Flying Lab.

You'll be able to learn everything you've ever wanted to learn about our first-flight pioneers at the Wright Brothers Experience. And of course, there are tons of air shows from some of the world's finest flying talents, including individuals like Sean Tucker and Bob Hoover to groups like U.S Air Force Thunderbirds.

But the biggest to-do is made of the Great Cross Country Flying Race, a Denver to Oshkosh wing of 766 nautical miles, where the winner takes home $10,000 in gift certificates. EAA members pay $14 per day, while for non EAA members the price is $35. There are special prices for seniors and children.