EAA AirVenture 2026 attracted an estimated 734,000 attendees—about 30,000 more than the 2025 record—at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The weeklong event saw over 10,000 aircraft arrive and recorded 15,527 operations, averaging roughly 101 movements per hour while the airport was operating. Organizers displayed 2,851 show aircraft across multiple categories, hosted a record 1,021 commercial exhibitors, and welcomed registered guests from 98 countries. More than 13,600 camping sites sheltered about 40,000 visitors while roughly 6,000 volunteers logged nearly 300,000 hours.
EAA AirVenture 2026 Draws Record 734,000 Visitors at Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Sets Yet Another Attendance Record
EAA AirVenture 2026 set a new attendance record in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, drawing approximately 734,000 visitors to the event billed as the "World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) reported.
"While it's gratifying to see a record attendance total again this year, which is a credit to our dedicated volunteers, staff, and partners, our goal each year is not to chase numbers but to showcase EAA's community and share our mission of growing participation in aviation by sharing the spirit of aviation," said EAA CEO and chairman Jack Pelton. "We know that people leave Oshkosh each year inspired and excited by the world of flight that EAA represents."
Event Numbers and Operations
More than 10,000 aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) and nearby facilities. Officials recorded 15,527 aircraft operations from noon CDT on July 16 through noon on July 27. That activity level equates to roughly 101 takeoffs or landings per hour while the airport was operating during the event.
Show Aircraft Breakdown
Organizers reported 2,851 show aircraft on the field, categorized as follows:
- 1,346 vintage aircraft
- 875 homebuilt aircraft
- 360 warbirds
- 118 ultralights and light planes
- 88 seaplanes and amphibians
- 40 aerobatic aircraft
- 18 rotorcraft
- 6 hot-air balloons
Visitors, Exhibitors, and Volunteers
Camping remained a popular option: more than 13,600 aircraft and drive-in camping sites provided temporary lodging for about 40,000 visitors. International participation was strong, with registered guests from 98 countries at the International Visitors Pavilion. The trade show portion of AirVenture hosted a record 1,021 commercial exhibitors.
The event depended on a large volunteer workforce: roughly 6,000 volunteers contributed nearly 300,000 hours performing duties such as parking and traffic control, conducting flight-line tours, staffing the media center, driving trams, and handling general cleanup.
EAA AirVenture continues to be a global focal point for aviation enthusiasts, manufacturers, pilots, and families—showcasing historic aircraft, homebuilt innovation, international participation, and the community spirit that fuels the EAA's mission.
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