BowmanFest

BowmanFest, presented by Baird, returns in 2026, bigger and better than ever as it celebrates 10 years. New this year, the festival will feature a Saturday night twilight concert by the Juice Box Heroes and an exciting airshow appearance by U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Champion Britt Lincoln. Created to foster excitement in aviation, celebrate historic Bowman Field and recognize our military heritage, BowmanFest will take place on October 3-4, 2026. Established in 1920, Bowman Field is one of the oldest continually operating, general aviation airports in North America. Located on 426 acres adjacent to Seneca Park, Bowman Field features three buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The event kicks off with the IPA 5K on the Runway run/walk at Bowman Field on Saturday morning. benefitting Reach for Kids 501c3. Run registrations include an entry to the festival. Not a runner? Be sure to stop by the Independent Pilots Association raffle tent to help raise money through the Reach for Kids that benefits the Norton Neuroscience Recovery. BowmanFest is proudly presented by Baird and the Bowman Field Foundation. The two-day event brings together aviation history, community fun, and family-friendly entertainment featuring rare vintage aircraft from the 1920’s to the present from across the United States, including military vehicles, motorcycles, equipment and more. The Bowman Field Foundation was established to promote, protect and preserve the rich aviation and military heritage at Bowman Field along with ensuring it remains a good neighbor to the City of Louisville. "BowmanFest showcases some of what makes Louisville so special, from its rich history and military heritage to the strong sense of community that brings people together each year,” said Ben Redfield, Associate Branch Manager of Baird’s Louisville Branch. “We're proud to support the festival as presenting sponsor and honored to help celebrate a community that has been an important part of our firm’s story and success.” BowmanFest is excited to welcome back their CAT3 aerobatic airshow, sponsored by Central American Aviation, which will run twice daily featuring top local and regional performers, including U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Champion Britt Lincoln. This year's event will feature over 40 planes on display. Special guest aircraft highlighting this year's lineup include the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation’s C-54 (DC-6_) Spirit of Freedom, the Missouri CAF Wing's B-25 Bomber, and Louisville's darling, Flagship Detroit-Douglass Dc-3, alongside dozens of historic warbirds, trainers, and aerobatics. Opportunities for attendees to purchase rides will be available in select planes and helicopters. *Aircraft and show equipment are subject to change. The festival will also offer military equipment, kid’s activities, local food trucks, multiple bars, live music from the Juice Box Heroes, and family fun for all. The event will have new expanded hours for 2026. BowmanFest will take place from 10am-8pm on Saturday, October 3rd and 10am-5pm on Sunday, October 4th. Admission: $50 per family of four$20 per adult$15 for seniors and children ages 6-15Children 5 and under are freeALL Veterans, Active Duty and First Responders get in for FREEIPA 5K on the Runway – Saturday, October 3 Kicking off the weekend on Saturday, October 3rd is the IPA 5K on the Runway at Bowman Field. One of Louisville’s most exciting races, this 5K takes place on a fast, flat course that is almost entirely on the airfield. Runners will receive a commemorative medal, race shirt, beverage, and same-day admission to BowmanFest with their registration. The cost is $30 for adults, $18 for kids under 15. There is also a free kids dash just before the race. The race will begin at 9:00am. Price increases on September 1, 2026. Proceeds benefit the Bowman Field Foundation and the Kosair for Kids Pediatric NeuroRecovery Fund. IPA’s Reach for Kids has contributing to a total of over $800,000 raised for local children’s charities since 1998. “BowmanFest is a celebration of aviation, community, and the rich history of Bowman Field. With an expanded air show, live entertainment, and activities for the whole family, 2026 promises to be our most exciting event yet as we gear up to celebrate 10 years!” – Pat MacDonald, BowmanFest Organizer, Bowman Field Foundation Visit bowmanfest.com for more information