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The Ultimate Guide To The Edwards AFB Air Show 2025: 7 Reasons You Can't Miss The Aerospace Valley Open House

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The Edwards Air Force Base Air Show, officially known as the Aerospace Valley Open House, Air Show & STEM Expo, is one of the most anticipated aviation events in the world, and the next one is officially confirmed. This spectacular event, which transforms the home of the U.S. Air Force Test Center into a public viewing area, is unique because it offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the cutting edge of military and aerospace technology.

As of late 2025, the next opportunity to witness this historic event is scheduled for October 18-19, 2025. The show is not just an aerial display; it is a celebration of flight test history, a showcase for the 412th Test Wing, and a massive educational outreach program designed to inspire the next generation of engineers and pilots in the Antelope Valley and beyond.

Edwards AFB Air Show 2025: Key Dates and Event Snapshot

The Edwards Air Force Base air show operates on a sporadic schedule, often rotating every few years, which makes each open house a highly sought-after ticket. The last major event was held in October 2022, drawing nearly 100,000 visitors to the high desert.

  • Official Event Name: Aerospace Valley Open House, Air Show & STEM Expo
  • Next Confirmed Dates: Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19, 2025
  • Location: Edwards Air Force Base, California (Home of the Air Force Test Center)
  • Typical Headliner: The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Flight Demonstration Squadron (Historically the anchor performer)
  • Event Focus: Celebrating the legacy of flight test, showcasing modern military aircraft, and promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers.

The 2025 event is expected to continue the tradition of being one of the most important open houses for aviation enthusiasts, offering unparalleled access to the aircraft and personnel who develop the future of American airpower.

7 Unmatched Experiences Only Available at Edwards AFB

Unlike a standard air show held at a civilian airport, the Edwards AFB Open House provides a unique window into the world of military flight testing and aerospace history. These seven features are what set the Aerospace Valley Open House apart.

1. The Unrivaled X-Plane Static Display

Edwards AFB is famously known as the home of "The Right Stuff" and the birthplace of supersonic flight. The air show offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close to rare and historic experimental aircraft, or "X-planes," that are not seen anywhere else.

Visitors can expect to see a massive collection of test aircraft that have shaped aviation history, including potential appearances by:

  • The Bell X-1 Replica: The aircraft that Chuck Yeager famously broke the sound barrier in.
  • The X-15: The rocket-powered aircraft that flew to the edge of space.
  • Lifting Bodies: Such as the HL-10 and X-24B, which paved the way for the Space Shuttle program.
  • Advanced Demonstrators: Including the X-29 and X-31, known for their radical designs and high-agility testing.
  • Hypersonic Research Vehicles: Rare glimpses of vehicles like the X-43.

2. The Massive STEM Expo and Hands-On Learning

The "STEM Expo" is a core component of the Aerospace Valley Open House, emphasizing the base's commitment to education and inspiring future generations. This is far more than a simple science fair; it’s an interactive, high-tech experience held within a large hangar.

The expo typically features dozens of hands-on activities, including:

  • Robotics demonstrations and building challenges.
  • Flight simulators, such as the F-22 simulator, allowing attendees to "fly" a modern jet.
  • Displays of rocket technology and aerospace engineering principles.
  • Direct interaction with engineers, scientists, and test pilots from the Air Force Test Center and the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS).

3. Access to NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center

Edwards AFB shares its facilities with the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, making the open house a joint military and civilian aerospace event. This partnership means attendees can often see unique NASA research aircraft and learn about their projects, from supersonic flight to drone technology.

In the 2022 show, for example, NASA's show of force included the massive B747SP SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) for one of its final public appearances. The 2025 event is expected to showcase new NASA projects, potentially including models or information about the X-59 QueSST (Quiet Supersonic Technology) aircraft.

What to Expect in the Air and on the Ground in 2025

The flight line at Edwards AFB is the heart of the show, offering both spectacular aerial demonstrations and an incredible array of static displays.

4. The Flight Test Fleet Static Display

The static display at Edwards is arguably the largest and most diverse of any air show globally, as the base is home to virtually every aircraft currently in the U.S. Air Force inventory for testing and evaluation. Attendees can walk among giants of modern aviation.

  • Stealth Aircraft: Visitors often get a close look at aircraft like the B-2 Spirit bomber, the F-22 Raptor, and the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
  • Test Platforms: Unique variants of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet, and C-17 Globemaster used by the 412th Test Wing.
  • Historic Aircraft: The Flight Test Historical Foundation Museum Air Park also contributes to the display, showcasing relics like the Bell P-59A Airacomet.

5. The Thrill of the Thunderbirds Performance

While the full performer list for 2025 is not yet finalized, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Flight Demonstration Team is historically the major headliner for the Edwards AFB Open House. Their precision formation flying and high-speed maneuvers are the centerpiece of the aerial performance, drawing massive crowds.

6. Standing on Rogers Dry Lakebed

Edwards AFB is famous for its vast, hard-packed Rogers Dry Lakebed, which serves as the largest natural landing runway in the world. This lakebed has been the landing site for Space Shuttles and the recovery area for countless experimental aircraft. The air show provides a rare opportunity for the public to set foot on this historic, hallowed ground—a truly unique experience for any aviation enthusiast.

7. The Legacy of the Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS)

The base is home to the world-renowned USAF Test Pilot School, where the elite pilots, navigators, and engineers who test the next generation of aircraft are trained. The air show allows the public to interact with these professionals and learn about the rigorous world of developmental and operational test and evaluation (DT&E and OT&E). This connection to the Test Pilot School is the core of Edwards' identity, offering a depth of technical insight unmatched by other air shows.

Planning Your Visit to the 2025 Aerospace Valley Air Show

The Edwards AFB Air Show is a massive logistical undertaking. Planning ahead is crucial for a successful visit.

  • Timing: The air show typically runs from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, with the main aerial demonstrations beginning around 11:30 AM and concluding around 3:00 PM.
  • Tickets and Parking: While general admission is often free, premium seating and preferred parking options are usually available for purchase. Check the official Edwards AFB or Aerospace Valley Air Show websites as the 2025 event approaches.
  • Essentials: The California high desert climate is hot and dry in October. Bring sunscreen, hats, comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of water. Photography can be challenging due to the sun angle, so plan your shots carefully.

The Aerospace Valley Open House, Air Show & STEM Expo in October 2025 promises to be a spectacular display of airpower, innovation, and history. Mark your calendars for this essential pilgrimage to the epicenter of American flight testing.

edwards air force base air show
edwards air force base air show

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