Strap in and prepare for your annual dose of G-force fun. SUN ‘n FUN is back, taking place from Tuesday, April 14 to Sunday, April 19 at the Expo Campus (4075 James C. Ray Dr.).

Entering its 52nd year, the fly-in has grown into one of the largest aviation events ever. It reigns as the largest annual convention of any kind in Florida, drawing in more than 200,000 visitors each year.

The aviation exhibition showcases hundreds of aircraft, a trade show, 500+ exhibitors, a career fair, and airshows. It also raises funds for programs at the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE).

If you’re planning to attend this year’s expo, allow us to help you create your flight plan.

B-25 Mitchell medium range bomber, circa 1991 | Photo via Florida Memory

Getting there

Tickets: Buy yours in advance to save time at the entrance.

Adults: $50 per day, $180 per week
Kids 13-17: $20 per day, $70 per week
Kids 12 and under: Free admission

Discounts are also available for members of select aviation associations, active + retired military members, and for Florida residents on Saturday and Sunday.

Parking: It's $20 per day or $80 for the week when you pay at the gate, but save time and money by purchasing parking online. Parking lots are located off of West Pipkin Road and on Airside Center Drive.

Pro tip: Getting inside the gates takes some patience on nights with airshows and busy weekends, so give yourself plenty of time.

Fly in: Want to arrive in style? Pilots may fly to the expo. Check in at the Pilot Welcome Center after landing to collect your complimentary Fly-In Style Pilot Card for discounts throughout the expo.

SUN 'n FUN Express: New this year, you can travel to the expo on a free Citrus Connection bus from key areas around Lakeland, including downtown, the RP Funding Center, and Lakeside Village. These will run every 25 minutes during the expo.

SUN 'n FUN brings together aviation pros and fans alike. | Photo by @guelito_prspotter

What to do

SUN 'n FUN offers excitement for all members of your family + flight crew. Learn about the history and future of aviation with demonstrations, exhibitors, and displays throughout the expo — even up in the sky above the grounds.

Airshows: You'll find aircraft of all types on display no matter where you look, but don't miss the thrilling airshows to see them in action. This year's schedule includes:

Daytime airshows that start at 1 p.m. each day (except Wednesday)
A new composite afternoon/evening show on Wednesday, April 15, 5-9:15 p.m.
The fan-favorite nighttime airshow + fireworks on Saturday, April 18, 7-9:15 p.m.

Every airshow is heartpounding, but we wouldn't miss the USAF Thunderbirds and the USAF F-22 Raptor Demo Team are sure to be big hits.

Wake up early to see hot air balloon launches. | Photo by Catapult

Early birds can also catch another type of show — hot air balloons will put on limited demonstration flights each morning around 7 a.m., depending on the weather. A balloon race is also planned for Saturday, April 18, between 6:30 and 8 a.m.

Concerts: It turns out music sounds even better with the roar of plane engines. SUN 'n FUN tickets include admission to these shows:

Opening Night Concert starring Cooper Alan on Tuesday, April 14 at 5 p.m.
Composite Airshow + Concert featuring Iam Tongi, Angie K, and MOONLGHT on Wednesday, April 15 at 2 p.m.
Nightly live performances at The Island (except Sunday)

Learn: Get your bearings at the Future 'n Flight Plaza, a newly reimagined area that now serves as the event headquarters. There you'll find an innovation showcase, career fair, community forums, and an International Oasis. We recommend browsing exhibits, attending a workshop, or visiting the Florida Air Museum.

This year, guests will get the rare chance to hear from NASA leaders. Administrator Jared Isaacman will share about the Artemis Program at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 at the Hangar.

Food: You won't go hungry at the expo. Local eateries will supply the food, from LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken to Glazed Up Mini Donuts. Drinks will also be available from Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar and Keel & Curley Winery.

Kids: Bringing aspiring aviators? Look for Junior Aces activities throughout the expo, and drop off children ages 2-12 at the Kids Club to enjoy kid-friendly nighttime activities.

Keep an eye out for vintage planes and innovative aircraft on display. | Photo via Florida Memory

Pro tips + resources

The SUN 'n FUN campus is large and sure to be packed each day, so save these resources and plan ahead with these tips.

SUN 'n FUN is cashless, so bring a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment to make purchases.
Download the SUN 'n FUN mobile app to keep track of tickets, itineraries, and FAQs.
Bookmark can't-miss events on the daily schedule and save the expo map.
You can camp out at the expo in a tent, RV, or even under your own aircraft. Campsites are available for weekly stays, starting at $318.
Not attending the expo this year? You should still prepare for more traffic than usual around southwest Lakeland and more visitors at your favorite spots around town as guests explore our city.

Is there something we missed that’s bringing you to the expo this year? Maybe a pro tip everyone should know? Share it with us and be sure to tag us in your photos during the event.