The Great Tennessee Air Show has been a local tradition for over 50 years. The show will return to Smyrna on June 7 and 8 with aerial acts appearing both days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year’s performances will include the local crowd favorite U.S. Navy Blue Angels with Fat Albert, along with the U.S. Navy Legacy Flight and Growler Demo. Also scheduled are first-time performances by the U.S. Air Force F-35A (a supersonic stealth fighter) and a three-plane formation of P-51 Mustangs (a propeller plane used in World War II).

U.S. Air Force Capt. Andrew “Dojo” Olson, F-35 Demo Team pilot and commander, flies next to a P-51 Mustang during the Heritage Flight Training and Certification Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jensen Stidham

“This year we have an incredible lineup,” said Mary Breen, director of marketing and public relations for The Air Show Network, which promotes air shows across the country. “For the very first time, we have the F-35 from the Air Force. It will fly in-formation with the P-51—representing the past, present, and future of airmen and the Air Force. It will be a spectacular, beautiful show.”

The Jack Aces Three-Ship P-51 Demo will also come to the Great Tennessee Air Show for the very first time this year.

“This is the first time we have ever had three P-51s flying together in the show, and we are absolutely ecstatic. There is nothing like the roar of their engines. They are beautiful classic airplanes and something I believe spectators are going to love,” Breen said.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will return to Middle Tennessee for another performance. The six blue and gold jets in this team fly in formation and do incredible maneuvers. Along with the Blue Angels, the Navy’s Fat Albert—a C-130J Super Hercules that transports the crew and the equipment to and from each air show—will perform a demonstration as well.

The Blue Angels team was founded in 1946 and is the second-oldest aerobatic demonstration team in the world. They perform at least 60 shows a year, displaying the thrill and magic of flight. More than 500 million spectators have seen a show.

The Middle Tennessee community also remembers Captain Jeff Kuss, USMC who lost his life in an in-flight accident during a Blue Angels practice in Smyrna in 2016. The Capt. Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial airplane is located inside Lee Victory Recreation Park in Smyrna.

“The Blue Angels mission is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to our country,” according to the Blue Angels website, blueangel.navy.mil. “The Blue Angels proudly represent all the Sailors and Marines who serve this great nation across the globe.”

While a fun spectacle to witness, the air shows inspire a lot of people, Breen said.

Rich-Dawe, British Air Corporation Trainer by Mike Fuller Photos

“There are so many people who walk up to us at the shows and have told me that this show inspired them to fly for the airlines or be a military pilot,” she said. “The real purpose behind this show from everyone working on this team is to inspire the next generation of pilots and the next generation of people who will work in aviation. We are very proud to be a part of this event.”

A few civilian performers will also participate in the air show, doing aeronautic displays, Breen said. These performers are David Windmiller, flying a Zivko Edge 540, and retired Navy Captain Rich Dawe with Jet Provost Aerobatics.

Greg “Wired” Coyler performs aerial maneuvers in his T-33 Ace Maker
U.S. Air Force photo by Alejandro Peña

The planes Spirit of Detroit DC-3 and Ace Maker T-33 will also be featured in the 2025 air show.

“Guests won’t be able to walk up to the aircraft since they are performing in the show, but they will get a glimpse at the aircraft on the ground,” Breen said. “If folks are looking to have the best views of the show, the Flight Line Club and the premium box seats have incredible views right along the flight line. I would direct guests to these comfortable seats for a nice day.”

Also, local nonprofits will staff all concession and merchandise booths run by the Air Show Network, serving as fundraisers for the organizations, so every purchase you make will have a local impact.

“Fat Albert”

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Purchase air show tickets at event.attendstar.com.

Gates open at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Prices for general admission are $60 for adults, $40 for children ages 4–12; premium box seats $95–$125; and Flight Line Club Table of 2 for $450 and Table of 4 for $900.

Tickets will not be sold at the event.

Local sky gazers can view the craft participating in the Great Tennessee Air Show all throughout Rutherford County the weekend of June 7 and 8—the closer their position to the Smyrna Airport, the better their view of the action. Area sidewalks and parking lots will likely be packed with folks wanting to get a glimpse of the action; however, Smyrna Parks and Recreation officials say that Smyrna city parks near the airfield will be closed during the airshow for safety reasons, and encourage those wanting to watch the airshow to purchase tickets to the event.

Visit greattennesseeairshow.com for more information on this year’s Great Tennessee Air Show.