The skies over Washington, D.C., are about to become part of one of the biggest patriotic celebrations of the summer.
As part of the Freedom 250 festivities and the launch of the Great American State Fair, military aircraft are scheduled to conduct special flyovers above the National Mall on both June 24 and June 25, giving spectators a rare chance to see some of the nation’s most iconic aircraft in action.
The aerial displays are being billed as a centerpiece of the opening events for America’s upcoming 250th birthday celebrations, which will continue throughout the summer and culminate with major Independence Day festivities.
For aviation enthusiasts, military families, and anyone planning to visit downtown D.C. this week, the flyovers could become some of the most memorable moments of the entire event.
Why military aircraft will be flying over the National Mall this week
The flyovers are part of Freedom 250’s “America Is Back” Kick-Off Celebration and the opening of the Great American State Fair, a large-scale event to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th birthday.
According to Freedom 250 organizers, the aerial demonstrations are intended to showcase American military history, innovation, and airpower while helping launch a nationwide series of commemorative events leading up to the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.
The June 24th kickoff event will also feature military bands, armed forces choirs, ceremonial presentations, and remarks from President Donald Trump.
The Great American State Fair officially opens on June 25th, transforming the National Mall into a massive showcase featuring exhibits, state pavilions, entertainment, and cultural programming from across the country. Military flyovers are expected to be one of the event’s signature attractions.
When will the Freedom 250 flyovers take place?
After reviewing Freedom 250 announcements, official event materials, and related aviation notices, organizers have publicly confirmed two major flyover events on the National Mall this week:
- June 24th: Flyovers during the “America Is Back” Kick-Off Celebration, which begins at 7 pm on the National Mall.
- June 25th: A second evening featuring formation flyovers as part of the opening day of the Great American State Fair.
At this time, Freedom 250 has specifically announced aerial displays for those two dates.
While additional military aerial events are scheduled later in the summer as part of broader America 250 programming, no additional National Mall flyovers have been officially announced for June 24th-25th beyond those two showcases.
Visitors should arrive early, as large crowds are expected around the National Mall and nearby viewing areas.
Which aircraft will be featured in the flyovers?
The June 24th flyovers are expected to feature some of the Air Force’s most recognizable aircraft, including:
- F-16 Viper Demo Team
- B-2 Spirit stealth bomber
- F-35A Lightning II
The June 25th 8-aircraft formation flyover will showcase multiple generations of American military aviation, including:
- B-52 Stratofortress
- F-15 Eagle
- F/A-18 Super Hornet
- F-35C Lightning II
Together, the aircraft lineup spans decades of military aviation history, from the Cold War-era B-52 bomber to some of the most advanced fifth-generation fighters currently in service.
