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Mark your calendars—Airport Day & Preparedness Expo is back at Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM! This free, family-friendly event brings together the best of aviation, community preparedness, and local fun.Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, interested in safety education, or just looking for a unique day out with the family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Event Highlights
Runway 5K – 8:00 AM
Kick off the day with our one-of-a-kind race down the runway. Registration opens at 7:00 AM.
👉 Pre Register here – https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Ithaca/IthacaTompkinsRegionalAirportRunway5k
*T-shirts available while supplies last, registration includes East Hill Flying Club Pancake Breakfast.
Pancake Breakfast – 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast hosted by East Hill Flying Club. $12 for adults, $7 for kids ages 3–10.
Scenic Flights – Starting at 9:00 AM
Experience a bird’s-eye view of Tompkins County with $65 scenic flights from East Hill Flying Club.
Hot Air Balloon Rides – 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Take a tethered ride with Southern Tier Balloon Tours for a sky-high view of the event. $20/Adult, $10/Child
National Warplane Museum C-47 “Whiskey 7” Rides – 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM
Take a ride on the historic WWII-era C-47 “Whiskey 7” for a once-in-a-lifetime flight experience. 25-30 minute scenic flight $175 per person.
👉 Register: Coming Soon
Tower Tours – 10:00 to 11:00 AM
Take a rare guided tour of the airport tower. Real ID or passport is required (limited capacity – sign-ups begin at 9:30 AM).
Crossroads the Clown – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and balloon animals for kids of all ages.
Paper Airplane Contest – 10:30 AM
Show off your flying skills for a chance to win a $500 ITH travel voucher.
Ice Cream Truck – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Cool off with a sweet treat while you explore everything the day has to offer.
Preparedness & Safety Fair – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Explore hands-on emergency demos, CPR training, meet local safety teams, and more.
Citizen Preparedness Corps Training – 10:00 AM
Attend this free workshop and receive a Disaster Preparedness Kit.
👉 Register for Citizen Preparedness Training: Coming Soon
Red Cross Blood Drive – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Give the gift of life at 55 Brown Rd (Tompkins County Whole Health).
👉 Schedule your donation at www.RedCrossBlood.org
Aircraft Displays – Throughout the Event
Get up close with a variety of aircraft and talk with aviation professionals on the tarmac.
Parking & Admission
Admission is FREE
Free parking available in the long-term lot at:
1 Culligan Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850
Event entrance: East Hill Flying Club, 62 Brown Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
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Event venue
62 Brown Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850-1248, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.
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