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Downtown Abilene is throwing an epic street party to kick off Wings Over West Texas Air Show Weekend! Join us on Friday, April 18, from 6 PM – 8 PM as we shut down the street in front of Grain Theory Brewery for a Block Party celebrating the arrival of the legendary U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds!Expect a night filled with live music, great food, local beer, and a rare chance to meet the Thunderbirds in-person before they take to the skies at Dyess Air Force Base the next day. Whether you're a longtime Air Show fan or just looking for an unforgettable evening downtown, this is an event you do not want to miss!
What to Expect
✈️ Thunderbirds Meet & Greet – The elite U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be at the event, meeting fans, taking photos, and celebrating with the community before their big performance at the Air Show.
🎶 Live Music on Stage:
6:00 – 6:30 PM – Cash & The Change
6:30 – 7:00 PM – Welcome & Speeches (Mayor Weldon Hurt, Dyess Commander, Thunderbird Commander)
7:00 – 8:00 PM – Caleb Sutton Band
🎨 The Center for Contemporary Arts presents an Interactive Community Mural Activity – Be part of creating a one-of-a-kind piece of community art celebrating this special event.
🍔 Food & Drinks:
El Texican Kitchen food truck will be on-site serving up delicious Tex-Mex flavors.
Grain Theory Beer Tent – Grab a cold, locally crafted beer right in the street!
This free, all-ages event will be a massive downtown celebration, bringing together locals, military families, and visitors from across the region for a night of fun before the Air Show.
Keep the Party Going!
After the event ends at 8:00 PM, don’t call it a night just yet—Downtown Abilene is the place to be! Head to some of the best spots in town to continue the fun, including FreePlay Arcade, Grain Theory, Ice House, Big Country Beer Garden, and Pour House.
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About the Wings Over West Texas Air Show
The 2025 Wings Over West Texas Air Show takes place at Dyess Air Force Base on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025. This year’s theme, "A Salute to Western Heritage," celebrates both aviation excellence and the cultural history of the American West.
The highlight of the show will be a thrilling performance by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, known worldwide for their incredible aerobatic displays and precision flying. The event will also feature a diverse lineup of military and civilian aircraft on display and in action throughout the weekend.
Event Entry & Details:
The Air Show is FREE and open to the public!
For additional show information and preferred seating options, visit: https://dyessfss.com/airshow2025/
Directions & Base Entry for Air Show:
All attendees (DoD cardholders and general public) must use either:
Dyess Main Gate (by the Dyess Visitor's Center)
Tye Gate (Dyess Commercial Gate) (on Military Dr.)
Gate Hours for Air Show:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Arnold and Tye Gates inbound traffic only
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Arnold and Tye Gates both inbound/outbound
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Arnold Gate outbound only; Tye Gate inbound and outbound
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The Airshow Block Party is the official Pre-Party for Wings Over West Texas, so come out, bring your friends and family, and celebrate an exciting weekend in Downtown Abilene and at Dyess Air Force Base!
This event is presented by the Abilene Downtown Association, Grain Theory, and our sponsors, Flags for Freedom, Fat Matt, and the Center for Contemporary Arts.
SPECIAL NOTE: The appearance of commercial advertisement and hyperlinks inserted by the host of this service does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
North 2nd - in front of Grain Theory and Vagabond, 1056 N 2nd St, Abilene, TX 79601-5813, United States,Abilene, Texas
