Wings & Wheels 2026 Ready for Takeoff at Warren County Airport on May 9th

The Front Royal–Warren County Airport is set to welcome the community for a lively day of aviation and classic cars as Wings & Wheels returns on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The annual event, running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., continues to grow as a favorite local tradition that blends education, entertainment, and hands-on experiences.

Visitors can expect a wide variety of aircraft on display, along with vintage and modern vehicles lining the airfield. Pilots and car owners will be on site, giving guests a chance to ask questions and get an up-close look at machines that are not often seen together in one place.

“People are going to start arriving… from nine o’clock on,” said organizer Julie van Jaarsveld. “We’re going to have airplanes out on the ramp. We’ll have antique automobiles… everyone is welcome to bring their classic car or airplane.”

That open invitation is part of what makes the event unique. There is no registration fee, and organizers say the relaxed setting helps create a welcoming space for both longtime enthusiasts and first-time visitors.

Food is also a big part of the day. A pancake breakfast will kick things off in the morning, followed by food trucks offering more options later on. John Bert, who helps organize the breakfast, said the goal is to make sure everyone feels included.

“We’re going to start the pancake breakfast for the public around nine o’clock,” Bert said. “If anybody shows up before nine, they’re not going to be turned away.”

Beyond the food and displays, Wings & Wheels offers a full schedule of activities. Families can enjoy face painting, while thrill-seekers may catch skydiving demonstrations throughout the day. Organizers say there are also plans for giveaways, including skydives and discovery flights, which will add an extra level of excitement.

“We’re going to be giving away skydives and glider rides… discovery flights, face painting, all sorts of fun things,” van Jaarsveld said.

Weather permitting, visitors may also see historic aircraft take to the sky. Organizers hope to feature World War II-era planes, giving guests a rare chance to see aviation history in motion.

The event also serves a larger purpose. Proceeds from food and merchandise sales support the Friends of the Front Royal Airport, a group that helps fund community programs, aviation training, and safety efforts.

“This event lets us hold other events that are open to the public… and training programs for the pilots to make sure that safety is up,” Bert explained.

For organizers, Wings & Wheels is about more than just a day of fun. It is a way to connect the community with the airport and highlight its role in the region. With multiple flight schools and steady traffic, the airport remains an important hub, even if much of its activity happens out of sight.

As excitement builds for Saturday, both Bert and van Jaarsveld say they hope the community will come out, enjoy the food, and take time to explore everything the airport has to offer.

With free admission and activities for all ages, Wings & Wheels promises a day where neighbors can gather, learn something new, and maybe even be inspired to take flight.