Northern Thunder Air & Space Expo 2022

Mark your calendars! For the first time in over a decade, the Air Force's premier aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, will perform at Grand Forks Air Force Base.

This event is free and open to the public. The gates open at 8:30 a.m. and flying begins at approximately 11 a.m.

Please read below for event details. All additional questions can be directed to 319th Reconnaissance Wing public affairs at 319rw.pa@us.af.mil.

Directions, Parking, and Bus Route
Please enter through the base's main gate. Directions can be found here.

Upon entering the main gate, visitors will be directed on where to park. Parking is free.

After parking, visitors will have a short bus ride to the event entrance.

There are many bus stops to choose from and a map can be found here:

Bus Routes

Buses will run from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. to provide transportation to and from the parking lot and event entrance.
Event Schedule
Performers
Air Force Thunderbirds

Wings of Blue

Shockwave

BLESSED FMX

Free Man Air Shows

Steven Bennett Aerobatics

Air Show Entertainment Kid Zone

C-17 (Joint Base Charleston)

Warbirds:
Yak 50 (Dan Reeves Air Show)
STATIC DISPLAYS
Warbirds:
U.S. Air Force:
- UH-1 (Minot Air Force Base, ND)
- B-52 (Minot Air Force Base, ND)
- KC-135 (Fairchild Air Force Base, WA)
- F-15 (Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID)
- T-38 (Beale AFB, CA)
- RQ-4 Global Hawk (Grand Forks AFB, ND)
U.S. Navy:
- F-18 (Naval Air Station China Lake, CA)
- EA-18 (Naval Air Station China Lake, CA)
- T-45 (2x from Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL)
U.S. Army:
- UH-60 Blackhawk (ND National Guard - Bismarck)
- UH-72 Lakota (ND National Guard - Bismarck)
Civil Air Patrol:
- C-182
- Schweizer 1-26c
MQ-9 (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

University of North Dakota:
- Piper Archer
- R44 Cadet
- Scan Eagle UAS
- C-172
- King Air
- Piper Seminole
Prohibited Items
Prohibited items include: Firearms, fireworks, explosives, knives and other weapons, illegal drugs including marijuana, alcohol, flasks, glass containers, mace, pets, bikes, skateboards, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

All personnel will be checked prior to entering the event area. Prohibited items will be confiscated at the event entry point, you will be asked to return to your vehicle to stow the item, or you may be turned away.

Please contact the 319 RW public affairs office at 319rw.pa@us.af.mil if you have questions about prohibited/authorized items.
Authorized Items
Authorized items include: Small handbags or pocketbooks, diaper bags, backpacks, folding chairs, umbrellas, small children canopies, camera bags, water bottles.

All hand carried items will be inspected prior to entry.
covid-19 precautions
Masks are not required. Handwashing stations will be available at the event and social distancing is recommended.
Sponsors
Please refer to the 319th Force Support Squadron website for air show sponsors!
Food Vendors
Son of Brunch

Magic Bean Brewing

The Wok Filipino Cuisine

Tacho Man

Mama Mac's Kitchen

Maples

With Room Coffee

Cookies for U

Amy's Place

Little Bangkok

Top Dog Hot Dogs

Brain Freeze

Penny's Breakfast

Soul Taco

Old Tyme Kettle Corn

Kona Shaved Ice

Made It Myself Shaved Ice

Far Out Nuts

Hot Off the Press

OOF-DA Tacos

Corn on the COB

Fargo Filies

Fried Pickles

Mac Daddy's

Mi Barrio Dominican Cuisine
Friday Friends and Family Day
Friday, June 17, will be Friends and Family / Rehearsal Day. This day is NOT open to the public and is open as a preview for DoD cardholders. Upon entering the Commercial Gate, attendees will park on Bravo Ramp.

All non-DoD cardholders are invited to the main event on Saturday, June 18.
Media
Press Release for Feb 2, 2022

Press Release for June 2, 2022

Press Release for June 13, 2022
Disabled Personnel/Distinguished Visitors/DoD Card Holders
As a reminder for all disabled persons, Distinguished Visitors, DOD ID card holders, and vendors should use Gate 2 (Commercial Gate) off of highway 2, for entrance to the Northern Thunder Air and Space Expo.

Can I bring food?
Outside food is permitted. Food will be available for purchase at the event and the complete list of vendors can be found under the "Food Vendors" tab.

Glass containers are prohibited.
Do I need a military ID?
No! This event is open to the public. Please bring a government-issued ID to show at the gate.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking will be permitted in designated areas only.
Can I bring my camera?
You got it! Photo and video cameras are permitted.
Will there be souvenirs available?
Souvenirs will be available for purchase at the event!

If interested in becoming a vendor, or with any souvenir-related questions, please contact the 319th Force Support Squadron at 701-747-3237.
Will there be restrooms available?
Restrooms and handwashing stations will be available.
Should I bring hearing protection?
It is highly encouraged you bring hearing protection – especially for children. There will be a number of aircraft taking off, landing, and performing, which will be extremely loud.
Will there be shade?
There will be very limited shade available. Please prepare accordingly!
What happens if it rains?
In the event of rain, some flying demonstrations may be delayed. However, unless the weather poses a serious threat to the safety of the visitors and participants, the show will proceed as scheduled with some modifications. In the event of an Air Show cancellation, announcements will be coordinated with local news agencies as well as posted to our social media sites and on this page with more information as it becomes available.
What type of medical services will be available?
Emergency medical and local ambulance services will be available.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing:
- Suncreen
- Sunglasses
- Hearing protection
- Hat
- Folding chair
- Snacks and water bottles
- Cash

UPDATE

Due to high winds, the Northern Thunder Air & Space Expo has been cancelled as of 3:00 p.m., Saturday, 18 June.

NORTHERN THUNDER AIR & SPACE EXPO: COMING JUNE 18, 2022

Important Info

FAQS