One of the most ambitious air shows in Michigan history takes flight July 17–19 at Willow Run Airport, where organizers say this year’s lineup is unlike anything the region has seen in years.
Thunder Over Michigan returns with a theme tied to America’s 250th anniversary - and a roster of performers that reflects the occasion. The centerpiece is the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, the British aerobatic team making a rare stateside appearance. The nine-jet formation act hasn’t performed in the United States since 2019 and is only touching down at five shows nationwide.
“They came all the way over to the United States just performing five shows in America this year in honor of America 250,” said Jordan Hanhilammi of the Thunder Over Michigan marketing team. “They haven’t been here since 2019, and so this is one of only five shows that they’re performing at, and it’s going to be really, really cool.”
Hanhilammi, who has worked in the air show industry for years, said he has never personally seen the Red Arrows perform - until now.
Joining the Red Arrows on the bill is a USAF F-16 demonstration jet painted in special red, white, and blue livery for the anniversary. But perhaps the most historically significant aircraft on the flight line won’t be moving nearly as fast.
“The Privateer is an aircraft of World War II, and this is literally the only one that’s flying in the entire world that’s going to be at the event,” Hanhilammi said.
Michigan’s own role in aviation history is part of the show’s DNA this year, he added. “Michigan is an instrumental part of that and has a really exciting, rich history tied with aviation,” Hanhilammi said. “Bringing that aviation life to life at the show is going to be a really exciting segment.”
The event isn’t limited to what’s happening overhead. Gates open at 3 p.m. daily, with flying beginning around 6 p.m. and programming running until 10 p.m. On the ground, attendees can browse aircraft up close, interact with pilots, and explore a Meijer-sponsored Adventure Zone featuring STEAM exhibits for children.
Performers are also accessible after their flights. “People that come to the show have the chance to meet them,” Hanhilammi said. “These folks, they perform these incredible performances in the sky, and then they come out, and they meet fans, and they sign autographs, they do pictures. They’re there for the fans, and it’s really exciting.”
A smoke-and-thunder jet truck and evening pyrotechnics round out the ground-level entertainment. “It’s as photogenic an event as you can go to, for sure,” Hanhilammi said.
Proceeds benefit the Michigan Flight Museum, based at Willow Run Airport. “The proceeds from tickets and stuff, they go back into the museum, which just celebrates aviation history, has all kinds of ever-evolving exhibits and things going on there year-round,” Hanhilammi said.
Tickets and more information are available at thunderovermichigan.org.