Battle Creek Field of Flight Competing to Be Named America's Best Air Show

Battle Creek has always had a lot to be proud of. We are the Cereal City, after all. But this summer, we have got a shot at another title that would put us on the map in a whole new way.

The Battle Creek Field of Flight Airshow and Balloon Festival is competing to be named the number one air show in all of America. Last year, our hometown festival earned the number four spot in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. This year, we are aiming for the top.

Public voting is open right now and runs through May 6. You can cast one vote per day at 10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-air-show/. It only takes a minute, and every single vote brings us closer to that number one spot.

The 2026 festival runs July 1 through 5 at W.K. Kellogg Airport, and this year's lineup is shaping up to be one of the best yet. The F-35A Lightning II Demo Team will be tearing through the sky, showing off one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. The Golden Knights, the Army's elite parachute team, will be dropping in to wow the crowds. And if you have never seen Skip Stewart fly his Pitts biplane "Prometheus," you are in for a treat. He puts that plane through maneuvers that seem to defy physics.

The Mini Jet Airshows will feature the tiny but mighty SubSonex Microjet, and Misty Blues, an all-women skydiving team, will be showing everyone how it is done. Between the jets, the parachutes, and the balloons, there is something for everyone.

But the Field of Flight is not just about what happens in the air. The festival also features twilight and night shows with fireworks, live concerts, carnival rides, hot air balloon launches, shopping, food vendors, and even a marathon and 5K. It is five days of nonstop fun that brings the whole community together.

Speaking of music, the 2026 lineup includes The American Ride Toby Keith Tribute, the Tyler Roy Band, the Megan Rae Band, The Insiders Tom Petty Tribute, and The Air Force Roots in Blue. There will be plenty of opportunities to grab a lawn chair, kick back, and enjoy some great tunes under the summer sky.

For families, Kids Day is July 1, and the first 800 children through the gates will receive gift packs. It is a great way to introduce the little ones to aviation and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Field of Flight has been a Battle Creek tradition for decades. It brings thousands of visitors to our city, supports local businesses, and gives us all a reason to celebrate together. Winning the title of America's Best Air Show would be a huge honor, not just for the festival organizers, but for all of us who call Battle Creek home.

So here is what you can do. Head over to 10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-air-show/ and cast your vote. Then set a reminder on your phone to vote again tomorrow. And the next day. Keep it up through May 6. If every one of us votes daily, we can absolutely take that number one spot.

Battle Creek has always been a community that shows up for each other. Let us show the rest of the country what we are made of.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I vote for the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show?

A: You can vote once per day at 10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-air-show/. Voting is open through May 6, 2026.

Q: When is the 2026 Battle Creek Field of Flight Airshow and Balloon Festival?

A: The festival runs July 1 through 5, 2026 at W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Q: What performers are featured at the 2026 Field of Flight festival?

A: The lineup includes the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, the Golden Knights parachute team, Skip Stewart in his Pitts biplane "Prometheus," Mini Jet Airshows with the SubSonex Microjet, and Misty Blues all-women skydiving team.