By Susan, Madras Bulletin
Date: [Today]
Lede: Get ready, Central Oregon! This August, Madras Municipal Airport will once again host the Airshow of the Cascades—a thrilling weekend of aerial aerobatics, vintage warbirds, live music, fireworks, and family fun. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to this major local event.
📅 When & Where
- Dates: Friday & Saturday, August 22–23, 2025
- Time: Gates open at 1 PM; evening performances and fireworks run until ~11 PM each day
- Venue: Madras Municipal Airport (2028 NW Berg Drive)
✈️ Headliners & Attractions
- Patriot Jet Team: A six-jet precision military aerobatic squad, headlining both daysairshowdisplay.fr+3cascadeairshow.com+3visitbend.com+3
- Warbird Displays: Featuring iconic aircraft like the B‑17 Flying Fortress, P‑51 Mustang, Corsair, Hellcat and more—courtesy of the Erickson Aircraft Collection cascadeairshow.com+6visitbend.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6
- Aerobatic Stars: Including wingwalker Sam, Precision Exotics, and Rob Carpenter’s “One Wheel Revolution”cascadeairshow.com+1cascadeairshow.com+1
- Evening Fireworks: Friday night spectacular compliments of Pacific Powervisitbend.com+1cascadeairshow.com+1
🎟️ Tickets, Access & VIP
- General Admission: Available now; kids under 5 and veterans get in freevisitbend.com+5cascadeairshow.com+5cascadeairshow.com+5
- VIP & Chalets: Blue Sky Pavilion and Ron Ochs Chalet with comfy seating, private restrooms, complimentary refreshments—ideal for groups and corporate gatheringscascadeairshow.com+2cascadeairshow.com+2cascadeairshow.com+2
- Fly-In Participation: Pilots with rare or unique aircraft can register through August 1—includes chalet access, museum entry, and trophies airshowdisplay.fr+7cascadeairshow.com+7cascadeairshow.com+7
🎶 Entertainment & Amenities
- Live Music: Precious Byrd performs Friday evening; bands play throughout the weekendcascadeairshow.com+1visitbend.com+1
- Les Schwab Car Show: A classic car showcase held concurrently on the flight linecascadeairshow.com+4cascadeairshow.com+4cascadeairshow.com+4
- Food & Vendors: Local booths, hot box specialties, drinks—including beer & wine in VIP areascascadeairshow.com
- Camping & RV Spots: Available at the airport—book early for a full weekend experience visitcentraloregon.com
🛩️ Erickson Aircraft Collection Connection
- On-Site Museum: The Erickson Aircraft Collection, based at the airport, opens exclusively for airshow weekendtripadvisor.com+8ericksoncollection.com+8cascadeairshow.com+8
- Warbird Highlights: See active historic planes like the B‑17F, P‑47D, Spitfires, Corsairs, and moreen.wikipedia.org
- Kick‑Off Party: Thursday, August 21 – enjoy live music and reception at the museum before the main eventcascadeairshow.com+1aftontickets.com+1
✅ Top Tips for Attendees
- Buy Tickets Early – Expect strong demand, especially for VIP and chalet packages
- Arrive Early or Camp – Beat parking delays; camping is a popular optioncascadeairshow.com+5cascadeairshow.com+5cascadeairshow.com+5cascadeairshow.com+1cascadeairshow.com+1
- Bring Ear Protection & Shade – Jet noise is exciting, but bring earplugs; shade and sunscreen are essential
- Plan for All Ages – Kid‑friendly zones, car show, fireworks—something for everyone
- Parking & Shuttles – Anticipate on-site parking; nearby shuttle options may be available
📰 Why It Matters for Madras, Oregon
- Major Economic Boost: Last year saw roughly 20,000 attendees, filling hotels, eateries, and gas stations across Jefferson County
- Aviation Heritage: Ties to Madras’s WWII airport history, once a B‑17 training base, give this event local roots dated back to the 1970s tripadvisor.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14cascadeairshow.com+14
- Community Showcase: It’s more than planes—this show highlights local pride, volunteerism, and civic ingenuity
💬 From the Crowd
“The Patriot Jet Team over the Cascades was unforgettable.”
“Seeing the B‑17 ‘Ye Olde Pub’ in person took me back to history.”cascadeairshow.com+110times.com+1airshowdisplay.fr+2visitbend.com+2cascadeairshow.com+2reddit.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1
📌 Final Word
The 2025 Airshow of the Cascades is more than a weekend spectacle—it’s a celebration of aviation and local community spirit in Madras, Oregon. Want me to cover volunteer info, flight previews, or nearby lodging tips? Just say the word!