No, tickets will NOT be sold at the gate and there will be no cash sales. All tickets must be purchased online in advance. Please visit our tickets page to learn more about our general admission and upgrade seating offerings.

Children 15 & under are admitted free with an accompaying adult ticket holder!

The event will take place rain or shine. A robust static display and other exhibits support the effort in making the show possible in all weather conditions. If weather poses a risk to the safety of the public or performers, some flying demonstrations may be modified, delayed, or suspended. All sales are final (no refunds or rain checks).

Become an e-mail susbscriber to our “Air Show Insights” to get early dibs on discounted tickets, event announcements, and more.

Yes! Thunder Over the Heartland is proud to present one of the finest air show spotters areas for aerial photography anywhere. Please visit our ticket page to learn more about our “Spotter’s Area” and its features.

Thunder Over the Heartland is unlike your normal air show, so we’re all in for surprises and dynamic updates as we work to make our show production top-class. A flying display sequence will be sent to ticket holders via e-mail each morning of the show.

Please make yourself familiar with our unique air show format!

Friday (Oct. 11) and Saturday (Oct. 12) will be Evening Shows with the flying display beginning at 3 PM with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds (flying first!) and continuing with aerial performers and concluding around 8pm with night show performances and fireworks. Sunday (Oct. 13) will be a Day Show event with the flying display beginning at noon and concluding with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flying last at 3 PM. Flying concludes at 4 PM.

All scheduled performers will fly each day (unless otherwise specified) with the exception of fireworks and pyrotechnics which will only be implemented during our evening shows.

For our Evening Shows (Friday, & Saturday), gates open at noon. For the daytime show (Sunday), gates open at 9 AM.

Tip: We suggest arriving early, well prior to the beginning of the flying performances so you don’t miss any of the action. Increased traffic and transit time is expected.

Air shows are very noisy, and the potential for high temperatures and conditions on and within the airport grounds does not make for a friendly place for our furry friends. Please, required documented service animals only.

The majority of the airport environment and ticketed event area is easily accessible being on paved tarmac. For parking, please share with the parking attendants your

credentials to be directed towards our ADA parking spaces. ADA parking spots are via a first come, first served basis, and may be limited due to demand.

Please note: Transportation from your vehicle to/around the air show site is not provided. Weather and temperatures can be dramatic in October, and attending the event can be physically demanding. Everyone should make sure they are prepared to safely attend an all-day show at the airport.

All licensees, ticket holders, and guests are prohibited from bringing the following items into the Event: any weapons, including but not limited to, firearms, bombs, grenades, toys resembling firearms, ammunition, brass knuckles, loose batteries, wires, box cutters, mace, tear-gas, pepper spray, knives, fireworks, sparklers or incendiary materials of any kind; any noisemakers, including but not limited to, megaphones, air horns, sirens and whistles; helium balloons; kites; drones; laser pointers; any illegal substances, including but not limited to, any drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol; and any item that would or could negatively impact public safety, aircraft safety and present a threat, real or perceived. All illegal or prohibited items will be seized.

Please note that all bags and containers will be inspected upon entering the event.

Thunder Over the Heartland is a NO DRONE ZONE. No aircraft, including any drone or unmanned aerial systems (UAS), may be operated within five nautical miles of the Topeka Regional Airport. Local pilots are encouraged to check NOTAMS for the latest temporary flight restrictions (TFR) and airspace requirements.

Shaded areas are available in our upgraded ticketing areas. General Admission guests should anticipate little-to-no shade. Guests are asked to consider bringing sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, sunglasses, and plenty of water. Please note tents and large umbrellas are not permitted.

If you’re sitting in our General Admission area we strongly recommend bringing your own chairs. Keep in mind, you may have to carry these items with you throughout the day, so consider bringing chairs with carrying straps or a bag. If you purchased a ticket within one of our upgraded ticket areas, most include seating options for you and your guests.

Yes! A great variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase within the

event. Vendors will take both card and cash. Outside food and beverage will not be permitted through the event gates, except for medical reasons. Water bottles are encouraged, however and water fill stations will be available.

Yes, we will have multiple ATMs located on site for cash transactions, however most vendors will accept credit card.

Yes, absolutely!

First aid stations will be set up for minor medical emergencies (cuts/bruises). There will also be paramedics present should advanced life support be needed.

Aerial events have an incredibly stellar track record for safety. As a precaution, there will be strong police and first responder presence at Thunder Over the Heartland. In case of emergency, you will be directed by local authorities.

If you lose anything during the event, please visit our First Aid tents near the airport terminal building.

The event will take place rain or shine. A robust static display and other exhibits support the effort in making the show possible in all weather conditions. If weather poses a risk to the safety of the public or performers, some flying demonstrations may be modified, delayed or suspended. All sales are final (no refunds or rain checks).

Discounts and special promotions will be announced on our ticketing page and on social media. Stay connected with us for more information.

Very likely! Unlike other types of sporting events, our aviators make themselves very accessible to our guests. Both the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and many of our performing aircrew will be around throughout the showgrounds each day.

Another opportunity to meet with our teams is to join us for our Downtown Kickoff Event at Evergy Plaza, Oct. 10 at 6 PM.