“Wings Over the Rockies” Celebrates National Aviation Day

Photo Courtesy of Wings

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum invites the public to celebrate the legacy of flight on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a special “Pay As You Wish” admission day in honor of National Aviation Day, a holiday established in 1939 to commemorate the birthday of aviation pioneer Orville Wright.

This family-friendly day will feature hands-on activities, historic aircraft, and a chance to see the new Harrier jet up close, explore the museum’s updated Wright Brothers exhibit, showcasing rare and inspiring artifacts from the earliest days of flight, including a direct link to the Moon. Plus, a special gift will be given to the first 150 guests.

“National Aviation Day gives us a chance to celebrate the dreamers and doers who made flight possible,” said Marcus A. Harshaw, Jr., President and CEO. “With new exhibits and legendary aircraft like the Harrier Jet on display, we’re inviting our community to explore, be inspired and support our mission to ignite a passion for aerospace in every generation. While admission is pay-as-you-wish, every donation helps us create immersive exhibits, hands-on programs and unforgettable experiences that ensure aviation’s legacy continues to take flight, for students, families, and future explorers.”

Must-See Exhibit Features:

• The NEW AV-8B+ Harrier II Exhibit
• A propeller from a Wright Model K flyer, personally signed by Orville Wright
• An authentic piece of fabric from the 1903 Wright Flyer—carried to the Moon by Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 mission in July 1969

Additional Event Highlights:

• Try the new Wright Flyer simulator where guests can try their hand at flying like the pioneers of powered flight
• Select Open Cockpits
• STEM activities
• 2theXtreme Exhibit – an interactive exhibits for all ages

###

Wings Over the Rockies™, a Colorado-based non-profit organization and Colorado’s official Air and Space Museum, is committed to educating, inspiring and exciting all people about aviation and space endeavors of the past, present and future. Wings is one organization with two locations. Located in Denver’s historic Lowry neighborhood and established in 1994, the Museum features more than 97,000 square feet of world-class historical and educational exhibits. In addition to more than 60 impressive aircraft and spacecraft, visitors discover exciting personalities, stories, and events about every aspect of

aviation and space exploration. Exploration of Flight is located at Centennial Airport. Opened in 2018, it features 18,000 square feet of interactive experiences, aviation-focused events and actual flying aircraft. Visitors to the two locations come from all 50 states and more than 34 countries. For more information about Wings Over the Rockies, please visit WingsMuseum.org.