30th Annual Wings-n-Wheels Fly-In Promises Tours, Flights and Fun at St. Louis Regional Airport
The St. Louis Regional Airport is marking its 30th annual Wings-n-Wheels Fly-In with planes, cars and family activities. See what visitors can explore during the two-day aviation celebration.
St. Louis Regional Airport Fly-In Preview: Aircraft, Car Show and Free Young Eagles Flights
BETHALTO/EAST ALTON - The St. Louis Regional Airport has an exciting weekend ahead, and you’re invited as they mark their 30th annual Wings-n-Wheels Fly-In.
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From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, community members can tour planes, enjoy the Speed Demons Car Show, and check out food trucks, vendors and kids’ activities. More fun is planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, with free Young Eagles Flights available for kids ages 8–17, the Bethalto Farmers Market, food trucks, vendors and kids’ activities. For Airport Director Danny Adams, the weekend is a chance to bring people together and celebrate the aviation community.
“These pilots, it’s what they live for, their passion for aviation,” Adams said. “ You just never know what all aircraft will be out there, but we’re expecting a pretty packed house with the nice weather we’re expecting this weekend.”
Adams explained that a variety of aircraft will likely land at the airport this weekend. Attendees can walk the tarmac and tour the planes, including the New Spirit of St. Louis, the Missouri Commemorative Air Force’s B-25, Arch Medical Helicopter, and Illinois State Police aircraft, among others. Guests can even pay for a ride in the B-25.
But Adams noted it’s not uncommon for other pilots to offer rides. He emphasized that the pilots are deeply passionate about their planes and eager to show them off. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to ask questions and tour the planes.
“The cool thing is you never know. Anyone can fly their plane in, park it, display it, showcase what they do and what they fly,” he said. “Usually these pilots love talking aviation and about their planes, so you hit up one of these pilots and you never know where the conversation goes. It’s not uncommon for someone to be like, ‘Do you want to hop in and go fly?’ I’m not promising anything, but they love talking aviation.”
The Speed Demons Car Show will also run throughout the day on Sept. 26, with registration open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the award ceremony planned for 2:30 p.m. It costs $20 to show your car and there will be several awards for top winners.
Families can also check out food trucks and vendors at the airport. There will be plenty of kids’ games, bounce houses, barrel cars and more available at no cost, provided by the Bethalto Chamber of Commerce. Admittance and parking are also free.
On Sunday, Sept. 27, kids ages 8–17 can enjoy a free Young Eagles Flight provided by EAA Chapter 864. You must register online to secure your spot.
“One of the coolest things, I think, is EEA Chapter 864 is providing free Young Eagles flights on Sunday,” Adams said. “Go to their website, pre-register, and guarantee your slot for a free flight, free, at no cost. Go up with a qualified pilot in their personal airport on a 20-minute introductory flight.”
Adams and the EAA Chapter 864 crew hope these flights encourage kids to explore aviation. Adams said he wants at least one person to get “the aviation bug” as a result of the Fly-In, as he believes the industry offers great, meaningful careers.
The Bethalto Farmers Market will run through the morning with a wide variety of farmers, artisans and vendors selling their wares, courtesy of Bethalto Spirit. The food trucks, vendors and kids’ activities will also be offered.
Adams thanked the community members and organizations who are coming together to make the 30th annual Wings-n-Wheels Fly-In possible. He noted that the St. Louis Regional Airport has created over 1,500 jobs with a $480 million impact, making the airport one of the most influential airports in Illinois outside of Chicago.
He is proud of the work they do and hopes that many people come out this weekend to see it for themselves. The goal is to have fun and connect with the community while also inspiring future aviators to take the plunge and join the industry.
“There’s some really cool stuff happening with aviation in St. Louis overall,” he added. “The Greater St. Louis area, tons of jobs. Tons of money. Tons of business coming in and out because of aviation. If you’re interested in aviation or even working with your hands or being involved in aircraft, there are endless opportunities and careers even locally.”
For more information about the St. Louis Regional Airport’s 30th annual Wings-n-Wheels Fly-In, click here or visit the official Facebook event page.
This featured article is sponsored by the St. Louis Regional Airport. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.
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