Labor Day Weekend Tradition
- The Cleveland National Air Show is one of the oldest and most established annual air shows in the country starting with the National Air Races from 1929-1949 and continuing with the current day Air Show from 1964-present.
- The Labor Day Weekend tradition attracts 60,000 to 80,000 spectators to Burke Lakefront Airport located along the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, Ohio next to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (An equal number of visitors view the Air Show from parks, beaches, buildings and boats on Lake Erie.)
- Nationally recognized by Air Show organizers, the aerospace industry and fans as one of the most prestigious aviation events in the country – the Cleveland National Air Show was named Air Show of the Year by World Airshow News Magazine.
- The Air Show is Northeast Ohio’s Largest Military Event and all branches of the Armed Forces are invited to participate and showcase the quality personnel, equipment and opportunities offered by today’s U.S. Military Service to a large public audience.
Community Success
- The Cleveland National Air Show, Inc. is a financially self-sufficient 501 (c) (4) nonprofit organization with a volunteer Board of Trustees which is comprised of 35 diverse business, civic and community leaders.
- The mission of the organization is to continue the 80+ year tradition of hosting an internationally recognized aviation event in Cleveland at no cost to the community.
- The Air Show supports many local community services and charitable organizations through their participation in the production of the event, contributing $50,000-$75,000 annually to their fundraising efforts.
- More than 1,100 volunteers and staff participate and work together each Labor Day Weekend to produce the annual Air Show.
- The Air Show annually offers 1-2 paid college internships and since 1995, 50+ students have participated in the program gaining valuable experience while building their resumes.
- The Air Show generates an estimated 17.9 million dollar economic impact on Cleveland each year.
- The media/promotional value of the Air Show is in excess of $600,000 including over 16 million impressions annually.
- The Cleveland National Air Show Charitable Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization formed by the Trustees of the Cleveland National Air Show to preserve Cleveland’s rich aviation heritage and promote the advancement of aeronautics. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded $120,500 in college scholarships to Northeast Ohio students majoring in aeronautics or aerospace science/engineering.
