Quick Answer: EAA AirVenture runs July 20 to 26, 2026, at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. First-time arrivals should study the official EAA NOTAM cover to cover, plan to fly the Fisk arrival, and reserve camping early. It is the busiest airport in the world during show week, and preparation is everything.
Every summer, aviators point their airplanes toward one runway in Wisconsin and turn it into the busiest airport on the planet. If Oshkosh is on your list for the first time, the flying is the easy part. The arrival is where preparation pays off.
When and where is AirVenture 2026?
EAA AirVenture 2026 is scheduled for July 20 to 26 at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH). Wittman Regional sits on the south end of Oshkosh and is served by a well-documented arrival procedure that only exists during show week. Outside of AirVenture, KOSH is a quiet regional field. During the event, it handles thousands of operations a day.
Study the NOTAM first, everything else second
The single most important document for any first-time arrival is the official EAA AirVenture NOTAM. It is a detailed procedures booklet, not a one-page notice, and it changes yearly. Read it front to back, then read it again. The controllers at Oshkosh expect every aviator to know it cold.
• Download the current NOTAM from EAA.org as soon as it is released.
• Print a copy and keep it within reach in the cockpit.
• Brief the Fisk arrival, the ripon-to-fisk visual reference points, and the rock-your-wings acknowledgment.
• Know your alternate plan if the field goes to a hold or closes temporarily.
The Fisk arrival, in plain terms
Most VFR arrivals converge over the town of Ripon, then follow the railroad tracks northeast to Fisk. At Fisk, a controller identifies you by aircraft type and color, gives you a runway assignment, and asks you to rock your wings to confirm. You do not check in by call sign. You listen, you follow, and you fly precise airspeeds and altitudes exactly as the NOTAM specifies.
Flying it well comes down to three things: hold your assigned speed and altitude, keep a sharp visual scan for other traffic, and do exactly what the controller says the moment they say it. This is not the place for improvisation.
Where will you sleep? Reserve early
Camping under the wing is a rite of passage at Oshkosh, and many aviators say it is the best part. Space in the aircraft camping areas is first come, first served in some sections and reservable in others. Nearby housing, dorms, and hotels fill months in advance.
• Aircraft camping (Camp Scholler and the flight line areas) for the full under-the-wing experience.
• Bus and shuttle routes if you stay off-site.
• Book any hotel or dorm option as early as possible, ideally in the spring.
What to pack for a week on the flight line
Oshkosh weather swings from hot afternoons to cool, damp mornings. Pack for both. A few items make the week far more comfortable.
• Aircraft tie-downs, wheel chocks, and a cockpit cover.
• Sun protection, rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes for long days.
• A handheld radio and a backup battery for monitoring frequencies.
• Cash for vendors and a refillable water bottle for the heat.
Stop by the AV8 Realty booth
If you are attending AirVenture 2026, come find us. AV8 Realty will be exhibiting at Booth 311. Whether you are shopping for a hangar home, a fly-in community lot, or an FBO investment, our team will be on site to talk aviation real estate face to face. It is a great chance to meet the people behind the platform and see what is on the market.
The bottom line
Flying into Oshkosh for the first time is a milestone. Respect the NOTAM, fly the arrival with precision, reserve your spot early, and pack smart. Do those four things and you will spend the week enjoying the show instead of stressing about logistics. We hope to see you at Booth 311.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airport do you fly into for Oshkosh AirVenture?
You fly into Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. During show week it becomes the busiest airport in the world and uses a special arrival procedure that is in effect only for AirVenture.
Do I need a special procedure to fly into Oshkosh?
Yes. Most VFR arrivals fly the published Fisk arrival, which routes you over Ripon and then along the railroad tracks to Fisk, where a controller assigns your runway. Every arriving aviator must read the official EAA AirVenture NOTAM in full before flying in.
What is the AirVenture NOTAM?
The AirVenture NOTAM is EAA’s detailed arrival and departure procedures booklet for Oshkosh. It is released each year, changes annually, and is required reading. You can download it free from EAA.org when it is published.
Can I camp with my airplane at Oshkosh?
Yes. Camping under the wing is one of the most popular parts of AirVenture. Aircraft camping is available in designated flight line areas and at Camp Scholler. Some spaces are first come, first served and others are reservable, so plan early because they fill quickly.
How early should I arrive at AirVenture?
Plan to arrive early in the week or early in the day to avoid the heaviest traffic and any arrival holds. If the field reaches capacity, arriving aircraft may be sent to a hold or diverted, so always have an alternate plan and extra fuel.