As summer slowly comes to a close, a season full of festivals, farmers’ markets, and all-day sun, a community tradition returns this weekend. The Gary Air Show will take place Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 9–10, at Marquette Park. The event, which is free to the public, is expected to draw thousands of people and will be packed with activity. For those looking to attend this weekend, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming air show to help you plan your visit:
Time and Location
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Marquette Park, 1 North Grand Blvd.
- The beach area near Marquette will remain open until 6 p.m. due to the festival.
- No tickets are required.
Parking
- Available at or near Marquette Park, 1 North Grand Blvd.
- Cost: $40 per day, or $60 for the whole weekend.
- Cash or credit is accepted.
Transportation
Crown Point Trolley
The City of Crown Point Trolley will serve as a shuttle looping around Marquette Park via Oak Avenue and Marquette Drive. Stops include Beach Buds and the Aquatorium, both located within the park along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
South Shore Line
A free shuttle will run every 10 to 15 minutes from the Miller Station to the air show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
Gary Public Transportation Corp.
GPTC will offer free service on Saturday via Route L2. The route will depart from the Metro Center to Marquette Park every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with connections to the Broadway Metro Express and other lines. Riders on regular Saturday routes, including stops in Aetna, Glen Ryan, and downtown Miller Beach, can transfer to the L2 for free service.
Bike Parking
Cyclists can park north of the Lagoons near the Area 5 west parking lot. Signs will be posted.
Entertainment
In the Air
The main draw of this event includes the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knight Parachute Team, Susan Dacy and “Big Red,” Bill Stein Airshows, Warbird Thunder, Bob Richards and “Machaira” Muscle Biplane, Mini Jet Airshows, Kevin Coleman, and Ed Hamill and Folds of Honor Biplane.
On the Ground
On the grounds of Marquette Park, a festival will feature merchandise, food vendors, flight simulators, a beer garden hosted by 18th Street Brewery, craft and retail vendors, military displays, and a kids’ play zone.
On Lake Street, local Miller businesses will host a Lake Street Bar Crawl on Saturday from noon to close. Participating businesses include Tiny’s Coffee Bar, Estella’s Cantina, Del’s Fun Bar, 18th Street Brewery, and Dialogue Wine Bar, each offering flight-themed drinks and prizes. Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Elsewhere in the city, the Gary Department of Redevelopment will host its Saturday farmers market on the lawn between Fifth and Sixth avenues and Broadway. The air show-themed market will offer local vendors, food trucks, live music, games, a free produce giveaway, and more. The free event will run from noon to 4 p.m.
More information can be found on South Shore Indiana’s Gary Air Show website.
