Tinker Air Show: What items are allowed on base?

The Tinker Air Show returns to Oklahoma City June 28-29, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The event and parking are free, but visitors should be aware of what is allowed and not allowed on base.

Wednesday, June 25th 2025, 2:34 pm

By: Graham Dowers, Nathan Elliott


-

The Tinker Air Show returns to Oklahoma City June 28-29, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Dozens of military and civilian aircraft will be on display, including the MV-22 Osprey, C-17 Globemaster III, KC-Stratotanker and more. An attraction called “S.T.E.A.M. City” will provide entertainment and education on science, technology, engineering, artistry and math (STEAM). The event and parking are free. However, visitors should plan ahead before accessing the military base.

News 9 will stream the Air Show online Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, on our app, site, and YouTube channel.

What to Bring to the Tinker Air Show

The following items are permitted, but will be inspected before admission. Base officials ask that visitors minimize the number and size of permitted items to reduce and expedite security screening time into the air show.

  1. Sunscreen (highly recommended)
  2. Ear protection (highly recommended)
  3. Sealed water bottles/reusable water bottles (no cases)
  4. Sealed ice packs (no loose ice permitted)
  5. Hydration packs (must be totally empty prior to security screening; water filling stations will be available after security)
  6. Fanny packs and purses (will be subject to search)
  7. Cell phones, cameras and camcorders
  8. Folding chairs and camping chairs (large lawn chairs not permitted)
  9. Pre-packaged and/or sealed snack food
  10. Diaper bags (will be subject to search)
  11. Baby food/formula
  12. Medications/valid prescriptions
  13. Strollers (folding wagons where transporting children is the primary purpose are permitted. People bringing these items are asked to enter through the Hruskocy Gate as bringing these items on the shuttle buses can cause delays for others)
  14. Umbrellas (handheld)
  15. Wheelchairs
  16. Blankets


What Not to Bring to Tinker Air Show

The following items are prohibited and are subject to confiscation:

  1. Illegal drugs / Controlled substances (ex., Marijuana, CBD, THC, Heroin, etc.). This restriction includes any medical marijuana products
  2. Weapons (regardless of permit), including firearms, knives, replica or toy weapons (including pocket knives and multi-tools are subject to removal)
  3. Backpacks (clear, see-through backpacks are acceptable)
  4. Drones, kites, balloons
  5. Coolers (exception: baby food/medication/small size 10x7x7 inches)
  6. Outside Alcohol
  7. Recreational Vehicles
  8. Ammunition or any form of explosives
  9. This is a non-smoking airshow: to include eCigs/vape pens
  10. Spark-producing devices (example: lighters, matches, etc.)
  11. Pets (except service animals assisting those with disabilities)
  12. Tents, portable or temporary awnings
  13. Large lawn chairs (exceptions: small folding camping chairs)
  14. Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades
  15. Wagons (strollers and folding wagons where transporting children is the primary purpose are permitted. People with strollers/folding wagons are asked to use the Hruskocy Gate as loading/unloading these items on shuttle buses can cause delays for others)
  16. Mace, pepper spray, and personal tasers/stun guns
  17. Laser pointers
  18. Digital scanners
  19. Walkie Talkies/HAM Radios
  20. 3D Scanning Cameras
  21. Glass containers
  22. Grills or fireworks
  23. Excessive storage items such as briefcases, duffel bags and backpacks. Permitted items must be smaller than 10x10x10 (inches); (exceptions: diaper bags, small purses, small camera cases and fanny packs)

>> Tinker Air Show 2025: Meet the aircraft


Tinker Air Show Parking

Off-Base Parking (recommended for easiest access):

Free parking is available at Tinker Building 9001 (Old GM Plant), located near SE 74th St., between Air Depot Blvd. and Douglas Blvd.

  1. From I-240, exit Air Depot or Douglas and follow signs to SE 74th.
  2. Shuttle service begins at 8:00 a.m. and runs continuously until around 5:00 p.m.
  3. Shuttles take guests directly to the event security checkpoint.
  4. Note: You may go through a security screening before boarding the shuttle.

On-Base Parking:

Visitors may also enter and park on base using one of the following public access gates:

  1. Hruskocy Gate (North side) – off I-40 and 29th St. (best for Midwest City access)
  2. Lancer Gate (East side) – off Douglas Blvd.
  3. Parking is located south and east of Bldg. 3001. Gates open at 8:00 a.m.
  4. Guests will walk to the event area and proceed through a security checkpoint.

Guests with wheelchairs or strollers are encouraged to use the Hruskocy or Lancer gates to avoid lengthy shuttle loading/unloading times.

Tinker Air Show Schedule

Saturday & Sunday – June 28–29, 2025

  1. 8:00 a.m. – Gates Open
  2. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Vendors Open
  3. 8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – STEM City Hangar
  4. 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – USAF Rock Band (Stage)
  5. 10:00 a.m. – Drill Team Performance (Show Center)
  6. 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Aerial Demonstrations
  7. 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Drill Team Performance (STEM City)
  8. 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – USAF Rock Band (Stage)
  9. 5:00 p.m. – Gates Closed

Learn more:

Tinker Air Show 2025

Graham Dowers

Graham joined the News 9 team in February of 2025. He is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories that have shaped his country and his community.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News on 6 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

June 25th, 2025

June 27th, 2025

June 27th, 2025

June 26th, 2025

Top Headlines

June 27th, 2025

June 26th, 2025

June 26th, 2025

June 26th, 2025