(The narrative has been updated to accurately reflect the airshow performance timetable for the Blue Angels.)
A multitude of pilots and aviation aficionados will converge on Lakeland next week for the event. The 51st annual Sun 'n Fun Aerospace event begins on April 1.
It’s not a laughing matter; the initial aircraft have already touched down.
Gene Conrad, who serves as both the president and CEO, Sun 'n Fun Many of the significant organizational and structural modifications he envisioned for the seven-day event, scheduled from April 1st through April 6th, were put into place during the last couple of years. These alterations encompassed numerous family-oriented features along with increased entertainment options aimed at attracting more residents.
The aim over recent years has been to generate chances for individuals to enjoy a complete experience here," he stated. "Visitors come and allocate funds for an all-day event stretching from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with activities available daily.
Changes in Kids' Admission Prices
The most significant alteration for locals this year is that Sun 'n Fun has increased the age limit for complimentary entry to the week-long exposition for the second consecutive year. Kids who are 12 years old and under can enter without charge.
Conrad stated, “It involves an increase in children and families attending.” He added, “The objective of the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo—a fundraising initiative for the Aerospace Center for Excellence—is to inspire and teach future generations. It’s crucial that we maintain this as a welcoming occasion for all ages.”
For youths aged between 13 and 17, single-day passes cost $20 each, whereas standard adult tickets are priced at $50. Members of aviation associations as well as active and retired military personnel receive discounted rates. A weekly pass costs $70 for teens within this age range and $180 for adults. Additionally, specific deals are available for weekends.
One-day parking costs $20 when purchased at the gate or $12 if booked online. For weekly passes, the price is $80 at the entrance or $60 with an advanced purchase online.
Advance purchase of tickets and parking passes is available. https://flysnf.org/tickets/buy-tickets .
Every year, all the revenue generated at the expo goes directly to the Aerospace Center for Excellence, also known as ACE. This non-profit group focuses on offering STEM education—focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math—that pertains specifically to the field of aviation. According to Conrad, this event frequently serves as many kids' initial encounter with aviation, ideally sparking a lasting passion for the subject.
When families are deciding whether they can attend or not, the cost of bringing children along might prevent them from coming here," Conrad explained. "Our aim is to keep the entryway as open as we possibly can for families who wish to join us.
The Junior ACEs program includes interactive STEM activities such as flight simulators, programming a robotic sphere using Sphero robots, and utilizing NOAA’s Science on a Sphere to visualize three-dimensional planetary data.
Should families with small kids require some respite from the clamor and warmth, the Family Oasis will make a comeback. According to Conrad, this area serves as a perfect spot for preschoolers and younger children who might need somewhere to relax, catch up on sleep, or simply step away momentarily from the exposition’s events.
Ramping up nightly entertainment
Conrad mentioned that this year's Sun 'n Fun will feature an increased lineup of live music along with additional evening entertainment options.
Starting off on Tuesday evening will be an opening night concert featuring country music artists. Tyler Hubbard with Uncle Kracker Included with the ticket price. Conrad mentioned that the previous year’s event, which included performances by Sara Evans and Dylan Scott, attracted over 6,000 attendees to the warbird ramp area, and he anticipates an even larger turnout for this edition.
Should you desire more entertainment, there’s a live music show featuring emerging country artist Angie K at The Island. Known for merging strong traditional country sounds with elements reflecting her El Salvadoran heritage, Angie K brings an intriguing mix to the stage. Then, on Thursday evening, upcoming country sensation Thomas Mac will take center stage.
For those inclined towards observing aircraft in the heavens, the Sunset Aerial Circus Smaller aircraft like planes, gliders, parachutes, and drones will fill the sky at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The event contrasts with the Nighttime Airshow Spectacular held on WednesDays and Saturdays, featuring loud military jet demonstrations, along with fireworks, pyrotechnics, and drones. According to Conrad, this year’s synchronized performance is expected to run for approximately 25 minutes.
He informed the Lakeland commissioners that they must come and witness it; it’s top-notch material.
The Blue Angels are returning to Lakeland.
The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels are set to make their comeback in Lakeland on April 4, landing at Sun ‘n Fun. They consistently attract large crowds and will be practicing on both Thursday and Friday prior to their official performances during the afternoon airshows on Saturday and Sunday.
The Blue Angels will be among five military demonstration squads that attendees can observe during the seven-day event.
"It seems like everybody wants to join us this year, and it’s going to create quite a commotion," Conrad stated.
Conrad mentioned that the U.S. Navy plans to debut its F-35C Lightning II demo squad at Sun 'n Fun this year for the first time. This event will highlight the navy’s carrier-capable stealth aircraft, known for having bigger wings compared to many other jets, aiding it in decelerating enough to land on carriers and potentially generating significant sound.
Other recurring military displays encompass the United States Air Force's F-35A Lightning II , the The Navy’s pair of EA-18G Growler aircraft and the The U.S. Air Force’s F-16V Viper aircraft .
Conrad stated, “This occasion isn’t solely aimed at aviation buffs; it’s also for families.” He added, “Regardless of your lack of interest in aviation, you ought to stop by and see it for yourself.”
The article initially appeared on The Ledger. 'Complete Experience': Sun 'n Fun 2025 offers increased entertainment and more activities for families