Frequently Asked Questions
The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show and STEM Expo™, presented by Boeing is a two-day, inspirational family-focused event at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, designed to support current regional efforts that promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) as well as aviation education and career opportunities.
The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo™ is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation governed by volunteers. It is necessary to charge admission in order to offset the costs associated with producing the event, including support services for all personnel and aircraft that participate in the event. Donations received by Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo™ are used to produce the event. It is also noteworthy that the production on Air Show days is implemented by approximately 1,000 volunteers who contribute their time and energy to ensure the success of the Air Show.
TICKETS
Tickets are available ONLINE ONLY, at www.spirit-airshow.com Re-entry is permitted until 3pm. Keep your ticket stub if you print off a copy and get your hand stamped as you exit. Please check website for updates. Children 12 and under are free. Please consider ordering a “free” children’s ticket online to expedite entry into the Air Show grounds.
NO – Flight line and Club Bravo Tickets CANNOT be exchanged for a different day or different ticket.
NO – A General Admission Ticket CANNOT be exchanged for a Flight Line or Club Bravo Ticket.
Yes. General admission is free to active duty military individuals with ID.
The Air Show strongly supports our veterans and donates tickets to local veteran organizations for use at their discretion.
The Air Show does not offer discounts to non-active military or active-duty family members. We encourage you to take advantage of initial discounts on tickets.
The event provides no-cost display space to area military recruiting commands so they may have a presence at the event and articulate the opportunities available in today’s armed forces.
The Air Show HAPPENS rain or shine. It takes more than a few raindrops to stop the Air Show. It is highly unlikely that it would be cancelled due to rain. Performers have high, low and flat routines to fit different weather conditions. Also, schedules will be shifted and/or delayed for periods to avoid heavy rainfall. In addition, display aircraft, exhibits and food locations typically remain open regardless of weather conditions. Follow us on social media for real-time updates during Air Show days.
We work very closely with the National Weather Service to monitor weather. In the event of inclement weather at any point during the event, the announcer will direct guests how to safely exit as there are no shelters in place on the Air Show grounds. Unless the weather is severe, we will fly as much of the show as is safe and possible. If both days of show are canceled, your ticket price may be considered a tax-deductible contribution to an IRS 501(c)(3) organization. Due to FAA permit restrictions and performer commitments, it is not possible to reschedule the airshow for another weekend. Please be aware that tickets are non-refundable or exchangeable and are not valid on another day. Customers should make their purchases with this in mind. Any change to that policy would be made at the discretion of the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo™ Governance Committee.
You can show your tickets on your mobile device. Each ticket can only be scanned once. You can also order your tickets online and forward the purchase confirmation email to anyone with a computer and working printer, and they will be able to print your tickets.
The name on a Print-at-Home ticket will not impact entry into an event. If the ticket is in someone else’s name, you will not have any issues at the door when redeeming it. Tickets will only scan one time for entry.
Confirmation emails are sent immediately upon completion of the transaction. If you have spam blocking or require senders to seek approval, you may not receive it. Please check the spam or junk mail folders before contacting Attendstar. The confirmation email will be sent from tickets@attendstar.com. Attendstar can be reached at 636.534.1440.
You will find a "Print all your tickets " link in the order confirmation email sent to you when you completed your transaction. Open that link, you can print ticket(s). Can't find the order confirmation email? Click Here to locate your order and resend your confirmation email.
Any inkjet or laser printer using 8.5" x 11" paper will be fine. Tickets can be printed in color or black and white.
The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo™ determines how many, if any, tickets will be held, sold or released for public sale, and when they are available. Presales or special offer sales may have limited availability prior to general sales availability. If a day or type of ticket is listed as "Sold Out" or "Unavailable," you may want to check the site periodically to see if additional tickets have been released or other ticket holders have cancelled. Limited tickets are available at pre-sale prices. Tickets are continually released and changing until the event weekend.
As our parking is on mostly grass, we will adjust ticket availability based on ground conditions. This may cause a sudden increase or decrease in ticket availability.
When a customer begins the purchase process, their tickets are pulled out of the available inventory until they purchase them. If someone has held tickets before you began your transaction, but later decides not to buy them, they are released back for sale. This is a common occurrence, especially during the first on-sale days of a popular event. Other ticket holders may cancel which puts tickets back into available inventory.
When tickets are sold out in a specific category, there are no tickets remaining for the event in that category. If every category says “sold out” there are no tickets available.
Just like you, thousands of other customers may be trying to purchase tickets. During a very popular on-sale, it is possible to receive a message that says tickets are currently unavailable. If a customer begins the purchase process and decides not to continue, their tickets are released back for sale. Limited tickets are available during pre-sales and tickets are continually released and changing in price as the event weekend approaches.
DIRECTIONS
Above is the 2022 traffic map for reference. An updated 2024 traffic map will be posted before the air show. Parking is free for ticket holders.
Parking is free for ticket holders. There is no parking available for non-ticket holders. Some parking spots can be up to a mile from the entrance so please be prepared to walk. There are no parking lot shuttles. Plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes and come early.
Recreational Vehicles (RV) and trailers will NOT be permitted into the on-site public parking lots operated by the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo™.
No. There are no provisions for camping overnight on the air show grounds.
We do not have any public transit options for the air show.
There are NO convenient ride share or taxi drop off locations for the airshow.
The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo™ venue is a large temporary facility, created for two days from runways, taxiways and grass fields at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport. The parking area is a large, open, grassy field with some hard surfaces. Much of the ground is uneven. There is NO special parking area for motorcycles or bicycles and no way to secure them at the event. Please note there is also no access to the event grounds from Edison Avenue for any vehicles or pedestrians.
No. There is also no access to the event grounds from Edison Avenue for any vehicles or pedestrians. Please reference our traffic maps for details on entry points.
ACCESSIBILITY
Thank you for your interest in the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo™, presented by Boeing. The following important information is to assist your planning and preparation for your time at the event.
The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo™ venue is a LARGE temporary facility, created for two days from runways, taxiways and grass fields at Spirit of St. Louis Airport. The parking area is a large, open, grassy field and some hard surfaces. Much of the ground is uneven.
We strongly advise you to bring a wheelchair and someone to assist you if you have trouble walking long distances. The Air Show grounds are extensive, and mostly uneven and unpaved. This area allows accommodation of spectators and display aircraft in a large festival atmosphere. Due to spectator congestion and the number of aircraft and displays, a patron shuttle service is not available inside the spectator area.
Handicapped toilets are available and are typically found at the ends of large “banks” of portable toilets.
The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo™ DOES NOT have scooters or wheelchairs available for rent. If you have difficulty walking long distances, please bring your own wheelchair
We do NOT have shuttle service into the Spectator Area. If you have difficulty walking long distances, please bring your own wheelchair and someone to assist you.
We will have a handicapped parking area near the entrance to the Air Show grounds. If you have a hang tag or disabled plate you should be directed to that area automatically. If not, just ask about it.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Yes. All concession booths accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Apple Pay and Google Pay. This will be a cashless event.
No. This will be a cashless event.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. STEM education and STEM careers are an essential part of our innovation-driven world today and are a key part of the economy in the St. Louis area. STEM highlights our vibrant entrepreneurial environment, our outstanding educational/teaching facilities, and our established multi-national corporations.
From robots to stomp rockets, 3D glasses to mobile tech units, there will be something for everyone to explore at the STEM Expo. This hands-on, interactive experience is designed to excite students, parents, adults and the community about the importance of STEM education, and the connection between both early and continuing education and STEM careers. From aviation, to biotechnology, to engineering design, to IT, STEM careers are the future of our region, the future of our economy and will enable the St. Louis region to become a global leader.
The public will engage directly with museums, colleges, industries and more, while also learning first-hand how they can experience and benefit from all these great institutions.
Please visit the STEM page on our website for exhibitors.
From robots to stomp rockets, 3D glasses to mobile tech units, there will be something for everyone to explore at the STEM Expo. This hands-on, interactive experience is designed to excite students, parents, adults and the community about the importance of STEM education, and the connection between both early and continuing education and STEM careers. From aviation, to biotechnology, to engineering design, to IT, STEM careers are the future of our region, the future of our economy and will enable the St. Louis region to become a global leader.
The public will engage directly with museums, colleges, industries and more, while also learning first-hand how they can experience and benefit from all these great institutions.
Please visit the STEM page on our website for exhibitors.
Attendees will be dazzled by the expansive exhibition of hands-on experiences, resources and information in the STEM Expo as they are held spellbound by incredible aviation acts.
Please request media credentials via email at media@spirit-airshow.com.
Media credentials are strictly provided to working media that provide their organization’s press credentials or an official assignment letter from an established media outlet. Recognition of a media outlet is at the complete discretion of the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo™.
Historically, our Air Show draws more than 50,000 attendees. We expect the same in 2024.
We are looking for organizations, individuals and STEM professionals with a passion to inspire students and adults towards STEM education and STEM and aviation careers as well as volunteers needed on the Event grounds. If you are interested in volunteering please contact us at volunteer@spirit-airshow.com.
Schools can get involved prior to the event as well as during the event. Schools, homeschoolers and educators may attend the STEM EXPO and leave with new resources and information. Schools are invited to utilize the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show and STEM Expo™ as part of their ongoing STEM education efforts and we fully encourage educators to utilize the event as a reward for top performing students. Those wishing to discuss partnership opportunities as they work hard to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals are encouraged to contact stem@spirit-airshow.com for more information.
If your non-profit is STEM or veteran-focused, we invite you to be a part of the STEM Expo and Patriots Landing. We also appreciate your efforts in helping us spread the word to your supporters about this incredible event. Please contact stem@spirit-airshow.com for more information on involvement in the STEM Expo, or info@spirit-airshow.com for more information on involvement in Patriot’s Landing.
We are also looking for non-profit groups that want to earn money to work concession stands and the parking areas. Please contact volunteer@spirit-airshow.com.
There are many ways for companies to get involved.
There are numerous sponsorship opportunities to join in support of STEM and aviation, to celebrate our storied aviation history, and to honor our military. All donations will be used to produce the event, which is run by the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo™, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please contact operations@spirit-airshow.com for more information.
The Air Show strongly encourages you to bring and use proper hearing protection such as quality ear plugs, especially for children. The noise from the jet engines may be painful or harmful for some. This is especially true if you are viewing the show from the front line. Vendors at the show may sell earplugs at their booths. For young children who may tend to play with and/or remove the foam type plugs, a suggested alternative is sound muffs (available in the gun section of most sporting goods stores, and generally available in children’s size). Please make your own choices on this matter and protect your hearing.
Yes, the same performers are scheduled to perform both Saturday and Sunday. (except for any fly-by’s). Performance schedules are subject to change at any time, without notice.
No, due to the potential for last minute adjustments to flying schedules based on weather, security protocols or other reasons, we are unable to provide any individual performers start times. The air show gate times are 9:00 -5:00 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, the Opening Ceremonies start at approximately 11:30 AM each day with the air show immediately following. All acts are subject to change at any time. A list of performers scheduled to appear will be available on our website (not in order of performance.)
Unfortunately, there will be no warbird or helicopter rides available for purchase during the 2024 Air Show.
Due to limited space during the event at Spirit of St. Louis Airport we recommend flying into Creve Coeur Airport (1H0). There is no transportation between Creve Coeur Airport and the event. Please make your own arrangements to get to the event.
Yes. Cameras and video recorders are permitted along with camera bags.
- Wear sunscreen
- Bring binoculars
- Bring camp chairs or blankets
- Wear a hat and sunglasses
- Bring ear protection
- Wear comfortable walking shoes – many areas are not paved
ENTRY OPTIONS
To minimize imposition, it is recommended that Air Show patrons bring only necessary items on their person and limit the size and contents of carry-in items to those that are essential. Air Show concession stands feature a wide variety of food and beverage options for your enjoyment and convenience.
Please consider “registering” your children at the Lost Children Tent located near the entrance to aid in reuniting you in case of separation.
No large coolers, food or beverages are permitted. Exceptions are for small coolers carrying lifesaving medicine or formula bottles/food for young infants (subject to search). There are many food and beverage vendors on the grounds that will provide a variety of food and drink choices. Many of the concessions will be staffed by volunteers from local charities and would appreciate your support. Each guest will be allowed to bring in ONE sealed bottle of water under a liter in size. A fill water station will be available on the event grounds.
A “cooler” is anything that was designated to insulate. Loose ice is prohibited because it is difficult to search. Ice packs are permitted.
Should you wish to bring your own lunch, it must remain in your vehicle and you will be permitted to return to the vehicle to consume it. Re-entry is permitted until 3pm. Keep your ticket stub and get your hand stamped as you exit.
Yes. General admission viewing is in open field areas and there is no seating included with general admission tickets. Guests are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit. Guests are responsible for their property during the entire event. No umbrellas can be attached to your chair.
In the general open field spectator area, YES, handheld umbrellas are permitted. Umbrellas are NOT allowed in any of the reserved seating areas. Large beach umbrellas or umbrellas placed in the ground are NOT permitted nor are any other tent or awning structures. No umbrellas can be attached to your chair.
There will be limited shade tents around the grounds. Guests are encouraged to plan for being out in the sun and weather and should wear a hat as well as plenty of sunscreen.
No. No pets are allowed on the air show grounds or left in cars inside the air show parking areas. Service dogs are permitted. Please be mindful of the noise and how it may affect your service animal.
Yes, wagons are permitted. The contents of the wagon are subject to search.
Yes. Below is a list of restricted and/or prohibited items.
- No balloons
- No portable awnings, tents or canopies
- No alcoholic beverages
- No smoking
- No pets
- No bicycles
- No weapons of any kind (including concealed carry permit holders)
- Nothing that resembles a weapon of any kind
- No flammable items or fireworks
- No skateboards, hoverboards or Segway’s
- No scooters (except for physically challenged persons)
- No in-line skates
- No outside food or drinks* - Each guest will be allowed to bring in ONE sealed bottle of water under a liter in size.
- No coolers*
- No loose ice
- No glass
- No drones
- No overnight camping allowed
- All bags are subject to search at entry gate
* The event will only permit the entry of a small cooler carrying life-saving medicines or formula bottles for young infants kept cold with ice packs.
Thank you for your cooperation
ABOUT US
The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo™ is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation governed by volunteers. It is necessary for the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo™ to charge admission in order to offset the substantial costs associated with producing the event, including support services for all personnel and aircraft that participate in the event. Donations received by Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & Expo™ are used to produce the event. It is also noteworthy that the production on Air Show days is implemented by approximately 1,000 volunteers who contribute their time and energy to ensure success of the Air Show.
A world class STEM and aviation event enjoyed by generations has been a part of our city’s heritage for many years.