Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo?

The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show and STEM Expo, presented by Boeing is a two-day event at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, designed to support the current regional efforts to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and STEM career opportunities.

Where can we purchase tickets?

Tickets will be available, ONLINE ONLY, at www.spirit-airshow.com.

DIRECTIONS: How do we get to the show?

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Parking is free for ticket holders.

Is there a fee for parking?

Parking is free for ticket holders.

Will there be public transit available to the airshow?

The nearest Metro stop during the airshow will be Goddard Avenue in Chesterfield. If you are not driving your own vehicle, we recommend either using a ride share or taxi service to get to the airshow from home, or from the Goddard Avenue bus stop. There is no walking access to the airshow grounds. The address for ride share or taxi drop off and pickup is Wedge Phillips 66 Chesterfield, 18423 Old Olive Street Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005.

What address do I give a ride share or taxi service to get to the airshow?

Your ride share or taxi destination is Wedge Phillips 66 Chesterfield, 18423 Old Olive Street Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005. From there you will proceed on foot to the shuttles.

Uber and Lyft drivers or taxis from St Charles should follow their GPS to Wedge Phillips 66 Chesterfield, 18423 Old Olive Street Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005.

All Uber and Lyft drivers or taxis travelling from St Louis County, St Louis City or Illinois should take westbound Chesterfield Airport Road to Wedge Phillips 66 Chesterfield, 18423 Old Olive Street Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005. The drivers will be instructed to stay in the westbound curb or right most lane until they pass Spirit of St. Louis Blvd. Once past Spirit of St. Louis Blvd, follow GPS to access 18423 Old Olive Street Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005.

Are credit cards accepted at concessions?

Yes, credit cards are accepted for all concessions. There is also an ATM onsite.

Is there an ATM onsite?

Yes. ATM’s will be located near the main entrance.

What is STEM?

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.

What is a STEM Expo?
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 of these great institutions.

Please see STEM page on website for exhibitors.

Why is STEM important to St. Louis?

STEM is the foundation of many St. Louis companies as a whole, and an important part of all companies. It is also a regional focus of many civic organizations and educational institutions. There are currently more STEM-related positions in the St. Louis region, than there are STEM candidates in the professional pool, so the opportunities for those with STEM backgrounds and educations are plentiful.

Why should people attend the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show and STEM Expo?

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.

Are there military discounts?
Yes. General admission is free to active military and in uniform military.
How do I request media credentials?

Full-time professional media can request more information at media@spirit-airshow.com.

What is the expected attendance?

The 2019 event drew more than 50,000 attendees. We expect the same in 2022.

Can I get involved?

We are looking for organizations, individuals and STEM professionals with a passion to inspire students and adults towards STEM education and STEM careers as well as volunteers needed on the Event grounds. If you are interested in volunteering contact info@spirit-airshow.com.

How can schools get involved?

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 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.

How can non-profits get involved?

If your non-profit is STEM or veteran-focused, we invite you to be a part of the STEM Expo and Camp Spirit. 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.

We are also looking for groups to work concession stands and other volunteer areas.  Please contact concessions@spirit-airshow.com.

How can companies get involved?

There are many ways for companies to get involved.

There are numerous sponsorship opportunities to join together in support of STEM, to celebrate our storied aviation history, and to honor our military. All funds donated will be used at the event, which is run by the non-profit Spirit of St. Louis Air Show,  a 501(c)(3) organization. Please contact sponsorships@spirit-airshow.com for more information.

We are also looking for volunteers to work at the STEM Expo, Camp Spirit and other volunteer areas. If your company would like to provide volunteers, please contact STEM@spirit-airshow.com.

Is there access for persons with disabilities?

We will have a special 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. Once you’re in the handicapped parking area, we will have golf carts watching for arrivals needing assistance. In addition, we will have wheelchairs available on a first come first served basis. We will need some form of collateral (typically a driver’s license) to loan out a wheelchair, but otherwise our services are free and available to those who need them.

Are coolers, food or beverages permitted to be brought inside the air show grounds?

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.

Can we bring lawn chairs into the event?

Yes. General admission viewing is in open field areas. Guests are responsible for chair during the entire event. No umbrellas are allowed to be attached to your chair.

Can we bring umbrellas or tents into the event?

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.

Is there shade?

There will be limited shade tents around the grounds. Guests are encouraged to plan for being out in the open and wear a hat as well as plenty of sunscreen.

Are pets allowed?

No. No pets are allowed on the air show grounds or left in cars inside the air show parking areas. Service dogs are permitted.

Is there a list of restricted items?

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 firearms (including concealed carry permit holders)

  • No weapons (knives, etc)

  • No skate boards

  • No scooters (except for physically challenged persons)

  • No in-line skates

  • No food or drinks of any kind

  • No coolers of any kind

  • Overnight camping is not allowed
  • All bags are subject to search at entry gate.

Thank you for your cooperation

What happens if there is inclement weather?
The Air Show HAPPENS rain or shine. There are no refunds or exchanges. We are working very closely with St. Louis County Emergency Operations Center 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. In the event that both days of show are canceled, your ticket price will 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.
 
May we camp overnight on the air show grounds?
No. There are no provisions for camping overnight on the air show grounds.
 
Do I need hearing protection (ear plugs)?
The Airshow strongly encourages you to bring and use proper hearing protection such as quality ear plugs, and especially so 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.
 
Is the show schedule the same for both days?
Yes, the same performers are scheduled to perform both Saturday and Sunday. (with the exception of any fly-by’s)
 
Is there a schedule for performers?
No, for security reasons, we are unable to provide any individual performers start times. The air show gate times are 10:00 am-5:00 pm. On Saturday and Sunday the air show starts at approximately 12:30 PM each day. All acts are subject to change at any time. A line up of performers scheduled to appear is available on our website www.spirit-airshow.com.
 
Can we buy flights on any of the warbirds?

Information on any available warbird flights will be posted closer to the event.

 
Tips to enjoy the Air Show:
  • 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