Williston Basin Airshow set for Aug. 15
Submitted Photo Warren Pietsch of the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot built this clipped wing Taylor craft when he was 20 and has been flying it since. He will be flying it in the Williston Basin Airshow.
Submitted Photo Bernie Vasquez of Vacaville, Calif., will fly Miss Kitty III, a P-51D of the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot, in the Williston Basin Airshow.
Submitted Photo Warren Pietsch of the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot built this clipped wing Taylor craft when he was 20 and has been flying it since. He will be flying it in the Williston Basin Airshow.
Submitted Photo Bernie Vasquez of Vacaville, Calif., will fly Miss Kitty III, a P-51D of the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot, in the Williston Basin Airshow.
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WILLISTON – The Williston Basin Airshow will take place on Saturday, Aug.15, at Williston Basin International Airport (XWA).
Celebrating its fifth airshow in Williston, the event will feature an afternoon of thrilling aerial performances, historic warbirds, static exhibits and family-friendly activities, drawing thousands of spectators from across the region, according to XWA information.
The airshow has been recognized nationally within the airshow industry, earning the ICAS Pinnacle Award for excellence in airshow production.
Gates open at 10 a.m., with the day's festivities leading up to the official start of the airshow at 12:30 p.m., when Miss North Dakota 2026 Emma Tong will perform the national anthem. From 12:30-3:30 p.m., spectators will enjoy a continuous lineup of aviation performances and demonstrations, culminating in a spectacular closing performance for attendees.
"This event has grown into one of our region's premier community events," Ryan O'Rear, airport director, said. "Whether you're a lifelong aviation enthusiast or attending your very first airshow, there truly is something for everyone. We're excited to feature a diverse lineup of performers this year, ranging from the power and excitement of a fighter jet demonstration to an aircraft comedy act that will entertain the entire family."
This year's airshow lineup will feature a diverse collection of aviation experiences, from historic warbirds and military aircraft to high-powered aerobatic performances. Spectators will see the world's only flying MiG-17PF, a rare Cold War-era fighter jet, take to the skies and will see the Jet Waco, the world's only propeller- and jet-powered biplane.
The show will also feature the B-25J Miss Mitchell bomber and a demonstration from the University of North Dakota Aerospace team.
The lineup is further highlighted by Warren Pietsch, recipient of the ICAS Sword of Excellence and a 2026 North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame inductee, flying his clipped wing Taylor craft, and Bernie Vasquez flying the P-51D Mustang “Miss Kitty III,” both from the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot, and award-winning performer Kyle Franklin, recipient of the prestigious Bill Barber Award for Showmanship,
Hot Streak II, a jet-powered pickup truck, will bring the excitement to the ground as it races down the runway at 300 mph, with dramatic pyrotechnic effects, fire, smoke and low-flying aircraft adding to the spectacle.
Returning for his fifth appearance at the Williston Basin Airshow, ICAS Airshow Hall of Fame announcer Danny Clisham will once again provide narration throughout the afternoon. His decades-long career has made him one of the most recognizable voices in the airshow industry.
While waiting for the flying performances to begin, attendees can enjoy a variety of free activities, including static aircraft displays, a classic car show hosted by the Basin Kruzers and a Kids Zone featuring bounce houses. A wide variety of food vendors and refreshments also will be available throughout the day.
Advance tickets remain available, with discounted pricing offered through Aug. 14. Premium seating options are also available and include a catered meal, shaded tent and private restrooms. For more information, visit flywilliston.net/airshow.