OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – The skies over Oshkosh are quieting down as EAA AirVenture 2025 comes to a close — but not before drawing massive crowds and making a major impact across the Fox Valley.
This year’s aviation celebration brought in attendees from more than 80 countries and recorded a total attendance of 691,000 people throughout the week. According to EAA officials, that near-record crowd was supported by more than 6,000 volunteers and featured 2,500 show planes and 962 exhibitors — the highest number of participating companies in the event’s history.
Thousands of volunteers power EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh
“Once again, AirVenture Oshkosh became aviation’s family reunion,” said EAA spokesman Dick Knapinski. “People from over 80 countries came here to look at not only the history of aviation but the innovation of aviation — and what a week we’ve had.”
Despite some weather-related challenges, including a rainstorm that passed through on Thursday, officials say the event went smoothly. Saturday night’s airshow drew one of the week’s largest crowds, and EAA reported a 7% increase in warbird participation and more than 1,400 aircraft movements at Wittman Regional Airport.
“It’s not aviation, it’s a culture,” said EAA CEO Jack Pelton. “A lot of these people are aviation enthusiasts, not just the core groups that fly. People come to see the airplanes, but it’s really about the people.”
Beyond the flight line, a new study from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh estimates the event generated a $257 million annual economic impact for the Fox Valley — a significant jump from the $170 million impact measured in 2017.
Electric aircraft to land at Appleton Airport during EAA, no traffic required
“When you have over 600,000 attendants over the course of the week, it means a lot — not only on these grounds, but throughout the Fox Valley,” Knapinski added. “One of the reasons this is such a successful event is the welcome the Fox Valley gives to the world coming to Oshkosh.”
Next year’s AirVenture is already on the calendar, with dates set for July 20 through July 26, 2026.
