Free things to do at EAA Oshkosh AirVenture 2026 – Seminars, Meet & Greets, Kids Activities & More
Hi everyone, This is Peter Clark. I work in aviation public relations, and one of my clients is Airhart. I wanted to be transparent about that up front.
I also know how expensive Oshkosh week can get, so I thought it would be helpful to share a full schedule of free aviation events happening throughout AirVenture. Whether you're a student pilot, longtime aircraft owner, aviation professional, bringing your family, or just love airplanes, there are some great speakers and activities planned.
Everything below is free to attend. Registration needed if you'd like reminders and updates.
Main schedule (and to reserve time on the Airhart flight simulator):
https://airhartairventureoshkosh26.eventbrite.com
Monday, July 20
✈️ Flight Planning: Cross-Country and Farther
1:00 PM
Legendary aviator Linda Sollars shares practical techniques for planning long-distance flights, drawing on decades of international flying experience—including her journey from South Africa to Oshkosh.
Topics include:
- Flight planning
- Fuel management
- Weather strategy
- Aircraft preparation
- Survival equipment
- Aeronautical decision making
Register:
https://AirhartLindaSollarsLongDistanceFlyingSeminar.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, July 21
Meet Hayley Herberg (Fly With Hayley)
12:00 PM
Meet one of general aviation's fastest-growing creators. CFI and ferry pilot Hayley Herberg will discuss her aviation journey, flying adventures, career advice, and building a community that inspires hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts.
Register:
https://MeetHayleyHerbergatAirVenture2026.eventbrite.com
MOSAIC from an Insider
2:00 PM
Linda Sollars explains the FAA's MOSAIC initiative and what these regulatory changes could mean for pilots, aircraft owners, manufacturers, and the future of recreational aviation.
Register:
https://AirhartLindaSollarsMOSAICSeminar.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, July 22
Aircraft Financing: Learn from an Industry Insider
1:00 PM
Thinking about buying an airplane or upgrading your avionics?
Trippe Thurston, President of FLYING Finance, will cover:
- Aircraft loans
- Financing options
- Budgeting
- Lender expectations
- Avionics financing
- Ownership costs
Register:
https://AirhartFlyingFinanceSeminarinar.eventbrite.com
Thursday, July 23
Meet Former F-16 Fighter Pilot David Valaer
1:00 PM
David Valaer shares lessons from military aviation, leadership under pressure, aerospace innovation, and how fighter pilot decision-making applies to business and sustainable aviation.
Register:
https://AirhartMeetFormerFighterPilotDavidValaer.eventbrite.com
Friday, July 24
Kids Paper Airplane Building & Flying Contest
10:00 AM
A family-friendly event presented by AviNation where kids build, decorate, and fly paper airplanes while learning basic principles of flight. Great for young aviation fans.
Register:
https://KidsPaperPlaneMakingAirVenture.eventbrite.com
Airhart TGIF Happy Hour
4:00 PM
Wrap up the week by meeting fellow pilots, aviation professionals, exhibitors, and aviation enthusiasts. A relaxed chance to make new friends, swap flying stories, and celebrate another Oshkosh.
Register:
https://AirhartTGIFFridayHappyHour.eventbrite.com
Saturday, July 25
Meet Kate Broug
10:30 AM
Pilot, explorer, journalist, documentary filmmaker, and aviation storyteller Kate Broug shares stories from flying adventures around the world and the experiences behind her aviation films and reporting.
Register:
https://airhartmeetkatebroug.eventbrite.com
Throughout AirVenture
📍 Airhart Festival Tent
Booth 439
July 20–25
In addition to the scheduled events, you can also stop by and try the Airhart flight simulator throughout the week.
All events are free, and everyone is welcome.
If you're already planning to wander the exhibit grounds, hopefully this gives you a few more reasons to stop by. Feel free to ask any questions below, and if you're attending, I'd love to say hello during the week.
I think the disclosure at the beginning is the right approach. It tells people about your professional connection without making the post feel promotional, which tends to be well received on Reddit. It also frames the post as a community service—sharing free activities during AirVenture—rather than a sales pitch.
