Fly Over to Ford Airport for Some Plane Old Family Fun
We’re aviation enthusiasts here in West Michigan. Home to the esteemed West Michigan Aviation Academy and the state’s second busiest airport, we know to look to the skies for action and excitement.
Sure, you’ve been to the Airport Viewing Park, but have you ever been inside the fence for a closer look at the action?
You’re in luck because GRR is hosting a big birthday bash, airside, and you’re invited. No boarding pass required.
Ford International Airport’s 60th Anniversary Community Celebration Highlights
Ford International Airport’s 60th Anniversary Celebration is a free, family-friendly community event featuring touch-a-truck, a helicopter landing, food trucks, outdoor games, live music, swag, and giveaways.
Date & Time
Saturday, August 19 from 10AM – 3PM
Location
Gerald R. Ford International Airport, 5500 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Guests can park for free at the Economy Lot where special event parking and handicap parking is available. There is a short walk to the airfield where the event is being held and shuttles are available.
Nonstop to Free Family-Friendly Fun
Have you ever partied among airplanes? I know my kids won’t want to miss this chance.
Your vehicle-lovers will be in heaven with the chance to touch-a-truck and get closer than ever to airplanes.
Those whirs you hear up above? No big deal, just an Aero Med helicopter landing casually among the party!
While your mouth is open in awe, fill it with some delicious eats from the food truck offerings. Corn dogs and tacos pair perfectly with walking around admiring aircraft.
The whole family can enjoy playing outdoor games while listening to live music.
You can even pick up some free swag and score giveaways from the community partners.
There’s truly something everyone will enjoy at this community celebration.
Celebrating Aviation in West Michigan
Grand Rapids has been the proud home of Ford International Airport for 60 years.
GRR is pulling out all the stops for this big anniversary to let the community know how much they appreciate our support.
“We’re throwing a birthday party and we want everybody to come out and celebrate with us,” says Haley Abbas, the marketing and communications manager for Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority.
This is the largest anniversary celebration GRR has thrown for the public. It’s all going down on National Aviation Day, August 19. You might not get a chance to party like this for another 60 years!
Community Partners Come Together to Mark Big Anniversary
Recognizing the benefits of having this world-class airport in our town, numerous organizations have signed on to support Ford Airport’s anniversary celebration.
Community Partners: West Michigan Aviation Academy, Northern Jet Management, Ward Aviation, AvFlight, Aero Med, Grand Rapids Public Museum, MayDay, TechnicAir, Delta, Signature, Women in Aviation, OtterAir, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, TSA, Universal Forest Products, GE Aerospace, and Cascade Township Fire Department.
Food truck partners: Pronto Pups, Bigfoot Burger, Taste of Toya’s World, Kona Ice, and Bon Homies.
RSVP to Ford International Airport’s 60th Anniversary Community Celebration
GRR’s 60th Birthday is a FREE community celebration, but you can reserve your spot today so you don’t miss out on the fun.
Read Next
23 Incredible Things to Do in Kentucky with Kids
Trip Planner: Best Things to do in Kentucky With Kids Looking for your next family getaway? Kentucky is the hidden gem of Midwest vacations and needs to be on your short list. There are things to do in Kentucky with kids at any time of year. No matter what the kids love to do, you’ll…
Revitalize & Rejuvenate: 10+ Spa Services & Self-Care Activities to Get You Through Winter
We Could All Use a Little TLC Hey Grand Rapids!Are you tired? Do you miss the sun?It might be time to make space in your life for a little spa time or self-care activity at one of these rejuvenating locales.From infrared sauna sessions to massage therapy, from yoga to flotation sessions, West Michigan is serving up…
Grand Rapids Lantern Festival Returns to John Ball Zoo for 2026
John Ball Zoo Grand Rapids Lantern Festival
21 Winter Date Ideas That Will Cure Your Cabin Fever
Bundle Up, Buttercup: Romantic Things to Do in Grand Rapids This Winter Date night ideas in winter can get tricky. The sun goes down sooner. It can be rainy or snowy. We all feel a little more tired and less spunky under all this West Michigan cloudiness. But this is all the more reason to…
31 Best Midwest Family Vacations: City Breaks, Nature Escapes & Fun Things to Do
Ideas for Midwest Family Vacations From water parks to zoos to museums, the Midwest is packed with fun family activities your family will love. Spend a day hiking, at a theme park, or exploring a new-to-you city. (Weekend getaway, more like it?) This article is broken into the best Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and…
Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark is Worth the Drive to Play & Stay Here!
Avalanche Bay – the Boyne Mountain Water Park At 88,000 square feet, Avalanche Bay indoor waterpark is Michigan’s second largest. Located at Boyne Mountain Resort (about 15 minutes off of I-75 in Boyne Falls in Northern Michigan), Avalanche Bay visitors have no shortage of options for fun, indoors and out, on their massive property. A…
