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

Alto’s Christmas Lights 2025: Add this to Your Holiday Lights Tour!
Alto is Small but Mighty on this West Michigan Christmas Lights Route Take a short spin around Alto to see the Christmas lights southeast of Grand Rapids. This is a great add-on to the Caledonia Route. This 45-minute route includes a stop at the best convenience store around, Bricks at Campau Corner. (Stock up on…

2025 Grand Rapids Christmas Lights Route! Includes Downtown, EGR & Comstock Park
GR, EGR & Comstock Park Christmas Lights Route If you want to see the best Christmas lights in Grand Rapids, EGR & Comstock Park this 80-minute driving route is for you! Start off with a sweet treat from Kilwins in East Grand Rapids – perhaps their peppermint ice cream waffle cone will be just the…

Fantastic! 13 Christmas Light Shows on this Tour [Grandville, Wyoming, Jenison & Hudsonville] Updated for 2025
Wyoming-Jenison-Grandville-Hudsonville Christmas Lights Route If want a fun-filled evening of looking at Christmas lights in the Grandville-Jenison-Wyoming-Hudsonville area, this is the route for you! There are THIRTEEN Christmas light shows on this 26 stop trail. In addition to these incredible light shows, this 2 hour Christmas lights driving route includes the largest Santa we’ve ever…

Grand Rapids’ 7 Coziest Igloo Dining Restaurants
Places Where you can Dine Outdoors This Winter Grand Rapids’ restaurant scene is leaning into cozy comfort with its winter outdoor dining options While the most popular winter dining venue is igloos, you can also find heated huts and patios. Dining outside is definitely a different experience. You’ll find portable heaters that keep most igloos…

Now Open! Meijer Gardens Light Show, ENLIGHTEN, Returns for Another Jaw-Dropping Display
Meijer Gardens Light Show ENLIGHTEN is Back With A One of A Kind Experience Whether you love the holidays or just love light shows, ENLIGHTEN is a must-see show of the season, right here at Meijer Gardens. Sandy gets a big glow-up at ENLIGHTEN Seriously, they transform the gardens into a winter wonderland that would…

2025-26 Winter Break Activities for Greater Grand Rapids
Winter Break is anything but a break from the fun! Plan your adventures with this list of ideas, from museums to outdoor fun and beyond.

