Half a century ago, Reading Regional Airport was the beating heart of America’s air show scene. In 1975, it hosted what was then the largest air show in the country, drawing thousands to Berks County and putting the city of Reading squarely on the aviation map. That legacy continued with Aerofest, a revival launched in 1985 that lasted through the 1990s. Families came for the roar of jet teams, the spectacle of aerobatics, and the sheer variety of aircraft that graced the skies. But changing times, stricter regulations, and shifting economics slowly dimmed the lights. By the end of the 1990s, large-scale air shows at Reading had become a memory.
A Modern Revival — With a New Approach
In 2025, the Reading Aviation Expo aims to rekindle that flame — not by repeating the past, but by adapting it to today’s realities. Set for October 10–11, 2025, the Expo marks the airport’s most ambitious aviation gathering in more than two decades.
Unlike the old aerobatic air shows, this Expo won’t center on stunt flying or roaring demonstration teams. Instead, it’s built around static aircraft displays, career connections, classic cars, and community celebration. The goal: create an event that honors Reading’s aviation heritage, sparks the imagination of young people, and makes the airport a community gathering place once again.
The Three Cornerstones of the Expo
1. NetJets Aviation Career Fair (October 10, 9 AM – 2 PM)
The Expo begins with a day focused squarely on the future. In partnership with NetJets, the career fair opens doors for students, job seekers, and professionals to explore aviation as a livelihood. From pilots and mechanics to air traffic control, avionics, and airport operations, the fair highlights the breadth of careers that keep aviation alive. For a city once tied to heavy industry, this fair connects Reading’s workforce to a 21st-century sector.
2. WEEU Hangar Party (October 10, 6 PM – 10 PM, ages 21+)
That evening, the tone shifts from professional to social. The Hangar Party, hosted in one of the airport’s cavernous hangars, offers live music, food, and drinks. More than just a party, it’s a reminder of how aviation can bring people together — not only as work, but as culture and celebration.
3. Aeros & Autos Car Show (October 11, 9 AM – 2 PM)
On day two, the runway meets the road. The “Aeros & Autos” event invites families, car enthusiasts, and aviation buffs to walk among rows of classic cars and parked aircraft. Vendors, exhibits, and community groups will fill the grounds, making this a family-friendly capstone to the weekend.
Why It Matters for Reading
The Reading Aviation Expo is more than an event — it’s a statement about identity.
- Reviving Tradition: It connects the city back to its golden aviation years, reminding older generations and teaching younger ones that Reading once hosted the largest air show in the nation.
- Economic & Educational Impact: By drawing visitors, vendors, and exhibitors, the Expo provides a boost to local businesses while offering career pathways in a high-demand industry.
- Community Spirit: Pairing aviation with music, cars, and family fun ensures broad appeal — the event isn’t just for pilots or hobbyists; it’s for everyone.
Looking Ahead
The Expo is a first step — a way to bring aviation back into the public eye in Reading while working within modern constraints. If successful, it could become an annual tradition, growing in scope and ambition with each year.
For now, the focus is on October 10–11, 2025, when Reading once again opens its runways not just for flights, but for people, history, and community. The skies above Berks County may not roar as they once did, but with the Reading Aviation Expo, the spirit of flight is rising again.
Learn more and plan your visit at readingaviationexpo.org
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