As the roar of aircraft engines faded into the sunset on Sunday, April 6, the 51st Annual Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo concluded a wildly successful week at Lakeland Linder International Airport. For six days, from April 1 to 6, aviation enthusiasts, families and industry pros filled the skies and airport grounds, marking another unforgettable chapter in what the aviation community calls “Spring Break for Pilots.” With an estimated crowd of over 200,000 attendees, this year’s event not only showcased jaw-dropping airshows and cutting-edge exhibits but also pumped millions into Florida’s economy.
The Sun’ N Fun Expo is the largest aviation event in Florida and the second-largest in the United States. Each year, pilots from all over the country fly to Lakeland to camp out under the wings of their airplanes and to meet and talk with other aviation enthusiasts about their shared passion. But Sun N’ Fun is so much more—for both pilots and the public, who turn out each day en masse. An “airshow on steroids,” Sun N’ Fun offers a full roster of over 500 vendors, technology demonstrations, workshops and even job recruiters for anything and everything aviation-related.
Daily airshows are the heartbeat of Sun ‘n Fun, with everything from small aerobatic planes to the latest high-tech fighters like the F-35 Lightning II taking to the skies daily. A crowd favorite, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels made a daily appearance from April 4 to 6, performing precision aerobatic maneuvers that left jaws dropped and kids pointing skyward.
One of the Expo’s signature events, night airshows, was held just after sunset on Wednesday and Saturday. An insane combination of airplanes, drones and fireworks all shared the night sky at the same time, presenting a dazzling display unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else in the world.
The show had folks like retiree Mike Torres from Orlando buzzing. “I’ve been coming for years, and those night shows still get me,” he said, wiping sweat from his brow. “The way the planes light up the dark—it’s magic.” Other highlights included the Sunset Aerial Circus at Paradise City, where STOL (short takeoff and landing) aircraft and powered paragliders wowed onlookers with their moves that seemed to defy the laws of
gravity.
This year’s Sun N’ Fun week kicked off with a bang on Tuesday with the Opening Night Concert featuring Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line fame, alongside special guest Uncle Kracker. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Sarah Jennings, a first-time attendee from Tampa, clutching her sunburned arms after a day in the crowd. “The music was awesome, and then you look up and see planes looping around—it’s surreal.” The concert, which was included with Tuesday admission, set the tone for a week packed with aviation thrills.
On the ground, over 500 exhibitors sprawled across the 1,000-acre campus, showing off everything from sleek new jets to vintage warbirds. The hands-on workshops were a hit, especially with aspiring mechanics like 17-year-old Javier Lopez from Polk County. “I got to rebuild part of an engine today,” he said, grease smudged on his cheek and a grin stretching ear to ear. “I’m hooked—this is what I want to do.”
Educational forums tackled topics from flight safety to the latest in avionics. At the same time, the Junior ACEs area kept kids busy with flight simulators and crafts, sparking dreams of wings in the next generation.
The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), the event’s big beneficiary, showcased the organization’s STEM-focused activities. “We’re not just here to entertain,” said ACE Director Emily Thompson. “Seeing a kid’s face light up when they figure out how lift works—that’s why we do this.” Proceeds from Sun ‘n Fun fund ACE’s year-round programs, scholarships, and camps, making every ticket a step toward inspiring future
aviators.
Crowd estimates hovered around 200,000, with admissions being cut off for a period of time on Saturday due to the show reaching capacity. Organizers hinted at a slight uptick in this year’s attendance thanks to free admission for kids 12 and under—a new perk for 2025. “It’s a family affair now,” said Lakeland mom Carla Evans, towing two wide-eyed boys behind her. “They’ve been talking about the Blue Angels nonstop since Friday.”
Economically, Sun ‘n Fun was a boon for Florida. Local officials estimate the event injected upwards of $70 million into the state, with hotels, restaurants and shops in Lakeland and beyond reaping the rewards. “You can’t walk into a diner this week without hearing someone talking about planes,” laughed waitress Jenny Carter at a bustling restaurant near the airport. “It’s hectic, but the tips are
great.”
As the dust settled and campers packed up their tents, the human stories lingered. For folks like Javier, it was a glimpse of a future career. For Mike, it was a tradition that never gets old. And for Sarah, it was a first taste of something she’ll chase again next year. Sun ‘n Fun 2025 didn’t just celebrate aviation; it brought people together under the Florida sun, leaving them with memories as high-flying as the planes themselves.
