The skies above Richard Russell Regional Airport are set to roar to life today, Friday, October 17, 2025, as the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show (WONG) kicks off, marking a significant first for the acclaimed event: a full day of Friday activities. This expansion from its traditional Saturday and Sunday schedule promises an unprecedented start to North Georgia’s favorite fall family weekend.

Established in 2012 and twice recognized by USA Today as one of the top 10 fan-favorite air shows globally, WONG is returning for its 11th edition – and its first since 2022 – presented by Rome-based JLC AirShow Management.

“We have always had a strong mix of premier military and civilian performers included in our lineup,” said John Cowman, president of JLC AirShow Management. “We’re still hopeful the Blue Angels will serve as our headliners for the 2025 Wings Over North Georgia Air Show. Should the shutdown remain unresolved, we’re fortunate to have a solid lineup of some of the top civilian aviation performers in the industry to fly their precision air show demonstrations.”

Friday’s Expanded Lineup:

Gates open today at 2 p.m., offering early attendees a rare glimpse of practice flights by the weekend’s performers. The afternoon will segue into a fantastic lineup of entertainment and aerobatics:

4:30 p.m.: Atlanta country artist Kurt Thomas, a winner of Kenny Chesney’s “Next Big Star” contest, will take the stage. Thomas has opened for numerous music icons including Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, LeAnn Rimes, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Twilight Flights & Thrilling Performances: As the sun dips below the North Georgia hills, the Georgia State Patrol SWAT Team Demo Team will kick off flying demonstrations. A special twilight flight will feature World War II-vintage aircraft with Jim Tobul in the F4U Corsair and Scott “Scooter” Yoak in the P-51 Mustang.

The evening flight schedule includes Jerry “Jive” Kerby in the T-28 Trojan, Kyle Fowler in the Long EZ, Bob Carlton of Vertigo Airshows in the FOXJET twin-engine sailplane, the Redline Airshow demo team, Bill Braack in the Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Car, and the ’Chuters Parachute team.

Spectacular Evening Finale: Friday evening will culminate in a first-time lighted drone show, followed by a massive fireworks extravaganza, ensuring a memorable start to the air show weekend.

Full Weekend Highlights:

The action continues Saturday and Sunday, October 18-19. Gates will open at 10 a.m. each day for guests to explore static ground displays and enjoy pre-show demonstrations. The main air show performances are scheduled to begin at noon on both Saturday and Sunday.

Ticket Information:

Tickets for the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show must be purchased online and in advance. No tickets will be sold on the day of the air show performances.

For ticket options and additional show information, please visit the official Wings Over North Georgia website at https://www.WingsOverNorthGeorgia.com or follow the air show’s Facebook page.