Pistons and Props

A High-Octane Tribute to Aviation and Automotive History

The skies and streets of Southern Wisconsin roar back to life at the Pistons and Props Air & Car Show, hosted at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport in Janesville. This annual summer celebration combines vintage warbirds, classic cars, and community spirit, all organized by Propel Forward, a group dedicated to reviving the joy of aviation and airshows in the region.

Event Highlights

This is no ordinary static display—Pistons and Props assembles a rare lineup of historic aircraft and iconic vehicles that capture the imagination of aviation and automotive enthusiasts alike.

Featured warbirds include:

B-29 Superfortress “Doc” – One of only two airworthy B-29s in existence, Doc represents a flying piece of WWII history, painstakingly restored and operated by Doc’s Friends, Inc.

C-47 “That’s All, Brother” – The lead aircraft of the D-Day invasion, That’s All, Brother has been restored by the Commemorative Air Force to tell the story of the paratroopers who jumped into Normandy.

Both aircraft will be on display, with ride opportunities available for select warbirds such as the T-6 Texan and C-45 Expeditor. On the ground, guests can explore vintage cars, motorcycles, supercars, and interactive exhibits.

Salute to Our Veterans – Friday, July 18 (5 PM – 9 PM)

The weekend opens with a heartfelt tribute during the All Veterans Reunion. Veterans and active-duty service members are honored with:

Aircraft and motorcycle displays

Live music from End Flight Scene

A fireworks finale

A hot air balloon glow

Veterans receive free admission during this special evening event.

Family Day – Saturday, July 19 (9 AM – 5 PM)

Saturday is dedicated to families, with activities designed to engage visitors of all ages:

Educational zones featuring aviation-focused exhibitors like Women in Aviation and the Kelch Aviation Museum

Live entertainment from The Cashbox Kings and SuperTuesday

Food and concessions from a variety of vendors including Rustic Wood Fired Pizza and Lil Franks BBQ

Flyovers and aerial demonstrations by the Red Star Group and Cirrus Aircraft pilots

Precision Exotics will also offer supercar driving experiences, making Family Day a thrilling experience both on the runway and the road.

Beyond the Displays

While this event does not feature flight demonstrations in an airshow format, the depth of static aviation and vehicle exhibits offers a deeply educational and immersive experience. Visitors can speak with aircraft crews, restoration experts, and historians who bring these machines to life.

Know Before You Go

Dates: July 18–19, 2025

Location: Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, Janesville, WI

Admission:

Adults (16+): $15 presale / $20 at gate

Youth (4–15): $5 presale / $10 at gate

Kids (3 & under): Free

Veterans: Free on Friday

Parking: Free Friday / $5 Saturday

Fly-in Access: Available to private pilots; limited ramp space—advance planning encouraged

Additional event and ticketing details can be found at pistonsprops.com.

Plan Your Visit

Pistons and Props offers a rare chance to stand beneath a B-29, hear WWII history from veteran pilots, and explore restored classics on four wheels and two wings. For families, veterans, and history lovers alike, this is a can't-miss event in Southern Wisconsin's summer calendar.