The 24th annual Warbird Roundup returns to the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa this weekend, drawing aviation enthusiasts and military history buffs from across the region for two days of restored World War II-era aircraft, flight demonstrations, and veteran speakers. The event, held at 201 Municipal Drive, opens its gates Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m., with aerial flights scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.
A Quarter-Century of Aviation Heritage
Founded in 2002 by John and Sue Paul—both experienced pilots—the Warbird Roundup has grown into one of Idaho’s signature aviation events. Sue Paul, a member of The Ninety-Nines, the international women’s flying organization established by Amelia Earhart, helped establish the museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate military aviation history. The event draws thousands of visitors eager to witness flyable warbirds in action, a rare opportunity in the American West.
Last year’s event attracted approximately 8,000 attendees across the two-day weekend, cementing its status as a major community draw for Nampa and Canyon County.
Featured Aircraft and Flight Schedule
More than 25 World War II-era warbirds will participate in this year’s Roundup. Among the highlights is the F6F-3 Hellcat, a legendary fighter aircraft that will make its first public appearance following a comprehensive restoration. The aircraft’s return to flight represents months of preservation work by volunteers and aviation specialists.
Saturday’s flight demonstrations will feature an especially dynamic finale. The U.S. Air Force will dispatch F-15 fighters from Mountain Home Air Force Base and A-10 Warthogs from Gowen Field to perform alongside the vintage warbirds, creating a striking contrast between modern combat jets and their World War II predecessors. Sunday’s lineup will focus exclusively on the restored warbirds, offering visitors a full day of vintage aviation.
Carson Spear, an aviation enthusiast familiar with the Roundup, emphasized the rare nature of the experience. “Seeing the 25-plus World War II-era warbirds flying is just an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Spear told the Idaho Press. “The F6F-3 Hellcat, and this will be the first post-restoration public viewing… That’s very exciting.”
Keynote Speaker and Military Perspective
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Kim Campbell, callsign “Killer Chick,” will serve as the featured speaker at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Campbell logged more than 24 years of active-duty service as a fighter pilot, accumulating 1,800 hours flying the A-10 Warthog and completing over 100 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. She was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 2003 for her service. Campbell’s presence brings direct military experience and perspective to the weekend’s aviation celebration.
Admission, Parking, and Logistics
General admission is priced at $35 for adults and $28 for seniors and military personnel on either day. Children 10 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult. A weekend pass is available for $60 per adult. Flight-deck parking passes sold out in advance.
Visitors should plan to park at the CWI Ford Idaho Center, with shuttle buses providing transportation to the museum—a nine-minute drive. The first shuttle departs the Ford Idaho Center at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. Approximately 30 vendors will operate throughout the weekend, offering food, merchandise, and aviation memorabilia.
The Army Adventure Trail, a 53-foot bus featuring virtual reality experiences, will also be on-site, providing interactive attractions for families and younger visitors.
What Comes Next
Tickets can be purchased at the gate, though advance purchase is recommended given the event’s popularity. Visitors planning to attend should arrive early to secure shuttle seating, particularly on Saturday morning when crowds are expected to be heaviest. More information about the Warbird Roundup, including a complete aircraft lineup and detailed schedule, is available through the Warhawk Air Museum.
For those interested in other community events in the Nampa area, the Nampa Parks Organizes 42nd Harvest Classic Fun Run Supporting Youth Recreation and the Nampa Library Hosts Celtic Music Evening August 27 at Tunes on the Terrace offer additional weekend activities across Canyon County.