Every year, Langley Air Force base holds a weekend event called Air Power Over Hampton Roads. Admission to the event is free, and thousands of people poor into Langley AFB and onto the runways (carefully roped off, of course).
A few bleachers are provided, but most visitors bring their own chairs, and once they make it through the gauntlet of security (not so much as a fingernail clipper is allowed through) men, women and children alike can watch the show.
Typically, the USAF Aerial Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds, always makes an appearance, as does such demonstration teams as those for the Raptor, the C-17 and the Navy's F/A 18. The U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight, comprised of an F-4, F-15, F-22, and P-51 is a fan favorite.
In addition, there are a few civilian stunt teams and individual aerobatic pilots (although some are falling to the wayside in these tough economic times) such as Matt Younkin in his Twin Beech, Kyle Franklin in his Waco and Sean Carroll in his Yak-9.
In addition to the aircraft overhead, there are several static displays of classic military and NASA aircraft.
Vendors are set up everywhere, selling everything from T-shirts to model planes, to non-aviation related items such as replacement windows. There is plenty of "paper" for the kids - coloring books and so on.
