Why Sun 'n Fun Should Be on Your Radar This Year!
If you’re a general aviation pilot and you haven’t been to Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland, Florida, yet—you’re missing out on one of the best aviation gatherings of the year. Sun ‘n Fun isn’t just an airshow; it’s a full-on aviation festival packed with incredible aircraft, hands-on learning opportunities, and some of the best flying camaraderie you’ll find anywhere.
As someone who’s been attending for years, let me tell you—this event is well worth the trip. Whether you're flying in or driving, you’ll be surrounded by fellow aviators who share the same passion for flight, technology, and adventure. If you're still on the fence about going this year, let’s break it down.
The Sun ‘n Fun Experience
Held annually at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL), Sun ‘n Fun is a weeklong celebration of all things aviation. You can expect stunning airshow performances from military and civilian teams, countless forums and workshops covering everything from avionics upgrades to backcountry flying, and an aviation expo to check out the latest gear and aircraft on the market. If you’ve ever been to Oshkosh’s EAA AirVenture, this is like its warmer, early-season cousin.
One of the biggest draws for many pilots is the opportunity to camp under the wing of your aircraft, swapping stories with fellow aviators over a cold beverage. There’s something special about waking up with the sunrise, stepping out of your tent, and seeing rows of beautifully diverse airplanes parked on the grass.
Flying In: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning to fly in, be sure to study the FAA's special flight procedures NOTAM ahead of time. It’s busy airspace, and things move quickly. Having a plan (and a backup plan) is crucial. If you’re comfortable with flying into Oshkosh, you’ll do just fine here. If it’s your first time flying into a major aviation event, consider teaming up with a more experienced pilot to get familiar with high-traffic arrivals.
Be prepared for the legendary Sun ‘n Fun arrival routes and Lake Parker VFR holding patterns. You’ll want to monitor Lakeland ATIS early, have your arrival frequencies at the ready, and—most importantly—keep your eyes outside the cockpit.
Things You Can't-Miss
The Airshow Lineup– The Blue Angels, warbirds, aerobatic masters, and STOL demonstrations—watching the performances from the flight line is worth every second.
The Warbird Ramp – If you’re into historic aviation, seeing these legendary aircraft up close is a must.
Night Airshows – There’s nothing quite like watching aerobatics with pyrotechnics lighting up the night sky.
Pilot Seminars & Workshops – Whether you’re looking to get into backcountry flying, upgrade your panel, or brush up on tailwheel techniques, you’ll find experts eager to share their knowledge.
Vendor Exhibit Hall & Aviation Gear – Need new avionics? Looking to test out the latest headsets? Or just want to grab some aviation-inspired gear? You’ll find it all here.
Visit Us at the Flying Eyes Optics Booth!
We’ll be set up at Booth NE40, just a short stroll from the Sunset Grill. If you’ve ever struggled with uncomfortable eyewear under your headset, now’s the time to stop by and try on a pair of Flying Eyes sunglasses for yourself. Our patented, ultra-thin temples make a huge difference when you’re flying long cross-countries or sitting in the cockpit for extended periods.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a Sun ‘n Fun veteran, we’d love to meet you, swap flying stories, and help you find the perfect sunglasses for your next flight.
What Else to Plan For?
Before heading out, here are a few additional tips that pilots love to discuss ahead of Sun ‘n Fun:
Weather Planning – Spring in Florida can be unpredictable. Be ready for afternoon showers and have a solid alternate plan if you’re flying in.
Camping vs. Hotels – Aircraft camping is an amazing experience, but nearby hotels book up quickly. Plan accordingly.
Food & Entertainment – The Sunset Grill is a great spot to grab a meal and catch up with fellow pilots, and there are plenty of aviation-themed after-hours gatherings throughout the week.
Exploring Nearby Airports – If you have extra time, consider a side trip to Winter Haven (KGIF) for seaplane training or fly over to Kissimmee (KISM) to check out the warbird scene.
See You in Lakeland!
If you love aviation, Sun ‘n Fun is one event you don’t want to miss. It’s a week filled with airplanes, flying friends, and new experiences. And of course, don’t forget to swing by Booth NE40 to say hi and check out our Flying Eyes sunglasses.
See you in the skies over Lakeland!