Air shows do not have to be within the jurisdiction of airplane and jet plane lovers alone. There are many other attractions that can lure in everyone in the family and gang. Even those with a fear of flying can surely enjoy what a well put-together air show has to offer.

If you plan to go as a group, contact the air show organizers for group packages. Some of them offer friendly rates and even accommodations for out-of-town guests so you don’t have to worry about being late for the festivities. There are also guided trips for those who want to see a bit of history behind the air show.

For the kids’ enjoyment, some air shows also feature an air balloon festival. This is usually before the air stunts and demonstrations happen, of course, as you can just imagine the sort of air traffic and potential hazards of having both hot air balloons and jet planes in the sky! Bring the whole family to see a host of colorful, variously shaped hot air balloons fly up and create a sky parade. And if you’re lucky, maybe you can even go up a hot air balloon yourself.

Some air shows feature a “flight, food, and fun” festival which is typically a week-long affair, so you and your family or friends can enjoy the festivities while filling up with great food and looking forward to a spectacle in the wild blue yonder. Many of these events are set in mountainous locations for a better and more unobstructed view of the sky. So if you’re planning to attend an air show whose take-off point is a hilly site, why not hike it up there with your gang so you can really whet up an appetite, both gustatory and visual? Once you’re there, take advantage of the open field to have a picnic, feasting on either the food laid out by the event organizers, or by bringing your own picnic lunch. Air shows usually do not have seating capacities, so it’s best to bring your own folding chairs to the event.

There are also air shows which allow you to camp overnight on the air show grounds. If you really love airplanes, you will likely blow a gasket (pardon the pun) upon hearing aircraft engines revving up and getting ready for the day’s flights as soon as you wake up. Talk about a unique alarm clock!

Other common air show attractions include kite making and flying workshops, photographic or art exhibitions of different kinds of plane, model-plane assembly lessons, talks and lectures about the history of certain planes and pilots, aviation lectures, autograph sessions with the pilots and air stunt performers, and maybe even a dance or some kind of fun social gathering.

It might not be the romantic, quiet, candle-lit dinner your date was hoping for, but an air show can prove to be really enjoyable and memorable as a date.

If your date isn’t well-versed in aeronautics and planes, have a few hours explaining about them and watching footage of stunts so you can have something to look forward to. If you’re really passionate about planes and your date is really into you, there’s a very slim chance you’ll bore them with airplane-talk. Then, look up the air show you want to see before you get tickets for it.  See if there are more than aerial demonstrations and if the event has activities with something for all aviation interests (for both amateurs and pros).

For added entertainment, try to go to an air show that has crazy and funny stunts instead of the usual rigid ones done with military precision. It would be like going to a comedy bar but with pilots and planes as stand-up comedians, instead. But never forget to follow the instructions for safety, including wearing ear plugs if your hearing is sensitive.

If the event has educational and picture exhibits, take advantage of them. This way you can get a better understanding of how the machines work and their history.

Air show events usually have vendors and food stalls so you don’t have to worry about food and beverages. You can also pack a picnic lunch to better enjoy the view on a blanket laid out on the grass. Packing a lunch for a date will be extra romantic, especially if you include your date’s favorite food (and maybe a surprise chocolate dessert while you’re at it). Just steer clear of packing champagne for now. Air show premises usually prohibit alcoholic beverages, but check out the event’s rules just to be sure.

Scope out the area and pick out the best spots for you to sit on and enjoy the show. Pick a nice shady one under the trees and bring sunglasses to prevent glare. Also, don’t forget to bring a camera at the event! Stunts are usually unique to each air show, so it’s best not to miss out on them.

If the aerial performances are extra-good, stand around and wait for the pilots to land, then ask for their autographs for your date. You can also have your picture taken with them if the event permits it.