MISSED THE B-2? LOOK UP AGAIN TONIGHT, ALEXANDRIA
More military aircraft are expected over the Potomac as Freedom 250's Great American State Fair opens on the National Mall.
ALEXANDRIA, VA – If you looked skyward Wednesday night hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, don’t put the binoculars away just yet.
Another evening of military aircraft is expected over the Washington region Thursday as Freedom 250 opens its Great American State Fair on the National Mall, and Alexandria’s waterfront could once again provide one of the area’s best seats in the house.
According to a Freedom 250 announcement, Thursday’s flyover will feature an eight-aircraft formation representing multiple generations of American military aviation. Organizers say the formation is expected to include the B-52 Stratofortress, F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35C Lightning II, bringing together aircraft that span decades of military history.
Unlike Wednesday night’s kickoff, which featured the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, Thursday’s flyover is designed as a multi-aircraft formation celebrating the opening day of the Great American State Fair, a 16-day exposition that runs through July 10 on the National Mall. The fair features exhibits from all 56 states and territories, live entertainment, family attractions, military demonstrations and more than 150 exhibits.
The question everyone is asking
As soon as we learned about tonight’s flyover, we went looking for the same thing many of our readers have been asking us:
Exactly what time should we look up?
We checked Freedom 250 announcements, event information and publicly available schedules hoping to find a minute-by-minute flyover timetable.
We couldn’t find one.
Freedom 250 has confirmed the participating aircraft and says Thursday’s evening opening festivities begin at 7 p.m., but organizers have not released an official flyover schedule showing exactly when the aircraft will pass overhead.
So here’s our advice:
If you’re planning to watch from Alexandria’s waterfront, be in place by about 6:45 p.m.
Military flyovers can shift slightly due to operational and weather conditions, so arriving a little early is the best way to avoid missing them.
Where should Alexandrians watch?
The flyover is centered on the National Mall, but Alexandria offers outstanding views toward Washington across the Potomac.
Good viewing locations include:
- Waterfront Park
- Founders Park
- Oronoco Bay Park
- Jones Point Park
If you don’t mind heavier crowds, Gravelly Point Park in Arlington is also expected to be one of the region’s premier viewing locations because of its panoramic views toward Washington and its proximity to Reagan National Airport.
Will the weather cooperate?
As of Thursday morning, the forecast appears favorable for the early evening.
While forecasters are watching for a slight chance of showers later tonight, there have been no announcements from Freedom 250 indicating that weather will affect tonight’s flyover or opening ceremonies.
Looking ahead
Tonight is just the beginning.
The Great American State Fair officially opens today and continues through July 10, bringing a World’s Fair-style celebration to the National Mall with exhibits, food, entertainment, carnival rides, military bands and daily themed programming.
Additional America 250 and Freedom 250 events are planned in the coming days, culminating with an expanded Independence Day celebration on July 4. Organizers have also announced additional military aviation events later in the celebration, including demonstrations connected with the July 4 festivities.
So if you missed Wednesday night’s stealth bomber—or simply enjoy watching history unfold over the nation’s capital—you may want to keep looking up.
Editor’s Note: If Freedom 250 releases a more detailed flyover schedule or announces weather-related changes later today, The Zebra will update this story.
