Get set for family fun at the Airshow Festival Village!
Published: 30 April 2026
Mark your calendars for Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September! The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight will return with entertainment for the whole family in our fabulous Festival Village.
A host of attractions throughout Ayr's Low Green are planned to keep crowds entertained in between the thrilling aerial displays.
The Festival Village opening hours* are:
Friday 4 September: 4:00pm - 9:00pm with the fairground open until 9:30pm
Saturday 5 September: 12:00noon - 6:00pm with the fairground open until 7.30pm
We've got some new action-packed attractions this year, with more to be announced! Thrill seekers will love our zip line - which is new for 2026 - as well as the ever-popular funfair. If you've ever wondered what it's like to fly a plane, why not try the Red Arrows simulator?
Another brand-new attraction is the drone soccer arena. This is the first of its kind in the UK and offers a unique opportunity for children and families to safely operate specialist "drone balls" inside a secure netted arena. Not just for fans of football, this hands-on activity is perfect for aviation and tech lovers alike as a way to engage with and learn about drone technology!
In the Family Zone, there's plenty to do for kids of all ages, including laser tag, zorb bubble football, mini Highland Games, mini bikes and track, a magic show, a dinosaur show, a circus workshop, Book Bug, and more! This year, we're pleased to welcome a new family attraction - the Cosmos Planetarium! Throughout the airshow, guests can experience "Capcom Go! The Apollo Story" in the dome-shaped planetarium through stunning projections and surround sound.
Visitors will be spoiled for choice with a wide selection of food and drink options** on offer, including ice cream vans throughout the festival, and our on-site bars.
In the Local Trade Village, you'll be able to browse a wide variety of market stalls selling goods from local vendors.** Why not take home a souvenir to remember the weekend? At our merchandise stalls, you can find International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight branded goods, plus our official programmes.
With an array of exhibitions on offer, there's something to satisfy all interests. The Ayrshire Classic Car Club, Ayrshire Radio Control Car Club, Scottish Fire Brigade Heritage Trust, Scottish Aeromodellers Association, and Ayrshire Classic Motorcycle Club will be in attendance, showing off a range of classic vehicles - plus a Spitfire themed Jaguar XJ will be on display on the Low Green. The Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum and Solway Aviation Museum will also be bringing exhibits to the airshow.
In our returning Military Village, we'll have representatives from the Army, Navy and RAF.
We're especially pleased to welcome back our event charity partner - the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund - to the Festival Village. The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF's longest-standing charity for serving and former RAF personnel and their families. Their marquee will be staffed by representatives from the charity who are available to tell festival goers more about the invaluable support the Fund provides.
Our popular STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Village will also return this year, with activities and representatives from the STEM sector to be announced.
Jane Bradley, South Ayrshire Council's Director of Communities and Transformation, said: "With plenty of activities and fantastic food and drink options in our Festival Village, the International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight is not just for aviation enthusiasts, but is also a great day out for families!
"The last three years have been hugely successful, with crowds flocking to Ayr Shorefront. We plan to put on another exciting event this year, with even more attractions to be announced."
Maria Lyle, Associate Director Operations at the RAF Benevolent Fund said: "We are thrilled to be returning for our fourth year in partnership with South Ayrshire Council at The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight this September.
"This remarkable event continues to provide a valuable opportunity to highlight how our support has changed lives for members of the RAF Family across Ayrshire, Scotland, and throughout the wider UK. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our connection with the local community."
Entry to the Festival Village at the International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight is free of charge however, charges may apply for some attractions, including the funfair and planetarium.
*Please note that opening times are subject to change
**Applications for professional food, beverage and trade stalls will be announced in due course. Visit https://destinationsouthayrshire.co.uk/ayrshow/ and keep an eye on our corporate and Destination South Ayrshire social media channels for updates.
