Aerospace Center For Excellence

Winter Haven Community Fest
2024-03-02 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
The SUN ‘n FUN and Aerospace Center for Excellence team will be in attendance at the Winter Haven Community Fest! Stop by our booth for information on our upcoming Aerospace Expo and learn about our programming. We will also have some great SWAG!

Storytime Under the Stars
2024-02-23 18:00 - 19:30
Join us for fun under the stars as we bring our weekly Story Time event outside around our fire ring for stories, songs, and s’mores!

Come and be our guest for a unique and fun-filled Story Time. If you have joined us on Tuesdays in the Florida Air Museum, you know that we have a great time with stories, songs, and learning. This event is open to your entire family, so bring everyone for fun around our large fire pit as we read, sing, and enjoy some s’mores together!

The event is free to all. We ask for a $10 donation per family to help offset the material costs. You can choose to make a donation in the checkout page.

When you register, please secure a ticket for everyone in your party. This will help us plan for purchasing s’more making materials.

EVENT NOTES:

As you know, Florida weather is unpredictable. Stay tuned for updates in the case of bad weather.

Bring camping chairs. There are only a few picnic tables available.

Bring flashlights. The area is fairly dark and uneven. We want you to be safe while you are walking to/from your cars.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
2024-02-10 10:00 - 17:00
Come visit the SUN ‘n FUN and Aerospace Center for Excellence booth at Planes, Trains, and Automobiles! Gather information about our local programs and events along with some awesome giveaways and 50th SUN ‘n FUN SWAG! To purchase tickets, click the “More Information” button below.

Wings 'n Waffles
2024-02-10 09:00 - 10:00
Guest speaker: Eric Washburn

Join us for Wings ‘n Waffles, where we will hear from Eric Washburn.

Captain Eric Washburn is a Chief Pilot for Frontier Airlines and an accredited Airbus Test Pilot. He has been at Frontier Airlines for eight years and in the aviation industry for 19 years. Prior to flying for the airlines, Eric was an Honor Graduate in the U.S. Army, followed by working for a metro-Atlanta police department as a police officer and detective for six years. Eric lives in Lakeland, Florida, and serves on the Board of Directors for the SUN ‘n FUN Airshow and the Aerospace Center for Excellence. As part of the Frontier Airlines Chief Pilot Office and Aerospace Center for Excellence, Eric hopes to contribute to Frontier Airlines and the industry through servant leadership and community outreach.

Wings ‘n Waffles will be at the Florida Air Museum inside the Aerospace Center for Excellence building. For more information, click the “REGISTER NOW” button.

First Friday in Downtown Lakeland
2024-02-02 18:00 - 21:00
Come visit the SUN ‘n FUN and Aerospace Center for Excellence booth every first Friday of the month in Downtown Lakeland! Gather information about our local programs and events along with some awesome giveaways and SWAG!

Cookies 'n Convos
2024-02-01 18:00 - 19:00
Each month a new speaker talks briefly about what they do in aviation/aerospace and why they love it. The speaker then leads a Q&A session so that young people and their parents can learn more about each career field, especially how to pursue each field as a personal career option! Per the event title, there will be snacks, and the whole family can stick around to participate in hands-on activities. Content is geared for school-aged kids, but all are welcome to attend!

Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $5.00 per person at the door.

Our February 1st Speaker: Audrey Baxacjay

Audrey is an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic and works as the Director of Operations at Double M Aviation at the Lakeland Linder International Airport. Come hear her speak about her experiences within the aviation industry as a mechanic and the job prospects available in this field now and in the future. After her presentation, students will get a chance to fly in our Redbird Flight Simulation Laboratory!

* Please reserve one ticket per attending student. Adults do not need a ticket.

MEGA ACE/SUN ‘n FUN YARD SALE / BAKE SALE
2023-12-02 07:30 - 14:00
Location – 4075 James C Ray Drive Lakeland FL 33811 – ACE Pavilion

Multiple Vendors selling a bit of everything!

Homemade Bake Sale Items will be available for sale.

Admission to the Florida Air Museum is half-price on Saturday!

Funds raised will support the new ACE Destination Aviation Playground and the United Way of Central Florida.

Breakfast and Lunch will be available at the Little Red Wagon!

Breakfast – Egg Toaster, Sausage & Egg Toaster, Bacon & Egg Toaster and Hash Browns

Lunch – Hamburgers, Double Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Chicken Sandwiches

Drinks – Soda, Water, Lemonade, Sweet Tea, and Coffee

Wings 'n Waffles
2023-11-11 09:00 - 10:00
Join us the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 A.M. to enjoy breakfast (chicken and waffles, thus the event name) and hear from aviation professionals, veterans, pilots and more. Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $10.00 per person at the door, which includes a day pass to tour the Museum when the event is over.

We look forward to seeing you at Wings ‘n Waffles!

We’re taking two months off after November’s Wings ‘n Waffles, we will be back in February!

Ticket Information

Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction
2023-11-10 00:00 - 2023-11-11 23:59
Join Carlisle Auctions November 10-11 starting at 10:30 a.m. daily for the Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction. 300+ consignments are anticipated and will span decades of automotive history. From pre-war classics to post-war muscle, the event has it all. You can find an investment that truly accelerates with Carlisle Auctions, including white-glove, best-of-show gems, show-worthy daily drivers that are guaranteed to turn heads, and a few things in between. This is more than an auction, it’s an automotive experience. Lots range in price from four to six figures and there are THREE great ways to bid; in person, on the phone, or online. Carlisle Auctions also offers an All-Truck Hour on Friday, November 10 at 1:30 p.m. During this block, nothing but trucks/Jeeps/SUVs will cross the block.

Not looking to buy, but still looking for in-person automotive entertainment? Carlisle Auctions offers ample FREE parking and it’s just $10 for spectator admission. Kids 12 and under are also admitted free.

For details on registering to bid, consigning a vehicle to sell, or simply attending as a spectator, call Carlisle Auctions at 717-960-6400 or visit CarlisleAuctions.com.

Cookies 'n Convos
2023-11-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, Florida, 33811, United States
Each month a new speaker talks briefly about what they do in aviation/aerospace and why they love it. The speaker then leads a Q&A session so that young people and their parents can learn more about each career field especially how to pursue each field as a personal career option! Per the event title, there will be snacks, and the whole family can stick around to participate in hands-on activities. Content is geared for kids in grades 2-5, but all are welcome to attend!

Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $5.00 per person at the door.

Our November Speaker: TBD!

The NOAA Hurricane Hunters do what most pilots avoid – they fly into storms to gather important weather information and help keep us safe. Come meet these brave pilots and learn what led them to this awesome career in aviation!

Ticket Information

SUN ‘n FUN Family Spooktacular and Pumpkin Dash 5K
2023-10-28 07:00 - 21:00
By:

Join us for our 3rd Annual Family SpooktacularA family fun Halloween celebration and 5K at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus!

By:

PUMPKIN DASH 5K – 7:00 am – 11:00 am

Halloween-themed 5K across the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus

Costumes encouraged

Post-Race Dance Party with food & drink available from food trucks after the race at the finish line

Prizes are given to the top 3 finishers in each age group division

T-Shirt and swag for each runner

Race highlights – finishing time, photos from the race, and video of a runner crossing the finish line

Registration is $35 per person (plus taxes & fees) Register Here!

5K Parking and Packet pick-up – Enter Main General Parking Lot from W Pipkin Rd

FAMILY SPOOKTACULAR – 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Ms. Pat’s Traveling Emporium of Horror

Spooky Trail

Exhibitors (vending, informational, promotional) Register Here!

S’mores at the Fire Hub by Legends Airways, LLC

Fortune Telling

Trick-or-Treating in the Campground by Burger 21

Trick-or-Treating along the Taxiway by Burger 21

Educational Activities and Crafts by Publix

Camper and Airplane Decorating Contests

People’s Choice voting for Best Decorated Camper

People’s Choice voting for Best Decorated Airplane

Food Trucks

Admission is $5 per carSUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus4075 James C. Ray DriveLakeland, FL 33811

Overnight RV Camping is available at a special rate of $79.40 for 2 nights (including all taxes) October 27-29, 2023! Decorate your camper and enter to win the People’s Choice award. Hand out candy in our Haunted Campground. Spooktacular admission is included with all camping reservations.

Reserve Camping Now!

Attention Pilots: We invite you to fly in and park, or camp under your aircraft for our 3rd annual SUN ‘n FUN Family Spooktacular! From 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Arrive from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, tie down your plane, add Halloween decorations, and plan to hand out Halloween candy and treats to our Trick-or-Treaters on Saturday, October 28, 2023 – starting at 4:00 pm! Pilots participating in the 5K should plan to arrive on Friday.

Click here for Aircraft Registration

National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) Summit 2023
2023-10-24 00:00 - 2023-10-26 23:59 | SUN ‘n FUN Campus, 4075 James C Ray Dr , Lakeland, Florida, 33811, United States
Join your colleagues for a program designed to help you become a better CFI and pilot. Learn from industry experts, visit exhibitors, and network with fellow CFIs at the NAFI Summit.

Learn from industry leaders

Hear from noted flight instruction experts on the vital role of CFIs, with an emphasis on improving safety, pass-rates, and customer service.

Connect with your peers

We all have stories to tell and information to share. The NAFI Summit will provide plenty of time to network with your friends and colleagues from around the industry.

A priceless program

At long last, actionable solutions! Our program will give you valuable information you can use in your aviation career immediately.

Presentations will focus on the following key topics:

Managing your own flight instruction business

Tips and techniques to improve your skills as an instructor

What went wrong: A look at accident data from instructional flights

Maintaining your health and well-being

Creating a path to success for students

Using new technology effectively

Get More Information

Wings 'n Waffles
2023-06-10 09:00 - 10:00
Join us the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 A.M. to enjoy breakfast (chicken and waffles, thus the event name) and hear from aviation professionals, veterans, pilots and more. Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $10.00 per person at the door, which includes a day pass to tour the Museum when the event is over.

We look forward to seeing you at Wings ‘n Waffles!

June Speaker: Dr. Aaron Judy, Chief Test Engineer, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division

July Speaker: TBD

August Speaker: TBD

September Speaker: TBD

October Speaker: TBD

November Speaker: TBD

December Speaker: TBD

Ticket Information

Cookies 'n Convos
2023-10-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, Florida, 33811, United States
Each month a new speaker talks briefly about what they do in aviation/aerospace and why they love it. The speaker then leads a Q&A session so that young people and their parents can learn more about each career field especially how to pursue each field as a personal career option! Per the event title, there will be snacks, and the whole family can stick around to participate in hands-on activities. Content is geared for kids in grades 2-5, but all are welcome to attend!

Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $5.00 per person at the door.

Our October Speaker: TBD!

The NOAA Hurricane Hunters do what most pilots avoid – they fly into storms to gather important weather information and help keep us safe. Come meet these brave pilots and learn what led them to this awesome career in aviation!

Ticket Information

Girls in Aviation Day
2023-09-23 10:00 - 14:00
The Aerospace Center for Excellence is proud to partner with our local Women In Aviation – Lakeland Chapter to host this local event for the 2023 Girls in Aviation Day!

This is a FREE event, and participants will be able to explore the Florida Air Museum, participate in hands-on STEM activities in our Skylab Innovation Center, and network with our local aviation business community. Content is geared for girls, ages 10-17, but all are welcome!

The Central Florida Gun Show
2023-09-17 09:00 - 15:00, 2023-09-16 09:00 - 17:00, 2023-05-21 09:00 - 15:00, 2023-05-20 09:00 - 17:00 | Skylight Hangar on SUN ‘n FUN Campus, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland, Florida, 33811, United States
Time: 9am-5pm on Saturday, 9am-3pm on SundayLocation: Skylight Hangar on SUN ‘n FUN Campus

Buy, Sell or Trade

Our shows have vendors with up to 350 display tables of modern, antique and military weapons, guns, blades and so much more.

Convenient opportunities to buy, sell, or trade at the largest gun show in the Southeast.

Free appraisals are also available.

Concealed Weapons Class

The Concealed weapons class is available on both days starting at 12:00 noon at SUN ‘n FUN. You will have all materials to send for your permit. Advance registration is suggested. Please call Stoney Pointe Shooting Academy at (863) 255-8354 or email jspurlock3@gmail.com for more info.

Admission

$12.00 (ages 17 & up)

Children 16 and under are FREE & must be accompanied by an adult

Cookies 'n Convos
2023-09-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, Florida, 33811, United States
Each month a new speaker talks briefly about what they do in aviation/aerospace and why they love it. The speaker then leads a Q&A session so that young people and their parents can learn more about each career field especially how to pursue each field as a personal career option! Per the event title, there will be snacks, and the whole family can stick around to participate in hands-on activities. Content is geared for kids in grades 2-5, but all are welcome to attend!

Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $5.00 per person at the door.

Our September Speaker: TBD!

The NOAA Hurricane Hunters do what most pilots avoid – they fly into storms to gather important weather information and help keep us safe. Come meet these brave pilots and learn what led them to this awesome career in aviation!

Ticket Information

Cookies 'n Convos
2023-08-03 18:00 - 19:00 | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, Florida, 33811, United States
Each month a new speaker talks briefly about what they do in aviation/aerospace and why they love it. The speaker then leads a Q&A session so that young people and their parents can learn more about each career field especially how to pursue each field as a personal career option! Per the event title, there will be snacks, and the whole family can stick around to participate in hands-on activities. Content is geared for kids in grades 2-5, but all are welcome to attend!

Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $5.00 per person at the door.

Our August Speaker: TBD!

The NOAA Hurricane Hunters do what most pilots avoid – they fly into storms to gather important weather information and help keep us safe. Come meet these brave pilots and learn what led them to this awesome career in aviation!

Ticket Information

Cookies 'n Convos
2023-07-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, Florida, 33811, United States
Each month a new speaker talks briefly about what they do in aviation/aerospace and why they love it. The speaker then leads a Q&A session so that young people and their parents can learn more about each career field especially how to pursue each field as a personal career option! Per the event title, there will be snacks, and the whole family can stick around to participate in hands-on activities. Content is geared for kids in grades 2-5, but all are welcome to attend!

Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $5.00 per person at the door.

Our July Speaker: TBD!

The NOAA Hurricane Hunters do what most pilots avoid – they fly into storms to gather important weather information and help keep us safe. Come meet these brave pilots and learn what led them to this awesome career in aviation!

Ticket Information

Cookies 'n Convos
2023-06-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, Florida, 33811, United States
Each month a new speaker talks briefly about what they do in aviation/aerospace and why they love it. The speaker then leads a Q&A session so that young people and their parents can learn more about each career field especially how to pursue each field as a personal career option! Per the event title, there will be snacks, and the whole family can stick around to participate in hands-on activities. Content is geared for kids in grades 2-5, but all are welcome to attend!

Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $5.00 per person at the door.

Our June Speaker: NOAA Hurricane Hunters!

The NOAA Hurricane Hunters do what most pilots avoid – they fly into storms to gather important weather information and help keep us safe. Come meet these brave pilots and learn what led them to this awesome career in aviation!

Ticket Information

50th Anniversary Strawberry Classic Dog Show
2023-02-17 00:00 - 2023-02-19 23:59
Lakeland Winter Haven Kennel Club’s 50th Anniversary Strawberry Classic Dog show is back at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus February 17-19, 2023. Featuring special events such as Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Dock Diving, Fast Cat Lure Coursing, Temperament Testing, Barn Hunting, Farm Dog, and many other events. Visit the food court and browse vendors from all over the country while you enjoy the event!

Carlisle Winter Collector Car Auction
2023-02-10 00:00 - 2023-02-11 23:59
Join Carlisle Auctions February 10-11 starting at 10:30 a.m. daily for the Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction. This is an auction only event (no car show or swap meet) and 400+ lots are anticipated. Consignments will span decades of automotive history. From pre-war classics to post-war muscle, the event has it all. You can find an investment that truly accelerates with Carlisle Auctions, including white-glove, best of show gems, show worthy daily drivers that are guaranteed to turn heads, and a few things in between. This is more than an auction, it’s an automotive experience. Lots range in price from four to six figures and there are THREE great ways to bid; in person, on the phone, or online. Carlisle Auctions also offers an All-Truck Hour on Friday, February 10 at 1:30 p.m. During this block, nothing but trucks/Jeeps/SUVs will cross the block.

Not looking to buy, but still looking for in person entertainment? Carlisle Auctions offers ample FREE parking and it’s just $10 for spectator admission. Kids 12 and under are admitted free.

For details on registering to bid, consigning a vehicle to sell, or simply attending as a spectator, call Carlisle Auctions at 717-960-6400 or visit CarlisleAuctions.com.

18th Annual Visteball
2023-02-04 00:00 - 23:59
JOIN US for one of Lakeland’s premier annual fundraising events, VISTEBall! Typically, 600-700 people attend this golf-themed event which features games, food and drink, prizes, and much more – all for a great cause. A week-long online auction is also part of the fun. We are excited to kick off VISTE’s 40th Anniversary with this in-person event at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in the Skylight Hangar on Saturday, February 4, 2023.

Since 1983, Volunteers in Service to the Elderly has provided essential services, and hope for local seniors in need. Funds raised through VISTEBall benefit over 4,000 seniors annually, helping them remain safe and independent in their own homes. THANK YOU for your support!
