Summary of Luke Days
- Event Overview
- Dates and Times
- Location, Directions, and Parking
- Ticket Information
- 2020 Celebration Highlights
- Tips for Visitors
- What to Leave at Home
Luke Days is a remarkable event held at Luke Air Force Base every other year, specifically during the even years. This two-day show offers a unique blend of aerial demonstrations, military aircraft ground displays, exhibits, and attractions. In previous years, the event attracted over 425,000 spectators.
Dates and Times
The upcoming show is scheduled for March 21-22, 2020. Historically, the event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with scheduled air shows commencing at 11 a.m.
Location, Directions, and Parking
Accessing the event can be somewhat complicated since it takes place at an operational, secure Air Force Base. Handicapped parking and parking pass holders can park on the base via the North Gate on Litchfield Road. Note, however, that there are limited handicapped parking spots available. If the designated parking lot is full, Parking Lot B with a shuttle service is your secondary option.
Other attendees will need to park in off-property lots, where a $10 fee has previously been charged. Attendees can either walk or take a shuttle service to the event. Walkers typically park in Parking Lot A, accessed by exiting from Loop 101 onto Glendale Ave. and driving west towards Litchfield Road. Those wishing to shuttle will do so from Parking Lot B, exiting Loop 101 at Olive Ave and heading west before turning left onto Litchfield Road.
Expect some street closures in the vicinity due to heavy traffic. Therefore, it is advisable to allow extra travel time. Most importantly, further details about parking and restrictions are typically provided online.
The Arizona Department of Transportation generally offers comprehensive motorist information, including any travel or roadway restrictions associated with this event. A quick call to 5-1-1, followed by *7, provides free information.
Ticket Information
Historically, Luke Days has been a free admission event for all, making it an exceptional family-friendly activity.
However, VIP options—offering amenities such as tents, tables, chairs, private restrooms, food, and drinks throughout the day, as well as a parking pass—are typically available for advance purchase.
2020 Celebration Highlights
The Luke Days 2020 open house promises an exciting lineup of performances and numerous static displays. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the event, performing on both Saturday and Sunday, alongside other aerial performance teams. Additionally, airmen responsible for the Luke mission of “Training the World’s Greatest F-35 and F-16 Pilots” are expected to make an appearance.
Tips for Visitors
Despite attracting upwards of 100,000 attendees each day, there is plenty of space for everyone at Luke Days. Visitors are permitted to bring chairs. For families with young children, bringing a stroller or wagon is advisable. Moreover, attendees can bring bottled water.
Children particularly enjoy Luke Days. If children become restless, visitors can head to the kids’ zone. Additionally, numerous military aircraft are on display, many of which allow visitor access inside. These static displays are entirely free of charge.
Don’t forget to bring binoculars and a camera. It’s also wise to dress in layers; mornings can be quite cold, even if afternoons warm up. Attendees should prepare for noise by bringing ear protection, such as foam, disposable earplugs, which can typically be found at pharmacies—enough for the entire family. Finally, with all the skyward gazing, sunscreen and sunglasses are essential.
What to Leave at Home
- Pets
- Coolers
- Backpacks
- Toys resembling weapons
- Bicycles
- Skateboards
For additional details, visit Luke Days online, where updates will be made closer to March.
All dates, times, prices, and offerings are subject to change without notice.