Vintage Aircraft at SUN ’n FUN
If you fly a vintage-era aircraft, you are invited to make the Vintage area your home during your stay at SUN ’n FUN. This is more than a parking area — it’s a community that celebrates craftsmanship, history, and the pilots who keep these legendary aircraft flying the skies.
Whether you’re bringing an award-winning aircraft, a well-loved flyer, or a rare piece of history, the Vintage area is your home on the flightline.
Does your aircraft qualify for Vintage parking?
- Antique – Constructed on or before August 31, 1945
- Classic – Constructed between September 1, 1945, and December 31, 1955
- Contemporary – Constructed between January 1, 1956, and December 31, 1970
New for 2026: Vintage Showcase – Be Part of it!
Vintage Showcase & Hospitality Tent
This year, SUN ’n FUN is debuting the Vintage Showcase and you are invited to participate. Selected vintage aircraft will be featured along Vintage Way, spotlighting past award winners, rare restorations, and aircraft with unique and compelling stories.
The Showcase is optional and by selection. Interested pilots are encouraged to submit their aircraft for consideration by completing the Showcase submission form below.
In conjunction with the Vintage Showcase SUN ’n FUN will host the Vintage Showcase Hospitality Tent, centrally located on Vintage Way and surrounded by beautifully polished vintage aircraft. Pilots and guests will be welcomed with a patriotic Red, White, and Blue display celebrating our nation’s 250th, vintage-inspired décor, and an artistic rendering of the Lakeland Tower. Inside, you’ll find a relaxed 1960s-style seating area with picnic tables — plus complimentary refreshments for all Vintage pilots flying in.
More Amenities
Vintage parking & camping is adjacent to The Sandbar, a central gathering space co-located with the Light Plane|Paradise City area.
The Sandbar will feature:
- Food trucks with a variety of options throughout the day
- A large shade tent with picnic tables and benches for relaxing and socializing
- A welcoming, communal space for pilots, friends, and family
Best of all — the announcer audio will be piped-in live, so you won’t miss a beat of the daily airshows, evening night shows, or the Sunset Aerial Circus while you’re enjoying the Vintage area.
In addition, Vintage pilots will have access to:
- The Island
- The Pilot Welcome Center
- Camp store and ticket sales
- Shower houses
- Rideshare services
- Publix Instacart grocery delivery
Parking, Camping & Registration
- Vintage event and camping registration is located at the Vintage Hospitality Building, just west of Vintage parking
- Pilots may camp with their aircraft in the Vintage Parking/Camping area (aircraft must qualify)
- Weekly or daily camping purchase is required
- Admission is included with a Weekly or Fly-In Early Aircraft Camping purchase
- Early arrivals should review the Fly-In Early Camping package on the Camping page
Vintage Parking & Camping is located south of the taxiway at the end of Runway 5/23.
Questions, Coordination and Group Arrivals
If you have any questions, concerns or are coordinating a group of aircraft arriving together, please reach out to Will Brown, Vintage Aircraft Chairman, at vintage@flysnf.org
Aircraft judging
Interested in having your aircraft judged?
Be sure to complete your aircraft judging registration by noon on Friday to be eligible.
Guests & vehicle access
Guests driving in to join you can park on the southeast side of the convention site, providing convenient airside access near Vintage parking and camping. Transportation is provided.
Please note: vehicles are not permitted on airside and must park in designated auto parking areas (Lot 1 – main entrance or Lot 3 – east entrance).
Vintage Aircraft Sponsors:
SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo – Inaugural Vintage Showcase Participation Request
Vintage Showcase Registration