Home of Light Planes at SUN `n Fun – Where Grassroots Aviation Comes Alive
Welcome to one of the most active corners of SUN ’n FUN.
Paradise City is home to grassroots and recreational aviation, where guests can get up close to an incredible variety of aircraft—and then watch many of them take to the sky.
From Light Planes and ultralights to gyroplanes, powered parachutes, powered paragliders and Experimental aircraft, Paradise City offers a different perspective on just how many ways there are to fly.
Explore a Different Side of Aviation
Aviation comes in all shapes and sizes at Paradise City.
Walk among Light Planes, ultralights, Experimental aircraft, gyroplanes, powered parachutes, powered paragliders and other recreational aircraft designed to make flying accessible, innovative and fun.
Take a closer look, meet the pilots and builders behind the aircraft, ask questions and discover a side of aviation you may not have experienced before.
Watch Them Fly
Paradise City isn’t just a place to look at aircraft.
The 8/26 grass strip stays active throughout the week with takeoffs, landings, demonstration flights and other aircraft operations happening right in front of you.
Find a spot along the flight line and watch these unique aircraft do what they were built to do.
VIEW PARADISE CITY SCHEDULE (coming soon)
More Than an Aircraft Display
There’s almost always something happening at Paradise City.
In addition to active flight operations, the area brings together pilots, builders, manufacturers and aviation enthusiasts for demonstrations, education and opportunities to experience grassroots aviation up close.
Whether you’re already part of the community or discovering this side of aviation for the first time, Paradise City is a place to explore, ask questions and get inspired.
STOL in Action
See just how little runway some aircraft really need.
The SUN ’n FUN STOL Invitational brings Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft to the Paradise City grass strip, where pilots put their skills—and their aircraft’s capabilities—on display.
Watch competitors demonstrate precision flying, short takeoffs and impressive landings in one of SUN ’n FUN’s most exciting aviation competitions.
Ultralight Invasion
Experience Paradise City when the ultralight community comes together for the Ultralight Invasion.
This special gathering brings ultralight aircraft and pilots together to celebrate one of aviation’s most accessible and adventurous forms of flying.
The Ultralight Invasion features:
- A concentrated display of ultralight and lightweight aircraft
- Dedicated ultralight camping within Paradise City (limited space available)
- Mass arrivals and mass participation flying activities when conditions allow
- Community networking, storytelling, and shared flying experiences among ultralight pilots
- Increased ultralight flight activity along the 8/26 grass strip during the event
Planning to participate in the Ultralight Invasion? Register in advance using the online form below:
https://forms.gle/TEQLhCCgzryAXp1d9
Ultralight Invasion
Learn from the Grassroots Aviation Community
Want to learn more about the aircraft you’re seeing?
Paradise City hosts forums throughout the week featuring pilots, builders, manufacturers and industry experts.
Explore topics ranging from aircraft construction and maintenance to ultralights, Experimental aviation, gyroplanes, powered parachutes, powered paragliders, regulations, safety and more.
EXPLORE PARADISE CITY FORUMS (coming soon)
MOSAIC at Paradise City
Explore the evolving future of recreational aviation through MOSAIC programming at Paradise City.
Hear from industry leaders, aviation organizations and experts as they explore what changes under MOSAIC mean for aircraft, pilots, manufacturers and the broader aviation community.
2027 MOSAIC programming and schedule will be announced as details are confirmed.
Stay for Sunset
Paradise City doesn’t wind down when the daytime flying ends.
Join us on select evenings for the Sunset Aerial Circus, when the grass strip becomes the backdrop for an exciting mix of recreational and sport aviation as the sun goes down.
Aircraft Judging
Some of the aircraft you’ll discover at Paradise City may also participate in SUN ’n FUN Aircraft Judging, recognizing outstanding aircraft, craftsmanship and presentation.
Take a Break at The Sandbar
Need a break without getting too far from the action?
Located just north of Paradise City, The Sandbar offers food, cold drinks, shade and plenty of room to sit back and relax.
With the flying nearby, it’s an easy place to recharge before heading back out to explore.
Find Paradise City
Paradise City is located on the south side of the SUN ’n FUN Expo Campus along the 8/26 grass strip.
Flying In?
Planning to fly a Light Plane, ultralight, gyroplane or other qualifying aircraft into Paradise City?
Visit Arrive by Air → Pilot Information → Paradise City Pilots for aircraft and pilot registration, arrival procedures, aircraft evaluation requirements, technical forms, pilot briefings, parking, camping and other operational information.
VIEW PARADISE CITY PILOT INFORMATION (coming soon)
Thank You to Our Light Planes Sponsors
The Light Planes area is made possible with the support of our partners and sponsors.
