LOCATION AND TIME
The 2026 event will be at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport on Saturday, May 2nd from 9 AM until 5 PM and Sunday, May 3rd from 10 AM until 5 PM.
2075 Glenn Hwy
Palmer, AK 99645
901 S Airport Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
ADMISSION AND PARKING
FREE ADMISSION - Since 1998 the Alaska Airmen's Association has kept the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering FREE for all attendees! We believe our event is important for all to attend and are happy to provide connections through our aviation family. Thank you to all our donors, members, and sponsors for helping us to keep this event free!
MEMBER VIP PARKING - Alaska Airmen members get free VIP parking in the orange lot! See map here
PARKING FUNDRAISER $5 - With such amazing crowds attending at the Palmer venue, this year we are getting some help from the local Palmer High Moose Hockey team to keeps things moving smoothly! Contribute $5 (cash or credit) to their fundraiser and park in the red lot at the Alaska State Fairgrounds. Prefer not to participate? No problem, a free shuttle runs throughout the event with multiple stops throughout Palmer! SEE DETAILS HERE
FLY-IN!
HOW TO FLY-IN
Fly into the airport, stay for the day, and fly out!
- Navigate to Warren "Bud" Woods Palmer Municipal Airport (PAAQ)
- A Temporary Air Traffic Control tower will be in effect within a 5nm radius of Palmer Airport from 9am-5pm Friday 5/1 -Sunday 5/3.
- Ground crew will be available to direct aircraft to parking.
- Please check all NOTAMs before planning to fly in. Heavy traffic and temporary runway closures should be expected.
CAMP WITH YOUR AIRCRAFT
Reserve a campsite (space is limited, and registration is required). REGISTER OPENS IN WINTER 2026:
Aircraft camping information:
- FREE
- Pre-registration is required
- Tie-down anchors will be provided but you must bring your own rope.
- The camping surface is asphalt.
- Campfires are authorized in provided, fire-marshal-approved pits only. Bring your own firewood.
- Pets are not allowed.
- A dumpster is available on-site.
- Port-o-potties provided (no restrooms)
- No access to water.
- Shuttles into Palmer and the Fairgrounds run throughout the day Saturday and Sunday until 5 PM. There are no shuttles on Friday
Register for the Show and Shine and fly into the Fairgrounds.
Click on Show and Shine in the ACTIVITES section below to see details.
LODGING
2026 info is still being updated - Some info may be inaccurate!
Call the office to verify or email info@alaskaairmen.org
The 2026 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering will take place in Palmer at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport.
The closest lodging can be found in Palmer and Wasilla, but Anchorage is only a 45-minute, scenic drive from the Gathering. Check out Fly-Inn.com for the best fly-in lodging accommodations.
We suggest the following establishments - prices may vary:
RENTAL CARS
GoNorth Alaska – 1.2 miles from ANC
- 5011 Spenard Rd bldg A, Anchorage, AK 99517
- offering a 10% discounted base daily rate using code: GONAAA
- CLICK HERE or call 907-479-7272 to reserve
PALMER
Alaska’s Harvest Bed and Breakfast – 3 miles from venue
- 2252 N. Love Drive, Palmer, AK 99645
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE or call 907-232-8783 to reserve
Alaska Backcountry Cottages – 6.5 miles from venue
- 3901 South Lindsey Cir, Palmer, AK, 99645
- 10% discounted nightly rate using promo code: summer
- CLICK HERE or call 907-746-2225 to reserve
The Pioneer Motel – 1.8 miles from the venue (Waiting to confirm discount for 2026)
- 124 West Arctic Ave, Palmer, AK, 99645
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE or call (907)745-3425 to reserve
Colony Inn & Valley Hotel – 2.1 miles from venue
- 325 E Elmwood Ave, Palmer, AK 99645
- Offering a 5% discounted nightly booking rate, May 2nd and 3rd
- Call (907)745-3425 and mention the Great Alaskan Aviation Gathering to redeem
WASILLA
Best Western Lake Lucille Inn – 14.9 miles from venue
- 1300 West Lake Lucille Drive, Wasilla AK, 99654
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate booking through May 2nd-6th
- CLICK HERE or call 907-373-1776 to reserve
Grand View Inn – 11 miles from venue
- 2900 East Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK, 99654
- Offering a nightly rate of $200 + Tax per standard Queen room
- CLICK HERE or call 907-352-1700 to reserve
Alaska's Select Inn Hotel – 12.4 miles from venue
- 3451 East Palmdale Drive, Wasilla, AK, 99654
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE or call 907-357-4768 to reserve
ANCHORAGE
Courtyard Anchorage Airport - 45 miles from venue
- 4901 Spenard Road Anchorage, AK 99517
- Offering a 15% discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE to reserve
SpringHill Suites Midtown Anchorage - 41 miles from venue
- 3401 A Street Anchorage, AK 99503
- Offering a 15% discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE to reserve
Residence Inn Anchorage Midtown - 42 miles from venue
- 1025 35th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99508
- Offering a 15% discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE to reserve
The Lakefront Anchorage - 45 miles from venue (Waiting to confirm discount for 2026)
- 4800 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99517
- More information coming soon.
- CLICK HERE or call 907-243-2300 to reserve
Aloft Anchorage - 43 miles from venue
- 310 W 36th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503
- Offering a discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE to reserve
CAMPING OR PARKING YOUR RV?
Email operations@alaskaairmen.org to inquire about camping on the fairgrounds. No hookups available.
Palmer Airport Camping Registration: CLICK HERE
The Springer RV & Campground (Booking opens January 1st, 2026)
Located at 16199 East Outer Springer Loop Palmer AK 99645 – 1.75 miles from venue
Springer Campground will be taking reservations January 2026 with large sites and pull throughs including electric, water, and sewer. Ranging from $40-60 a night. CLICK HERE and use code GAAG15 to reserve your spot at a 15% discount, valid from May 1st - May 4th. Contact them HERE or by calling 877-987-2267.
There are RV sites with 20/30/50-amp full hookups. Showers and laundry for $5, free Wi-Fi and dumping with a water fill for $10.
Great Alaskan Holidays
Great Alaskan Holidays is the largest RV rental company, providing comfortable touring and lodging solutions to travelers visiting Alaska from around the world for over 36 years now.
Park it at the show and live in it. Travel through Alaska before the event or extend your stay to take full advantage of an opportunity you may never have again…. tour Alaska in the safety, privacy, and comfort of your own RV rental. CLICK HERE or call 907-248-7777 to reserve.
FREE EVENT SHUTTLE
The 2026 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering will take place in Palmer at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport. The Alaska Airmen's Association provides free shuttle service during the event. There are two lines available to take you to the Fairgrounds and to the Palmer Airport for all activities throughout the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering.
SEMINARS
The Alaska Airmen partner with the Alaska Aviation Safety Foundation to host a full weekend of free educational seminars for the public. Be part of a safer, better-educated flying community by participating in this event.
2026 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering Seminar Program Schedule Announced in January 2026
MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP AND IA RENEWAL
2026 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP AND IA RENEWAL- Open to all!
Description: A one-day aircraft maintenance workshop. Seminars will be eligible for credit toward IA Renewal and/or Aviation Maintenance Technician awards program.
When: TBD
Where: TBD
Target Audience: Aircraft owners & maintenance professionals
This event is FREE but registration is required.
CAREER FAIR
Are you an aviation professional? Do you hope to become one?
Make your way to the career fair to speak with aviation employers about career paths, prospects, and goals. You may even land an on-site interview!
See the full list of career fair exhibitors HERE
SHOW & SHINE AIRCRAFT SHOW
Show off your beautiful bird
And compete for prizes, and join us at the Alaska State Fairgrounds!
Register to fly into the Alaska State Fairgrounds on Saturday May 2nd to participate in this fun event!
- Landing at the Alaska State Fair is NOT open to the public. Registration and prior approval for landing is required.
- All pilots must complete the registration in full and sign all associated waivers and prior to being approved for participation.
- A temporary air traffic control tower will be in effect within 5nm of the Palmer Municipal Airport during the event
- Show and Shine participants will also be required to communicate on a designated advisory frequency prior to landing at the fairgrounds.
Categories include: Slickest Super Cub, Best in the Sky(wagon), Duct Tape Masterpiece and More!
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
CURRENT EXHIBITORS, DISPLAYS, AND FOOD
TBD 2026