Air, Aviation & Airports Eventos en St. Louis

Spirit of St. Louis Air Show and STEM Expo

The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show and STEM Expo: Where Aviation and Innovation Take Flight

Every once in a while, an event comes along that does more than just entertain it inspires. The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show and STEM Expo, presented by Boeing, is one of those rare experiences. Held over two action-packed days at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Missouri, this event brings together the thrill of aviation with the power of education and exploration in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math also known as STEM.

More than just a celebration of high-speed aerial stunts and vintage aircraft, this air show stands out for its mission to educate and empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, pilots, and innovators. With a strong community focus and a commitment to hands-on learning, the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo has earned a reputation as one of the region’s most inspiring family-focused events.

Where Aviation Meets Opportunity

The event takes place at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, a fitting venue named after Charles Lindbergh’s iconic aircraft, symbolizing a legacy of innovation, daring, and exploration. It’s more than just a setting it’s part of the story.

While aviation takes center stage with thrilling aerial performances, the true heart of the event lies in its educational focus. The goal? To support regional STEM education efforts, showcase career pathways in aviation and aerospace, and spark curiosity in young minds.

Whether you're a parent, educator, student, or simply someone fascinated by flight, this event offers something for everyone.

High-Flying Action: The Air Show Experience

Of course, no air show would be complete without the roar of jet engines and the awe-inspiring acrobatics of skilled pilots. And in that department, the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show absolutely delivers.

Past aerial highlights have included:

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels or Air Force Thunderbirds, world-renowned for their precision flying.

Aerobatic performers showcasing jaw-dropping loops, rolls, and dives.

Historic aircraft flyovers, including World War II planes and vintage fighters.

Parachute demonstration teams that float to earth in spectacular formation.

These performances aren’t just about entertainment they’re a way to showcase the physics of flight and the engineering excellence behind each aircraft.

The STEM Expo: Learning in Action

What truly sets this event apart from other air shows is the on-site STEM Expo, an interactive, hands-on experience designed to connect young minds to the exciting world of science and technology.

Held in large tents adjacent to the airfield, the STEM Expo is a hub of creativity and learning where students can:

Explore robotics demos, including coding and control challenges.

Interact with virtual flight simulators to experience piloting an aircraft.

Build and launch model rockets or gliders.

Discover aerospace materials and design through interactive exhibits.

Talk to professionals in STEM fields, from engineers to military pilots.

The STEM Expo offers something for every age group, including:

Elementary-aged activities focused on exploration and fun experiments.

Middle school programs that dive into hands-on problem-solving.

High school and college showcases, often featuring advanced tech and local research projects.

By turning complex STEM topics into tangible, exciting experiences, the Expo helps demystify what a career in science, tech, engineering, or aviation really looks like.

A Launchpad for Future Careers

The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show and STEM Expo isn’t just an annual event it’s a launchpad for future innovators. The organizers, in partnership with Boeing and other regional supporters, are committed to inspiring the next generation of professionals in aerospace, engineering, and aviation.

The event features:

Career booths and panels where students can ask questions and explore educational paths.

Information about scholarships, internships, and training programs in aviation and STEM.

Meet-and-greets with professionals from Boeing, NASA, the U.S. military, and regional universities.

For many young attendees, this is their first direct interaction with potential career mentors—a chance to shake hands with the people shaping tomorrow's technology.

Boeing's Role: More Than a Sponsor

As presenting sponsor, Boeing plays a critical role in the show’s success and mission. Their involvement is not just financial it’s deeply aligned with their corporate values of innovation, education, and community impact.

At the STEM Expo, Boeing employees serve as mentors and educators, guiding students through experiments, answering questions, and sharing real-world stories about careers in aerospace engineering, systems design, and advanced manufacturing.

Their presence gives the event credibility and depth, transforming the experience from simply educational to genuinely inspirational.

Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages

Beyond the airplanes and STEM stations, the event is designed to be inclusive and engaging for families. From toddlers to grandparents, there’s something to enjoy at every turn.

Family-oriented features typically include:

Kid zones with flight-themed games and bounce houses

Photo ops with aircraft and performers

Food trucks and picnic areas

Live music and local vendors

Interactive displays from museums and educational organizations

Parents often find themselves just as engaged as their kids, whether they’re chatting with a NASA scientist or watching a classic P-51 Mustang fly overhead.

Making the Most of Your Visit

If you're planning to attend the next Spirit of St. Louis Air Show and STEM Expo, here are a few tips to maximize your experience:

Arrive early to beat the crowds and see all the STEM exhibits before the air show begins.

Bring sunscreen and chairs the airfield is sunny and performances can last several hours.

Engage with the STEM booths ask questions, try the demos, and take home resources.

Don’t skip the career panels they can be eye-opening for teens and college-bound students.

Support local by checking out regional exhibitors, schools, and vendors.

With proper planning, your day at the expo will be educational, exciting, and genuinely unforgettable.

The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show and STEM Expo is more than an event it’s a movement. It brings together aviation history, modern technology, and future-focused education into a single weekend of high-flying excitement and meaningful impact.

Whether you're watching jets roar overhead or helping your child program a robot for the first time, you’re part of a larger mission: inspiring the next generation of thinkers, makers, and pilots.

If you’re looking for an experience that combines adventure with purpose, learning with awe, and entertainment with opportunity, this is the place to be. Come for the planes. Stay for the future.