2017 Dover AFB Open House: Thunder Over Dover

Thunder Over Dover: 2017 Dover AFB Open House

Event Date: Multiple dates, check below

Updated 8/18/2017 to include additional parking information.

The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will return to the Dover skies August 26-27, 2017, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. for the Thunder Over Dover: 2017 Dover AFB Open House. This event is open to the public with free admission!

Help celebrate our heritage at this open house as Dover AFB will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary, the U.S. Air Force’s 70th Anniversary, and the City of Dover’s 300th Anniversary!

Please visit the official Dover AFB Open House page for the latest information. Demonstrations and acts are subject to change.

View frequently asked questions.

Event Schedule

  • August 26-27
  • Click Here for Full Schedule
    • 9 a.m. — Gates Open
    • 10 a.m. — Opening Ceremony
    • 11 a.m. — Aerial Demos
    • 5 p.m. — End of show
  • Schedule is subject to change

Aerial Demonstrations

Static Displays

Parking

RV and Bus Parking

  • Parking an RV or a bus at the AMC Museum during the Open House is severely limited to the first five vehicles. Unfortunately, this is a first-come, first-served situation and once filled no further RV or bus parking will be available. Parking for RVs or buses will not be available outside of the AMC Museum for the Open House. If you are parked at the AMC Museum, your vehicle must be moved no later than 5 p.m. each day. There will be no overnight parking available. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Car Parking

  • Car parking will be available at the AMC Museum; however, spaces are limited. There will be no overnight parking available.
  • Visitors arriving to the Open House from the south will be parking at Bergold’s Farm. Please follow the signs on Route 9. Once parked, visitors will be shuttled to either the AMC Museum or Dover AFB’s main ramp where the Open House will be held.
  • Visitors arriving to the Open House from the north will be parking at the DAFB ramp. You may enter the base through the north gate entrance and will be directed to the ramp to park your car. You will need to pass through a security checkpoint to gain access to the Open House.

General Access to DAFB Open House

  • Base access from the AMC Museum and Bergold Farm include a security checkpoint and a shuttle bus to move you from your location. These shuttle buses will be running all day for your convenience.
  • If you’ve parked your car at the DAFB flight line, you may take a shuttle bus to the AMC Museum.

> Parking Map

> Parking on DAFB Ramp

> Static Display Layout Map

What to Bring

  • Hearing protection
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Water bottle/canteen (free water available)
  • Binoculars
  • Handheld camera or camcorder
  • Camera bags no larger than 12″x12″
  • Strollers
  • Folding chairs or stools

Prohibited Items

All visitors are subject to search by Security Forces at any time on the installation and will NOT be allowed to pass through security with any of the following items:

  • Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, pocket tools, scissors, box cutters, billy clubs, large-heavy chain-link, jewelry or belts, mace and pepper spray
  • Firearms of any type
  • Toys that resemble firearms
  • Fireworks
  • Spray paint and silly string
  • Glass containers of any kind
  • Alcohol
  • Illegal drugs
  • Bicycles
  • Skateboards, heelies, roller skates or roller blades
  • Coolers
  • Large umbrellas/portable tents
  • Backpacks, ruck sacks
  • Pets (Service animals allowed)

Additional Information

Please understand that this is a Dover Air Force Base event and that the AMC Museum cannot answer questions you may have regarding the Open House. If you do have a question, you may contact Dawne Nickerson-Banez, Community Relations at the Base Public Affair office, at 677-6575.

Check out the base’s Thunder Over Dover page for any additional information regarding the Open House.

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The museum’s August 19th Open Cockpit Day event will be rolled into the open house on the 26th and 27th.

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Upcoming Events

Seasonal Event

Open Cockpit Day
March-November—Every third Saturday

On every third Saturday of the month, between March and November, the museum opens up some of its more impressive planes for guided tours. These aircraft will be opened to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. if weather permits and tour guides are available.

Past Events