Enjoy a Staycation at the Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia

The National Air and Space Museum will offer free summer events, including family days and a concert series at its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Visitors can participate in educational activities at family days or enjoy free musical performances through August.

On Sunday, June 20, “Innovations in Flight Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display,” formerly “Become a Pilot Day,” will offer visitors a chance to explore the engineering and design innovations that have taken place during the past century of flight. Families can talk with pilots of approximately 50 vintage and modern aircraft on display and participate in hands-on STEM-based activities that demonstrate the science behind flight.

“We Share STEM: Connecting Across Cultures” celebrates global feats in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. On Saturday, Aug. 1, visitors can meet scientists and engineers who are active in fields such as robotics, aerospace design and aviation, and develop their own skills through educational activities. They can also join in the commemoration of one of the last CH-46 Sea Knights at noon as it makes its final flight to the Udvar-Hazy Center. This retirement ceremony will honor the CH-46, a helicopter that has served America’s military for more than 50 years.

Family days at the Udvar-Hazy Center take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All programs are free to the public, but parking is $15. To learn more about family days at the museum, visit the museum’s website.

The summer concert series at the Udvar-Hazy Center will take place on select Sundays, June through August, from 5 to 6 p.m. and will feature U.S. military bands and local ensembles. Guests may watch performances inside the museum at the north end of the Boeing Aviation Hangar.

Summer Concert Series Schedule

Sunday, June 28:       U.S. Air Force Band, Max Impact

Sunday, July 26:        Loudoun County Jazz Ensemble

Sunday, Aug. 30:       Army Field Band’s Six String Soldiers

            Tickets are not required, and parking is free after 4 p.m. More information about all concerts at the National Air and Space Museum is available here.

The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Va., near Washington Dulles International Airport. The museum building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is located at Sixth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. Both facilities are open daily from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free, but there is a $15 fee for parking before 4 p.m. at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

Note: Summer hours for both buildings are in effect from May 23 to Sept. 1, unless otherwise noted: The Udvar-Hazy Center’s summer hours are 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., and the National Mall building’s hours are 10 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Check the museum’s website for the most up-to-date times.

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