2026 Event Schedule

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                    2026 Theme "World Friendship Through Flight"

Friday, September 11:

• 2-4:30 p.m. Registration check-in at the Cultural Center, 111North 8th Street Atchison, KS 66002. The Cultural Center will be open throughout the day featuring "The Story of the International Forest of Friendship." Admission is free.

• 6:30 p.m. Registration check-in at the Cocktail Party.

• 6:30 p.m. - Friday Evening Cocktail Party at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, 16701 286th Road, Atchison KS 66002.  

• Free Admission to the Amelia Earhart Hanger Museum throughout the Cocktail Party. Muriel, the last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E, is the centerpiece to the museum. This is the same model airplane Amelia flew on her final, fateful flight around the world. They have a wonderful gift shop in the lobby for souvenirs. https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/

Saturday, September 12: 

• 10:00 a.m. - Parade of Flags / Induction Ceremony at the Forest
• Complimentary Picnic with the Pilots following the ceremony
• Planting of the 2026 Liberty Tree
• Visits from the Kansas Cosmosphere and Kansas Forest Service
• A special appearance by Smokey Bear
• A Paper Airplane Contest
• Engaging activities for all ages
• Happy Hour starting at 6 p.m. Atchison Event Center
• Gala featuring a keynote speaker, special presentations, honoree recognitions, and unforgettable moments. Gala will be at Atchison Event Center, Atchison, KS 66002.

The weekend events are still being planned please check back for updates to the schedule.

September 11 & 12, 2026

• 50th Anniversary will honor "World Friendship Through Flight"(International Year)

2027

• "Flying, Forest, and the Future"