Compton Air & Space Fair Draws 5,000+ and Takes Flight to New Heights
The Compton Air & Space Fair came roaring back this year—and it was one of the biggest events Compton has ever seen. With more than 5,000 people registered, families, students, and aviation lovers from across Los Angeles packed Compton/Woodley Airport for a full day of inspiration, exploration, and community.
From the moment the gates opened, the energy was nonstop. Kids tugged their parents from booth to booth, students asked sharp questions about STEM careers, and first-time visitors got an up-close look at an airport many had never realized was right in their backyard. The fair wasn’t just about airplanes—it was about access, representation, and helping young people see themselves in aviation, aerospace, and beyond.
Partners Who Helped Make It Possible
This year’s fair was powered by an incredible group of partners and sponsors who share a vision for equity in the skies and in the classroom. Huge thank you to:
Boeing
Alaska Airlines
The Broad Foundation
SERVICON CARES
Joby Aviation
California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)
United Airlines
American Airlines Cadet Academy
Delta Air Lines
Equity Space Alliance
and Many More!
We also extend a heartfelt thank you to our home Compton/Woodley Airport, the City of Compton, and all of our additional partners, vendors, exhibitors, volunteers, and community organizations who showed up and showed out for the city.
New This Year: The Space Zone
One of the biggest highlights of this year’s fair was a brand-new feature: the Space Zone. All day long, kids and families crowded into this area to get hands-on with the future of space and aerospace. Children got to see rockets up close, meet astronauts, pilots, and space professionals, and dive into books and resources that opened their eyes to what’s possible beyond the clouds. With several giveaways, interactive activities, and even opportunities for some attendees to go on helicopter and plane rides, the Space Zone quickly became the place where imagination took flight and sparked real dreams about careers in STEM, aviation, and space exploration.
Bigger Than Ever: Three Zones, One Experience
This year’s Compton Air & Space Fair didn’t just grow in excitement; it nearly tripled in both attendance and size. The event spanned three and a half main areas, turning Compton/Woodley Airport into an all-day aviation and aerospace experience. The Main Stage and Vendor Row served as the heart of the fair, with food, music, community organizations, and amazing vendors connecting families to resources and opportunities. The Space Zone became a true kids’ paradise, filled with rockets, hands-on activities, and chances to meet pilots and space professionals. Inside the Executive Hangar and Fly Compton hangar, attendees could explore pathways into aviation through vendors, continuing education programs, flight training resources, and career information.
Beyond the ramps and hangars, the fair also boasted a car show, giving visitors even more to see and enjoy. Flight simulators were available on-site, letting future aviators get a feel for the cockpit. Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum opened its doors, allowing guests to step into living aviation history. As the day went on, a drone show lit up the sky, and an immersive Space Dome gave attendees an intergalactic tour of space—turning curiosity into awe for kids and adults alike.
Students From Various Districts Schools Showed up
Several schools from across the Los Angeles area brought their students to experience the fair together. For many of those young people, it was their first time talking directly with professional pilots, mechanics, engineers, and aerospace leaders who look like them and come from communities like theirs.
Students walked the ramp, explored booths, learned about training programs and scholarships, and asked real questions about what it takes to become a pilot, engineer, flight attendant, mechanic, designer, or technologist. You could see it on their faces—something clicked.
A Day That Was Just Plain Fun
At its core, the Compton Air & Space Fair was fun. Music, food, amazing vendors, giveaways, hands-on activities, and nonstop conversations made the airport feel like a block party with airplanes. Families stayed for hours. Kids didn’t want to leave. Community members reconnected with old friends and made new ones.
The fair reminded all of us what’s possible when industry partners, schools, nonprofits, and a city come together with one goal: to open doors for the next generation.
Looking Ahead
This year’s Compton Air & Space Fair set a new bar—and we’re just getting started. With the continued support of our partners and community, we’re committed to expanding access to aviation and aerospace education, creating pathways into high-paying careers, and making sure Compton continues to be a launchpad for future pilots, engineers, innovators, and leaders.
To everyone who registered, volunteered, partnered, sponsored, or simply showed up: thank you. You helped make this one of the biggest and most impactful events of the year.
See you at the next Compton Air & Space Fair—wheels up. ✈️
