Selfridge Air National Guard Base Show

Show Start Time

The Selfridge ANGB Show happens in June every year and it’s just warm enough to be comfortable but you may want to bring a pullover light sweater just in case. The show usually starts at 10 am and the car line to park can take 20-30 minutes or longer so be sure to use the bathroom before you take off from the house. 

What to Bring to the Show

If you’re packing to make it a half day trip I would definitely include the following:

• Spf 50 sunscreen (spray on and cream for the face)
• A water bottle with some electrolytes
• Snacks: Cut up apples, carrots, grapes, and even some small ritz crackers with peanut butter.
• Maybe a foldable chair or two
• Ear protection especially for your little ones.

What You can't Bring into the Show

This list is copied and pasted directly from their site. 

• The following hand carried items are prohibited:

  The following list is subject to change prior to the Open House & Air Show event.

  • Backpacks – Clear or mesh authorized
  • Duffle bags – Clear or mesh authorized
  • Large camera bags
  • Camelbacks
  • Coolers
  • Drones or any type of propelled item capable of being airborne
  • Balloons
  • Illegal Drugs and alcoholic beverages
  • Marijuana – possession and use of Marijuana is illegal on Selfridge Air National Guard Base or any federal installation.  This includes both recreational and medicinal.
  • Weapons of any type to include; any firearm/weapon capable of launching a projectile (including signal guns and sling shots), no concealed carry, all knives with a blade over 3” long, switch and spring bladed, stiletto, trench, machetes, straight razors, throwing stars, nunchakus, sand and blackjack club weapons, batons, and metal knuckles, military uniforms worn by non-military members.
  • Toys that resemble firearms
  • Gang or motorcycle club affiliated colors or clothing/items
  • Flammable liquids, explosive materials, or fireworks of any kind
  • Smoking materials and Vaping devices (smoking and vaping is prohibited in the show area)
  • Laser pointers
  • Animals or pets, other than service animals
  • Bicycles, scooters, skates, skateboards, wheeled shoes, Segway style human transporters, or go-carts
  • Canopies, tents, or umbrellas
  • Walkie-talkies, HAM radios, scanners
  • Glass containers or bottles
  • RVs

  All prohibited items found upon inspection at the entry control points will warrant entry to be denied. Instructions will be provided to secure the prohibited items in the individual’s personally owned vehicle, unless prohibited items warrant law enforcement response. Individuals will be inspected again, upon attempt to enter the air show at the entry control point.

Parking

You will have to park in a grassy area which may be muddy so you may want to avoid wearing your best shoes. Don’t worry though if you get stuck we saw people who immediately started helping others. Plus there are base personnel who are very quick to respond on ATVs. If you park far from the gait there are buses with happy bus drivers that you can take to the main entrance. 

Inside the Show Area

There is a large hanger that spans multiple planes that can provide you with some shade as well. Plus there is an awesome roped off area where the planes taxi in and you can get some great shots like the one on the cover of this story. There are plenty of places to get food as well and you can get iron on patches and stickers but be sure and bring some cash for those. There are very cool bouncy houses with moderate sized waiting lines. We did avoid those because we knew that come lunch time our Little Guy would be hungry and tired. There are all kinds of helicopters, small trick planes, jets, and large cargo / bomber planes to tour. The blue angels, if they are there, usually start around 3 pm. We only stayed from 10:30 to 12:00 pm. That was plenty of time to see everything and even get to sit in one of the trick planes. Porta-Potty's are everywhere and the wait is usually less than 2 minutes and sometimes not at all. All of the base personnel and flight crews were very helpful. Our son definitely had the advantage as many of them took him on a short tour.

Leaving the Show

We got tired and hungry and decided to head out. Leaving only took us about 20 minutes. We were able to walk to the shuttle bus pick up area and they took us back to our original pick up location. They will also take you directly to your parking row if needed. There was minimal traffic on the way out. We ended up going to La Saj which is an awesome Lebanese food place and allows me to stick to the mediterranean diet. Highly recommend the ice tea with lemon and a fattoush salad, dressing on the side, with chicken breast. Overall it was a perfect morning.