First World Flight Centennial Celebration
Thursday - Sunday
September 26 - September 29
During the honorary event, The Museum of Flight and Magnuson Park will play host to family-friendly activities including aircraft tours, a pilot panel, performances from the Soussa Band, screenings of Legends In The Sky, and a vintage air show from our pilots.
Join Seattle’s 100 Year Celebration!
top dignitaries, aviation buffs, and Seattle-ites!
September 26, 27, 28, & 29
Event Schedule
In 1924 after landing in Seattle the pilots were toasted at the Rainier Club. Come be a part of the historic event, featuring speakers and crafted cocktails uniquely for this occasion by Heritage Distilling.
The Toast to the Courageous Pilots
In 1924 the 8 pilots, the Neil Armstrongs of their day, were first celebrated at The Rainier Club. Become a part of the modern celebration.
- Enjoy the historic social club
- Toast to the pilots with uniquely crafted cocktails for the event by Heritage Distilling
- Meet and greet pilots and speakers
Craft your perfect day! Savor a picnic from home or treat yourself to delights from the museum café. Immerse yourself in vintage footage of the First World Flight unfolding before your eyes. View an awesome display of vintage aircraft including a replica of the original Douglas World Cruiser. Get up close and personal with today's adventure pilots. Restrooms available in the museum lobby for your convenience.
FIFI Air Ride
The B-29 Superfortress is credited for playing the crucial role in ending World War II. FIFi is available for rides and open for cockpit tours.
East Parking Lot — The parking lot is open to the public before the the Museum opens at 10:00 AM
Tickets required / SOLD OUT
FIFI Air Ride
The B-29 Superfortress is credited for playing the crucial role in ending World War II. FIFi is available for rides and open for cockpit tours.
East Parking Lot
Tickets required / SOLD OUT
5 pm
Gather Around The Pilots
Gather around today’s adventure pilots that have come from all over the globe to honor this moment in history. Mix & mingle with pilots throughout the day.
- Adrian Eichhorn / Bonanza 35V-Tall
- Bill Harrelson / Lancair IV (Homebuilt/Modified)
- CarolAnn Garratt / Mooney M201
- Ed Galkin / Cessna 210
- CenturionHarry R. Anderson / Lancair Columbia 300
- John Koehler / RV94 (Homebuilt)
- Linda Walker & Patrick Elliot / Long-EZ (Homebuilt)
East Parking Lot — Open to the public.
For more information see Featured Events.
5 pm
Awesome Display Of Vintage Aircraft
Ogel the aircraft while listening to exciting tales you will never forget.
- Boeing Stearman
- Bell Jetranger 206B
- Piper Apache
- Cessna 180
- Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
- Bellanca CH-400 Skyrocket
East Parking Lot — Open to the public.
For more information see Featured Events.
Docent Tours
Tour focus on artifacts that highlight record-breaking, around-the-world and award-winning flights.
Included with Membership & Museum admission.
5 pm
Walk Around FIFI
This iconic bomber, one of only two flying B-29s left in the world is magnificent to see. Walk around. With a 141 foot wing span, this baby is huge!
Quonset Hut Storytelling
"The Oscars of Aviation: The Collier Trophy”
In the Personal Courage Wing. Included with Membership & Museum admission.
Docent Tours
Tour focus on artifacts that highlight record-breaking, around-the-world and award-winning flights.
Included with Membership & Museum admission.
Happy Hour
Being a part of this celebration allows the Columbia Tower Club to honor the city’s rich aviation legacy and support an inspiring local story that resonates with Seattle’s spirit of innovation and exploration. We are honored to contribute to such a historic event and to help share the incredible achievement of these pioneering pilots with our community.
So join us for happy hour with specialty cocktails inspired by the pilots to raise a glass and toast to one of our biggest local accomplishments!
Craft your perfect day! Savor a picnic from home or treat yourself to delights from the museum café. Immerse yourself in vintage footage of the First World Flight unfolding before your eyes. View an awesome display of vintage aircraft including a replica of the original Douglas World Cruiser. Get up close and personal with todays adventure pilots. Restrooms available in the museum lobby for your convenience.
FIFI Air Ride
The B-29 Superfortress is credited for playing the crucial role in ending World War II. FIFi is available for rides and open for cockpit tours.
East Parking Lot — The parking lot is open to the public before the the Museum opens at 10:00 AM
Tickets required / SOLD OUT
FIFI Air Ride
The B-29 Superfortress is credited for playing the crucial role in ending World War II. FIFi is available for rides and open for cockpit tours.
East Parking Lot
Tickets required / SOLD OUT
5 pm
Gather Around The Pilots
Gather around today’s adventure pilots that have come from all over the globe to honor this moment in history. Mix & mingle with pilots throughout the day.
- Adrian Eichhorn / Bonanza 35V-Tall
- Bill Harrelson / Lancair IV (Homebuilt/Modified)
- CarolAnn Garratt / Mooney M201
- Ed Galkin / Cessna 210
- CenturionHarry R. Anderson / Lancair Columbia 300
- John Koehler / RV94 (Homebuilt)
- Linda Walker & Patrick Elliot / Long-EZ (Homebuilt)
East Parking Lot — Open to the public.
For more information see Featured Events.
5 pm
Awesome Display Of Vintage Aircraft
Ogel the aircraft while listening to exciting tales you will never forget.
- Boeing Stearman
- Bell Jetranger 206B
- Piper Apache
- Cessna 180
- Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
- Bellanca CH-400 Skyrocket
East Parking Lot — Open to the public.
For more information see Featured Events.
Docent Tours
Tour focus on artifacts that highlight record-breaking, around-the-world and award-winning flights.
Included with Membership & Museum admission.
5 pm
Walk Around FIFI
This iconic bomber, one of only two flying B-29s left in the world is magnificent to see. Walk around. With a 141 foot wing span, this baby is huge!
Docent Tours
Tour focus on artifacts that highlight record-breaking, around-the-world and award-winning flights.
Included with Membership & Museum admission.
"History of the World Cruiser"
Talk with Bob Dempster
William M. Allen Theater. Included with Membership & Museum admission.
10 pm
First World Flight Dinner
Join the merriment and music, as we celebrate Aviation Hero Erik Nelson, the Swedish-born American Pilot, first to fly around the world. Nelson's grand-niece Dr. Lisa Whealy, Ph.D. Candidate, and grand nephew will tell never-before-heard family stories. They are the last living link to this integral part of history. Feast on mouthwatering Swedish 3-course dinner of Nelson’s favorite treats. The Honorary Consul of Sweden, Petra Hilleberg, will offer a toast, so raise a glass of complimentary champagne to toast in our hero’s honor. Tonight, we will have the pleasure of enjoying The Top of The Hill Barber Shop Quartet and the Savoy Swing Club Dancers perform The Charleston. Prepare to hop out of your seat, tap your feet and swing to the live band, all with the backdrop of the mesmerizing Seattle sunset. Dress code: Vintage Aviator, Roaring 20s, or whatever. Plenty of free parking.
Tickets required / PURCHASE
1 pm
NOAA Art & Trail Walk
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Western Regional Center. (WRC Campus). Lovely natural trails along Lake Washington Shore. Natural Habitat. Art works include:
- "Knoll of NOAA"
- "Viewpoint Terrace"
- "Berth Haven"
- "A Sound Garden"
- "NOAA Bridge"
The Sound Garden
Specifically sited to take advantage of the natural wind tunnel at Sand Point between Piers 15 & 17, was built by artist Douglas Hollis. This 27-foot-tall harp, with seven stretched strings, is strummed by the wind. It really sings between 2-3 o’clock when the wind picks up. Created by Friends of Magnuson Park.
Stand On History
‘Find the First AirStrip’ where the 4 Douglas World Cruisers took off on April 6, 1924. And, where 2 planes landed 175 days later, on September 28, 1924, created by a cheering crowd of 50,000.
Sedentary Sousa Band
Take a fun loving romp through the greatest hits of band music played by the tradition-defying Sedentary Sousa Band! Most bands march; Sedentary Sousa refuses: They sit! Though firmly planted, they bring the vibrant sounds of John Philip Sousa to life. Experience the parade of spirted marches performed by musicians who won’t take a step, creating a memorable and unconventional musical spectacle.
Model A Vintage Auto Show
Look at the amazing vintage vehicles. Sit in a Model A, the car of the era.
Douglas World Cruiser
Model of the four airplanes that left Sand Point Field to fly around the world. The planes were named after US Cities: Seattle, Boston, Chicago & New Orleans. Only 2 returned. Walk around. Look! See the Details.
And so much more
RC Demos, Exhibits, Fabulous Food Trucks. Fun! The list grows daily!
4 pm
Opening Ceremony
First World Flight Panel
- Knute Berger, Mossback, PBS
- Mike Lombardi, Boeing Historian
- Frank Goddel, FWF Co-Chair
- Shinji Maeda, Adventure Pilot
“Salute to Pilots that Changed The World”
Airshow / Fly-By Tribute to the First World Flight Pilots and mechanics who forever changed the course of history and aviation. Witness these historic planes soar at 500 feet, demonstrating their agility and power. From Piper Super Cruiser to a Piper Apache to a 1942 Stearman, each aircraft represent and important piece of aviation history. The aircraft & current adventure pilots have come from all over the globe to honor this moment in history.
Navy Band Northwest
No event honoring the Pioneers of Flight would be complete without the spectacular 35-piece Navy Band Northwest. Your ears will perk and your heart will soar as the stirring sound of brass and percussion play big band and patriotic anthems. Not to be missed! (By the way, the musicians look spectacular in dress Navy uniform).
Craft your perfect day! Savor a picnic from home or treat yourself to delights from the museum café. Immerse yourself in vintage footage of the First World Flight unfolding before your eyes. View an awesome display of vintage aircraft including a replica of the original Douglas World Cruiser. Watch aircraft and pilots as they prepare, take off, and return/land from the “Salute the Pilots that Changed The World” airshow/fly-by tribute to the first pilots 100 years ago.
FIFI Air Ride
The B-29 Superfortress is credited for playing the crucial role in ending World War II. FIFi is available for rides and open for cockpit tours.
Tickets required / SOLD OUT
FIFI Air Ride
The B-29 Superfortress is credited for playing the crucial role in ending World War II. FIFi is available for rides and open for cockpit tours.
Tickets required / SOLD OUT
Docent Tours
Tour focus on artifacts that highlight record-breaking, around-the-world and award-winning flights.
Included with Membership & Museum admission.
4 pm
Adventure aircraft and vintage aircraft takeoffs
Aircrafts will takeoff to fly over the Centennial event at Magnuson Park, and will then return to The Museum of Flight.
"History of the World Cruiser"
Talk with Bob Dempster
William M. Allen Theater. Included with Membership & Museum admission.
Craft your perfect day! Savor a picnic from home or treat yourself to delights from the museum café. Immerse yourself in vintage footage of the First World Flight unfolding before your eyes. View an awesome display of vintage aircraft including a replica of the original Douglas World Cruiser. Get up close and personal with todays adventure pilots. Restrooms available in the museum lobby for your convenience.
FIFI Air Ride
The B-29 Superfortress is credited for playing the crucial role in ending World War II. FIFi is available for rides and open for cockpit tours.
Tickets required / SOLD OUT
FIFI Air Ride
The B-29 Superfortress is credited for playing the crucial role in ending World War II. FIFi is available for rides and open for cockpit tours.
Tickets required / SOLD OUT
2 pm
Gather Around The Pilots
Gather around today’s adventure pilots that have come from all over the globe to honor this moment in history. Mix & mingle with pilots throughout the day.
- Adrian Eichhorn / Bonanza 35V-Tall
- Bill Harrelson / Lancair IV (Homebuilt/Modified)
- CarolAnn Garratt / Mooney M201
- Ed Galkin / Cessna 210
- CenturionHarry R. Anderson / Lancair Columbia 300
- John Koehler / RV94 (Homebuilt)
- Linda Walker & Patrick Elliot / Long-EZ (Homebuilt)
East Parking Lot — Open to the public.
For more information see Featured Events.
2 pm
Awesome Display Of Vintage Aircraft
Ogel the aircraft while listening to exciting tales you will never forget.
- Boeing Stearman
- Bell Jetranger 206B
- Piper Apache
- Cessna 180
- Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
- Bellanca CH-400 Skyrocket
East Parking Lot — Open to the public.
For more information see Featured Events.
Docent Tours
Tour focus on artifacts that highlight record-breaking, around-the-world and award-winning flights.
Included with Membership & Museum admission.
5 pm
Walk Around FIFI
This iconic bomber, one of only two flying B-29s left in the world is magnificent to see. Walk around. With a 141 foot wing span, this baby is huge!
Quonset Hut Storytelling
“Around the World in 175 Days"
In the Personal Courage Wing. Included with Membership & Museum admission.
Docent Tours
Tour focus on artifacts that highlight record-breaking, around-the-world and award-winning flights.
Included with Membership & Museum admission.
Premium Experiences
Upgrade Your Experience with add-on for-a-fee experiences.Continue to check in, as experiences are being added.
Museum of Flight
The Exhibit of the First World Centennial is outdoors and free. Museum indoor activities, including docent tours & presentations require museum ticket.
The Swedish Club Dinner
Join the merriment and music, as we celebrate Aviation Hero Erik Nelson, the Swedish-born American Pilot, first to fly around the world. Nelson's grand-niece Dr. Lisa Whealy, Ph.D. Candidate, and grand nephew will tell never-before-heard family stories. They are the last living link to this integral part of history. Feast on mouthwatering Swedish 3-course dinner of Nelson’s favorite treats. The Honorary Consul of Sweden, Petra Hilleberg, will offer a toast, so raise a glass of complimentary champagne to toast in our hero’s honor. Tonight, we will have the pleasure of enjoying The Top of The Hill Barber Shop Quartet and the Savoy Swing Club Dancers perform The Charleston. Prepare to hop out of your seat, tap your feet and swing to the live band, all with the backdrop of the mesmerizing Seattle sunset. Dress code: Vintage Aviator, Roaring 20s, or whatever. Plenty of free parking.
Tickets required / PURCHASE
FIFI
The B-29 Superfortress is credited for playing the crucial role in ending World War II. This iconic bomber, one of only two flying B-29s left in the world, is available for rides and open for cockpit tours. Step inside and let your imagine run wild. Imagine yourself piloting this massive aircraft during wartime missions.
Book a ticket SOLD OUT
The Columbia Tower Club
The Columbia Tower Club is thrilled to be a partner in the upcoming First World Flight event on September 28th. This exciting event celebrates a remarkable piece of Seattle's history: the legendary tale of four brave pilots who, in 1924, set off from SandPoint in Seattle to become the first to circumnavigate the globe by air. Being a part of this celebration allows the Columbia Tower Club to honor the city’s rich aviation legacy and support an inspiring local story that resonates with Seattle’s spirit of innovation and exploration. We are honored to contribute to such a historic event and to help share the incredible achievement of these pioneering pilots with our community. So join us on Thursday, September 26th, from 4pm-6pm for happy hour with specialty cocktails inspired by the pilots to raise a glass and toast to one of our biggest local accomplishments!
Open to All | Register here.
The Rainier Club Toasting
In 1924 the 8 pilots, the Neil Armstrongs of their day, were first celebrated at The Rainier Club. Become a part of the modern celebration on Tuesday, September 24th:
- Enjoy the historic social club
- Toast to the pilots with uniquely crafted cocktails for the event by Heritage Distilling
- Meet and greet pilots and speakers
Register for the event
Heritage Distilling Cocktails
Heritage Distilleries has created four unique signature cocktails named after the planes, all Douglas World Cruisers.
- The Circumnavigation - Seattle
- The Circumnavigation - Boston
- The Circumnavigation - Chicago
- The Circumnavigation - New Orleans
Enjoy these cocktails at the Columbia Club Tower, and The Rainier Club.
Heritage Distilleries is one of the largest craft distilleries on the West Coast, is the largest independently owned craft distillery in Washington, a majority women-owned enterprise, and the most awarded craft distillery in North America.
Seattle Yacht Club
In 1924, when 50,000 people lined the streets of Seatle, welcoming the Hero Pilots home, the Seattle Yacht Club sailors whisked the pilots onto boast and sailed around the city to deliver the pilots to their celebratory dinner at The Rainier Club. In 2024, Seattle Yacht Club will recruit 11 boats to protect the waterway near Sand Point so that the Fly-By planes can fly at 500 feet. Volunteer your boat and you will also have the best views!
VOLUNTEER SLOTS FILLED / SOLD OUT
Yes! I want to go!
For more information about the event, contact
