Berlin-Gatow Airfield Festival / Reservist Day
Historic aircraft, hangar model building, and Bundeswehr field kitchen on the former RAF airfield in Berlin-Spandau
About Flugplatzfest Gatow
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From RAF Base to Museum Site
The Berlin-Gatow airfield in the Spandau district has a eventful history. Built in 1934/35 as a Luftwaffe air war school, Gatow was an RAF base for the British Western Allies from 1945 to 1994 – one of Berlin's three civilian and military airports (alongside Tempelhof and Tegel). In 1995, the Bundeswehr took over the area, and since 1998, it has housed the Bundeswehr Military History Museum, Gatow branch.
Collection with 155 Aircraft
The museum houses one of Europe's largest aviation collections: 155 aircraft and helicopters, plus over 200,000 objects from German and European aerospace history. Hangar 3 displays aircraft from East and West (from the American F-4 Phantom to the Soviet MiG-21), while the outdoor areas feature large transport aircraft. The control tower building of the former RAF base has been preserved and is part of the exhibition.
The Airfield Festival – An Open Meadow Once a Year
On one weekend in September, the museum invites you to its large Airfield Festival. Over 80 exhibitors present vehicles, uniforms, military history collections, model building, and reservist associations. In Hangar 5, a large IPMS model building exhibition (International Plastic Modellers Society) takes place. The main stage features a program with Bundeswehr music corps, speeches, and demonstrations.
Flight Demonstrations and Family Program
In good weather, historic aircraft take off and land on the former runway – planes like the DC-3, some private pilot classics, or police and Bundeswehr helicopters. For children, there are bouncy castles, kite crafting, and face painting. The Bundeswehr field kitchen serves pea soup and Bockwurst.
Spandau and Gatow
Gatow belongs to the Spandau district, in the far west of Berlin, near the Havel River. Getting there is a bit involved (no direct S-Bahn or U-Bahn connection), but it is more than compensated for by the unique location and the museum grounds. With free admission, the festival attracts between 15,000 and 30,000 visitors over a weekend.
Flugplatzfest Gatow — edition 2026
The 2026 Airfield Festival, like every year, combines the large Bundeswehr reservist gathering with an open day at the museum. Over 80 exhibitors are spread across the outdoor area and hangars. Highlights include: military vehicles, uniforms from various eras, aviation history collectibles, and reservist associations.
In Hangar 5, the IPMS model building exhibition (International Plastic Modellers Society Germany) opens as usual – one of Germany's largest model shows. Hundreds of models of aircraft, ships, and vehicles are presented; model builders offer tips and workshops.
Programme Flugplatzfest Gatow 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- 10:00 am – Festival opens, exhibitors' stands open
- Morning – Welcome speeches by Bundeswehr / Reservist Association
- Midday – First flight demonstrations (weather permitting), field kitchen opens
- Afternoon – Main flight demonstrations with historic aircraft
- Hangar 5: IPMS model building exhibition ongoing
- Permanent special exhibition 'Stopover' open
- 6:00 pm – End of day
Sunday, September 6, 2026 – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Morning – Exhibitor activities continue, ecumenical church service
- Midday – Flight demonstrations, stage program
- Afternoon – Family program, bouncy castles, children's painting, kite crafting
- Hangar 5: IPMS model building exhibition continues
- Bundeswehr Music Corps or Brass Band in the late afternoon
- 6:00 pm – Festival closes
The exact exhibitor list and flight demonstration schedule will be published in August 2026 at mhm-gatow.de.
Highlights Flugplatzfest Gatow 2026
- 80+ exhibitors with vehicles, uniforms, and collections
- Flight demonstrations with historic aircraft (weather permitting)
- IPMS model building exhibition in Hangar 5
- Bundeswehr field kitchen serving pea soup and Bockwurst
- Reservist Day of the Bundeswehr
- Free admission, free parking
Prices Flugplatzfest Gatow 2026
Practical information — Flugplatzfest Gatow
Getting There
S-Bahn lines S3/S9 to Spandau, then bus 135 to Kurpromenade, followed by a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, special trips / shuttle (often offered by the museum, details on the festival website). By car: ample free parking directly on the airfield grounds.
Opening Hours
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–6 pm each day. Flight demonstrations are weather-dependent, usually in the afternoon.
Admission
Free. Food and drinks available from the field kitchen and snack stands on site.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Flugplatzfest Gatow
Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr – Flugplatz Berlin-Gatow
Am Flugplatz Gatow 33, 14089 Berlin