Stearman & Friends

Flying Classics over the Havelland

When the distinctive Stearman silhouette circles over Bienenfarm Airfield near Friesack on the first July weekend — painted yellow-red, two wings, radial engine — one of Brandenburg's most unusual festivals begins: Stearman & Friends. The weekend is a meeting point for the European US vintage aircraft scene, attracting thousands of aviation enthusiasts annually, who either fly in their own machines or attend as spectators.

Date and Daily Program 2026

In 2026, Stearman & Friends runs from Friday, July 3rd, to Sunday, July 5th, 2026. Daily schedule over the three days:

• Friday — Gates open 12:00 PM, participant arrivals, display blocks 2:00 PM–3:00 PM and 4:30 PM–5:30 PM
• Saturday — Gates open 10:00 AM, flying operations start 11:00 AM, display blocks 12:00 PM–1:30 PM and 3:30 PM–5:00 PM
• Sunday — Gates open 10:00 AM, flying operations 11:00 AM, display blocks 12:00 PM–1:00 PM and 2:30 PM–3:30 PM, staggered departures until evening

Aircraft That Fly

The 2026 display is scheduled to include: Boeing Stearman biplanes (trainers for the US Army Air Corps in the 1930s), T-28 Trojan, T-6/Harvard variants, Bell UH-1 helicopters, Twin Bonanza, an NH90 Marine helicopter, and an Hiller UH12. Additionally, there will be an exhibition of US vintage vehicles on the ground (Cadillacs, Mustangs, Pickups), photographer areas, and a beer garden.

Fly, Jump, Watch

A special offering of the festival: Scenic flights in a Stearman biplane. Those who want to circle over the Havelland in an open cockpit can book for an additional fee — places are highly sought after and sell out weeks in advance. Between display blocks, paratroopers jump onto the airfield; in the evening, the pilot community gathers around a campfire.

Bienenfarm — Brandenburg's Oldest Airfield

Bienenfarm Airfield is located in the Havelland district, about 30 km west of Berlin, near Nauen. Flying took place here as early as the 1920s — today, Bienenfarm is one of Brandenburg's most active sports airfields and a popular hangar for historic aircraft. The festival is the annual highlight of the airfield's calendar.