Vermont National Guard hosts an Open House on Sept. 7
September 1, 2025 | By Lt. Col. Meghan Smith
The Vermont National Guard will host an open house at the Vermont Air National Guard Base in South Burlington on Sunday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This free, rain-or-shine event will feature military and civilian aircraft and vehicles, flight and driving simulators, various demonstrations, live music, food trucks, job and education fairs, and interactive exhibits from both the Army and Air National Guard.
More than 6,000 visitors attended the Vermont Air and Army National Guard open house on Sept. 11, 2022. Military aviation, equipment, vehicles, munitions and flight simulators were on display, along with a career fair, musical performances and police dog demonstrations. It was held at the Vermont Air National Guard Base in South Burlington on the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. Vermont Air National Guard F-16s flew patrols over New York City in the immediate aftermath. Photos by Master Sgt. Ryan Campbell
Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, the Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, said events that invite the public to the National Guard base help strengthen relationships and connections between the Guard and the Vermont community. “We live and serve right here in Vermont. Opening our gates gives us the opportunity to connect with our neighbors, answer questions, and share the important work our soldiers and airmen do every day, both at home and around the world,” Knight said.
New this year is a STEM Exploration Zone featuring hands-on displays, robotics, virtual reality, and flight simulators for all ages. There also will be an expanded Family Zone with bounce houses, an inflatable obstacle course, games, nursing and changing stations, and covered eating and rest areas.
“We were honored to welcome more than 6,000 guests to our last Open House in 2022, and we're expecting a larger turnout this year,” said Col. Michael Blair, 158th Fighter Wing Commander. “This year we’ve expanded our parking, partnered with local law enforcement for improved traffic flow, and added even more exhibits to make this event bigger and better for families.”
Attendees can expect an F-35 flyby, working dog demonstration, military band performances, the Norwich Silent Drill Team, a “jaws of life” demonstration, and guided access to aircraft and vehicles with opportunities to meet the pilots, mechanics, medics, engineers, and other professionals who serve in the Vermont National Guard.
Blair said the event is more than just an open house – it’s a celebration of service and a way for the Guard to thank the community. “We’re proud of what we do, and this is our chance to share that pride with Vermonters,” Blair said.
The Hannaford Fife and Drum Corps plays at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony during the Sept. 2022 Vermont National Guard open house. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jana Somero
Details
The open house is Sunday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, 80 Falcon St., South Burlington (adjacent to Burlington International Airport). Parking and admission are free.
This event will take place rain or shine – organizers are allowing for covered seating, rest areas, and family accommodations. Some demonstrations are weather-dependent. Food truck fare will be available for purchase along with some military-themed merchandise.
See the event website airguardopenhouse.com for more details, such as a list of prohibited items (weapons, smoking products, coolers, pets, drones, child wagons, etc.) and allowed items (strollers, service animals, cameras, etc.). The Vermont Air National Guard Facebook page also has event information posted.
Lt. Col. Meghan Smith is with the 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard.