2026 Wings Gala

What did it take for women to break the glass ceiling and help shape the history of spaceflight?

Find out from author Dr. Valerie Neal and astronaut Dr. Megan McArthur as they explore the legacy, challenges and achievements of American women astronauts. Drawing from Neal’s book, On a Mission: The Smithsonian History of U.S. Women Astronauts, and McArthur’s firsthand experiences in space, they will discuss the evolution of roles at NASA, missions to the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station and the generations before who helped redefine what it means to be an astronaut.

At this event, you’ll experience:

• A moderated discussion and presentation with Dr. Valerie Neal and astronaut Dr. Megan McArthur
• Ask your own questions on the topic of women astronauts and careers within NASA
• Get your book signed by author Dr. Valerie Neal

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the comprehensive history of all 61 American female astronauts!

Get Tickets

Earn your Aviation Merit Badge!

Come and learn about aerospace basics, pilot your course or flying adventure without ever leaving the ground, build a glider from a foam plate and experience the Wings Over the Rockies Flight Simulator Room. Our penguin class also includes a tour of the Air & Space Museum!

The cost of this experience is $25. Please bring a sack lunch. Adults can sit in if space is available and should not register for the class, but instead must pay the museum entry fee.

Register Here

Prerequisite: Please download and print the Merit Badge Worksheet and complete step 5 before class.

Please bring your worksheet and a pen to the class. Using resources on the back of the homework, consider three careers in aviation that excite you. Choose the one you are interested in and list the education, training and experience you need for the job!

Join Wings Over the Rockies for an unforgettable evening celebrating America’s premier flight demonstration team, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds!

The 2026 Spreading Wings Gala brings together aviation enthusiasts, community leaders, veterans, and business executives for one of Colorado’s premier events. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening featuring remarkable stories, exclusive experiences, and the highly anticipated unveiling of our fully restored Thunderbird F-16D.

The evening will feature a special conversation with our guest of honor, retired Brigadier General James Latham. A decorated combat pilot, former prisoner of war, and Thunderbird Commander, General Latham’s remarkable career is a testament to courage, leadership, perseverance, and service. His story reflects the values that have defined the Thunderbirds for generations and continue to inspire those who dream of taking flight.

The Thunderbirds represent excellence, precision, teamwork, and service. Their legacy extends far beyond the skies, inspiring future pilots, maintainers, engineers, astronauts, and innovators. Every ticket, sponsorship, and donation helps Wings Over the Rockies create life-changing opportunities that prepare young people to become the next generation of Thunderbirds.

At this event, you’ll experience:

• Cocktail reception and elegant dinner
• Keynote discussion with retired Brigadier General James Latham
• Exclusive unveiling of our F-16D, painted in its original Thunderbirds livery
• View 4 additional historic aircraft models flown by the Thunderbirds
• Hear remarks from Thunderbirds Association Chair, Michael “Mo” Beale
• Interact with Thunderbirds pilots, maintainers, and crews
• Live auctions that include once-in-a-lifetime aviation adventures

Trust us, you don’t want to miss this remarkable evening honoring generations of aerospace excellence!

Buy Tickets

Interested in sponsoring this event? Learn more here!