Air & Space Museum

“Red Baron” Hang Glider

“Red Baron” Hang Glider

Long before powered flight, gliders gave humans their first taste of flight. Gliders advanced in performance and capabilities, but in the early 1960s, an interesting thing happened as a result of… the Space Race! Francis Rogallo had patented a simple, stable, flexible wing, and NASA explored the idea of using it to land spacecraft. The publicity sparked a number of people to develop ultra-lightweight foot-launched hang gliders. The low cost and simplicity were attractive to the free-spirited, anti-establishment counter-culture of the 1970s, and hang gliding became a popular alternative to FAA-regulated flying. This one is typical of the early rigid-wing hang gliders.

Air & Space Museum Air & Space Museum

Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum

Upcoming Events

Saturday Sep 12
9:30AM TO 12:30PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Breakfast Fly-In

Breakfast Fly-In
Saturday, Sep 12, 2026 | 9:30AM to 12:30PM

Check out Corvettes and start your Saturday with tasty food, aircraft, and unique cars at our monthly Breakfast Fly-In!*

Start your engines at this family-friendly event where we feature special activities in addition to our usual events, including:

  • Explore local vintage vehicles courtesy of the Central Colorado Corvette Club
  • Chat with the drivers and hear their stories
  • Take a seat in both cars and airplanes
  • Watch aircraft fly in and out on our tarmac and meet the pilots

See you soon for this family-friendly event!

Buy Tickets

Pilots – Fly in for free breakfast! For tie-down space, contact PublicPrograms@WingsMuseum.org or 303.360.5360 ext. 160.

Food Trucks: Cooper’s Coffee & Wafflerita

*Weather permitting. Aircraft and activities are subject to change. Food is not included with admission.

Saturday Sep 19
10:00AM TO 2:00PM
Air & Space Museum

Cockpit Demo Day

Cockpit Demo Day
Saturday, Sep 19, 2026 | 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Have you ever wanted to get an up-close look inside your favorite aircraft?

At this event, you’ll be able to explore select cockpits and learn about aircraft you never knew existed. Each station has a knowledgeable volunteer who can tell you all about the exhibit, its history, and answer questions. Our options rotate monthly, so every visit is unique!

Featured aircraft in September*:

Pre-Purchase Tickets

Can’t make this one? Join us next month on October 17!

*Featured aircraft are subject to change.

Saturday Sep 19
10:30AM TO 11:30AM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Little Wings: Plane Spotting

Little Wings: Plane Spotting
Saturday, Sep 19, 2026 | 10:30AM to 11:30AM

Watch your child’s curiosity soar at Modern Aviation* and explore the amazing world of aviation! Participants will learn about the different parts of an airplane, how airports work and tarmac safety. Then it’s off to spot real planes in action! Watch them take off, land and fly through the skies at Centennial Airport.

Buy Tickets**

Wings’ Members, remember to sign in to receive 50% off tickets! Capacity is limited to 35, so purchase your tickets today!

*Note: This event takes place at Modern Aviation, 8207 Interport Blvd, Englewood, CO 80112.

**This program is designed for children aged 3-6 years old and their guardians. Siblings are welcome to participate. Adults must accompany children at all times. All attendees must purchase a program ticket. General admission to Exploration of Flight is included with program ticket. A significant portion of this activity takes place outdoors on the tarmac. Weather-appropriate clothing, water, sunscreen and hats are recommended. Some binoculars will be available for use, but feel free to bring your own. 

Photo Credit: Cliff Lawson

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F-22 on the Tarmac at Exploration of Flight