Through the program’s Earn Your Wings Reading Challenge, local children can complete an aviation-themed reading challenge to earn free admission to the 2026 Florida International Air Show, taking place Nov. 7 and 8 at Punta Gorda Airport.
PROVIDED BY THE FIRM
PUNTA GORDA — Kids looking to score some free tickets to this year’s Florida International Air Show can do so by doing some aviation reading and completing a challenge at a Charlotte County library.
The Air Show, in partnership with Charlotte County Community Services and the Charlotte Community Foundation, is launching Jet-Set & Read, according to a news release.
The new community reading initiative is designed to inspire young readers through the excitement of aviation.
Within the program’s “Earn Your Wings Reading Challenge,” school-aged children can explore aviation-related books and complete a reading challenge to earn free admission to the 2026 Florida International Air Show, which takes place Nov. 7 and 8 at Punta Gorda Airport.
Families are invited to attend one of three free Jet-Set & Read kickoff events at:
Punta Gorda Charlotte LibraryWHEN: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5WHERE: 401 Shreve Street, Punta GordaMid-County Regional LibraryWHEN: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12WHERE: 2050 Forrest Nelson Boulevard, Port CharlotteEnglewood Charlotte LibraryWHEN: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26WHERE: 3450 North Access Road, Englewood
Each event will feature family-friendly activities that encourage children to discover the wonders of flight, learn more about aviation and meet real-life pilots, the announcement stated.
Participants will also receive information about the reading challenge and how they can earn their wings.
Deelynn Bennett, the air show’s Education & STEM Programming director who is helping the initiative come to fruition, stated in a news release that she is excited to inspire kids’ curiosity in learning.
“Jet-Set & Read combines two things that can open an entire world of possibilities for children: reading and aviation,” Bennett stated.
The initiative is part of the Florida International Air Show’s ongoing commitment to aviation education and creating meaningful STEM experiences for young people, the announcement stated.
“Jet-Set & Read reflects our commitment to inspiring the next generation through education and aviation,” Florida International Air Show President Denise Dull stated. “We are grateful to our community partners for helping us create an engaging program that encourages children to read, explore and dream big. We look forward to welcoming these young readers and their families to the Air Show in November.”
This year’s air show event will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a weekend of aerial performances, interactive attractions and entertainment, according to the news release.
For more information, visit: FloridaAirShow.com