The Airshow of the Cascades is a must-see aviation event held at Madras Municipal Airport in Oregon, United States. Set on the historic World War II site of Madras Airport, this festival has its roots in simple, friendly gatherings organized in the late 1970s and early 1980s on Ron Ochs’ family ranch. Over the years, the event grew thanks to the collaboration of aviation enthusiasts and local stakeholders, such as former airport manager Don Mobley, eventually leading to its first official edition in the year 2000. Organized by a nonprofit charitable organization run by a team of volunteers, the airshow donates funds each year to community and local programs while offering a family-friendly and supportive atmosphere, notably by providing free admission for veterans and children five years old and under.
This major event also stands out for its spectacular setting, dominated by the Cascade Mountains and enhanced by the immediate proximity of the historic aircraft collection at the Erickson Aircraft Collection, which shares the same runway. Spectators can thus enjoy a unique panoramic view while watching top-notch performances.
The festival program features aerial demonstrations and ground activities. Visitors can admire performances by the Patriots Jet Team, aerobatic formations such as Undaunted Airshows, microjet demonstrations led by Yuichi Takagi, as well as glider flyovers and “legacy flight” demonstration flights. Introductory flights and flights aboard historic warbirds from the Erickson Aircraft Collection are also available. As for ground activities, the site hosts the famous Les Schwab Car Show, which continues the historic tradition of classic car parades, a fireworks display on Friday evening, live concerts spread across two stages, as well as food courts and VIP areas such as the Blue Sky Pavilion and the Ron Ochs Chalet, located along the flight line.