Cold War Weekend 2025

Mississippi County is preparing to take flight next month as history buffs, veterans and aviation enthusiasts roll into Blytheville for Cold War weekend, a multi-day celebration of military heritage and community pride.

Hosted in partnership with the National Cold War Center and the Arkansas Aeroplex, this action-packed lineup of events honors the legacy of the Blytheville Air Force Base and its critical role in America’s Cold War history, while highlighting our region’s continued transformation into a hub for industry, tourism and education.

Whether you're a history lover, aviation aficionado or just looking for a unique weekend getaway in the Land of Steel, here’s everything you need to know:

Tuesday, Nov. 4

Blytheville Lions Club
Blytheville Country Club | 12 p.m.
Dr. Christian Ostermann, executive director of the National Cold War Center, will speak about the Center’s mission and the importance of preserving Cold War history.

Thursday, Nov. 6

Blytheville Rotary Club
Blytheville Country Club | 12 p.m.
Dr. Ostermann continues his speaking engagements with local civic leaders to share insights on diplomacy, history and upcoming developments at the National Cold War Center.

Annual Poker Tournament
Proceeds benefit the NCWC
For a fun way to support the center’s mission, join the annual poker tournament. Contact Pamela Meador at (408) 891-4931 or pamala@duovu.com for details.

Friday, Nov. 7

BAFB Exhibition Opens
Arkansas Aeroplex | 9 a.m.
A new special exhibit—“Martha Graham & the Dance of American Diplomacy”—explores the role of cultural diplomacy during the Cold War through the lens of American modern dance icon Martha Graham. Hosted at the Arkansas Aeroplex, this exhibit is free and open to the public.

A Cold War Conversation
Ritz Civic Center | 7 p.m.
Don’t miss this special on-stage interview with Pavel Palazhchenko, longtime interpreter for Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. Hosted at the historic Ritz Civic Center, this conversation offers rare insights from inside the negotiation rooms that shaped history.

Friday–Sunday, Nov. 7–9

NATA Formation Flying Clinic
Arkansas Aeroplex
The North American Trainer Association (NATA) returns for a weekend of thrilling formation flying over the Mississippi Delta. Watch classic Cold War-era aircraft take to the skies in synchronized precision flights. For more info, contact Jonathan Hardwick at (513) 720-0509 or visit flynata.org.

Saturday, Nov. 8

Aeroplex Annual NCWC Fly-In
Arkansas Aeroplex | 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Vintage aircraft and military aviation come together at the Annual Fly-In, featuring static displays, pilot meet-and-greets and a showcase of aviation history in motion. Contact Barry Harrison at (870) 780-5871 for more information.

B-52 Hulk 46 Memorial Dedication
Aeroplex Flag Plaza | 2 p.m.
Join the community as we honor the legacy of the Hulk 46 crew with a dedication ceremony at the Flag Plaza. This solemn event remembers those lost aboard a B-52 bomber during the Vietnam War and ensures their story lives on.

Annual National Cold War Center Gala
Aeroplex Hangar | 6 p.m.
The weekend culminates with an elegant evening at the NCWC Gala, celebrating Cold War history, community partnerships and the continued development of the National Cold War Center. For tickets, visit nationalcoldwarcenter.com/events.

Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 8–9

Commemorative Air Force Rides
Arkansas Aeroplex
Take to the skies aboard legendary aircraft including the FiFi B-29, Miss Cherie PT-22 open cockpit, and BOB RC-45J. These once-in-a-lifetime flight experiences bring Cold War-era aviation to life. Learn more at airpowersquadron.org/blytheville-ar.

Plan Your Visit

Cold War weekend is a homecoming, a history lesson and a community celebration all in one. From museum-quality exhibits and air shows to intimate storytelling and patriotic ceremonies, this weekend offers something for everyone.

To explore lodging, local dining or more things to do while you’re in town, visitLandofSteel.com orNationalColdWarCenter.com.