(18th Wing Public Affairs)
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Kadena Air Base is opening its gates to the Okinawan community for America Fest, March 22-23, 2025, for the third year in a row. The event will be open from 1100 to 1900 both days.
America Fest is an annual open-house event that showcases Kadena Air Base’s deterrence mission and enhances cultural exchange by fostering candid interaction with the local community.
The two-day event is an opportunity for community members to meet U.S. service members, see advanced static aircraft up close, learn about the 18th Wing mission, and experience American culture from the many people that serve at Kadena Air Base.
“This is a chance for the people who make the mission possible to get some face time with the locals,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Christopher Chua, America Fest 2025 director. “The aircraft are a major part of the mission, but we want the people to see who makes it happen.”
The Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics hangar will return this year; an exhibit hall full of hands-on experiences designed to inspire youth to learn more about STEM through demonstrations from units across Kadena. This year, in addition to 18th Wing units, the STEM Hangar will also feature local college students from Sci.Tec.College in Chatan.
Normal flying operations will continue for the duration of the open-house in order to carry out the 18th Wing’s mission of ensuring, deterring and defending the area of responsibility.
“We hope that seeing the jets do their thing up close will instill a better understanding of their importance in the guests,” said Chua. “Please bring hearing protection to fully enjoy the weekend’s events.”
SOFA members are highly encouraged to enter through Gates 2 or 3 and take the free on base shuttle to the event site. Pickup locations are at the Kadena BX, Kadena Outdoor Recreation Center, and Kadena Elementary School.
Non-SOFA members should enter through Gate 4 and park on the flightline, or enter through the Pedestrian Gate located on Highway 74.
For more information about entry procedures and parking, check out the Kadena Air Base website at: https://www.kadena.af.mil/America-Fest/. For information related to the entertainment schedule and vendors, check out the Kadena FSS website at: https://kadenafss.com/americafest2025/.
