Saint Paul Celebrates 100 Years of Aviation at Holman Field: OktoberFlight Centennial Night on the Mississippi

Long before Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport grew into a global megahub, the commercial aviation era of the Upper Midwest was born on a grassy riverfront floodplain along the Mississippi River in 1926. On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Saint Paul Downtown Airport—affectionately known as Holman Field—will commemorate its historic centennial by opening its active runways to the public for OktoberFlight at STP, an evening celebrating one hundred years of pioneering airmail pilots, wartime aircraft modifications, and living aeronautical heritage.

Rather than sequestering history behind glass display cases in a suburban museum, the centennial festival transforms an active municipal airfield into an open-air community gathering space. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. at 644 Bayfield Street, visitors can walk along the flight ramp, tour the 1930s-era Art Deco administration building and control tower, watch vintage flyovers skimming the Mississippi bluffline, and enjoy a sunset tarmac concert performed by acclaimed Minnesota country-rock artist Rafe Carlson.

A Century on the River: The Legacy of Charles 'Speed' Holman

Established originally as St. Paul Municipal Airport in 1926, the airfield became synonymous with Charles "Speed" Holman, one of the most daring aviation pioneers in American history. A barnstorming stunt pilot, wing walker, and the first pilot hired by Northwest Airways (which later became Northwest Airlines), Holman captivated crowds across the nation with aerial aerobatics and cross-country airmail speed records before his tragic death during an Omaha air show in 1931.

Following his passing, the city renamed the airfield Holman Field in his honor. During the Second World War, the airport expanded into a critical military modification center where thousands of civilian workers retrofitted B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator bombers before they departed across the Atlantic.

According to historical archives preserved by the Metropolitan Airports Commission, Holman Field continues to serve as an indispensable general aviation reliever airport. Today, the facility handles corporate charters, medical transport flights, flight instruction academies, and operations for the Minnesota Army National Guard, contributing tens of millions of dollars to the regional Twin Cities economy.

What Makes Saint Paul and Holman Field Different: River Valley Topography and Art Deco Charm

Unlike modern commercial airports isolated behind miles of highway barriers, Holman Field is embedded directly within the natural topography of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Located directly across the river bend from the limestone bluffs of downtown Saint Paul, arriving pilots enjoy breathtaking visual approaches that frame the iconic dome of the Minnesota State Capitol and the cathedral skyline.

The airport grounds retain exceptional architectural character. The terminal building, designed by famed municipal architect Clarence Wigington during the Works Progress Administration era, features red brick masonry, historic terrazzo flooring, and a classic glass-paneled observation tower overlooking the tarmac.

The field is also home to Holman’s Table, one of the Twin Cities’ most popular airport dining rooms. Guests dine on artisan steaks, roasted bone marrow, and craft cocktails while seated beside panoramic runway windows, watching private business jets and vintage biplanes touch down on Runway 14/32 against the twilight river bluffs.

Visitor Insider Tips: Event Logistics, Shuttles, and Downtown St. Paul Touring

Attending OktoberFlight at STP and exploring Saint Paul's historic riverfront requires practical planning for parking, transit, and local dining.

• Utilize Off-Site Parking and Free Shuttles: Space at the airport terminal on Bayfield Street is restricted to aircraft displays. Park at designated off-site lots for $15 at 383 East Kellogg Boulevard or 431 East Kellogg Boulevard in downtown Saint Paul. Complimentary shuttles run continuously every ten minutes between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. directly to the Holman's Table entrance.
• Arrive Before 5:15 p.m. for Low-Altitude Flyovers: The vintage aircraft aerial passes begin promptly at 5:15 p.m. Position yourself along the outdoor flight line fence facing southwest toward the Mississippi River to capture optimal golden-hour photographs of heritage planes banking over the water.
• Explore Lowertown Historic Arts District: After the concert concludes at 7:45 p.m., take the short shuttle back to downtown Saint Paul and explore Lowertown. Walk through Mears Park, dine at chef-driven farm-to-table restaurants housed in converted 19th-century railway warehouses, or sample local Minnesota craft beers on 4th Street.
• Dress for Autumn Riverfront Breezes: Late September evenings along the Mississippi River in Minnesota turn brisk quickly once the sun dips behind the bluffs. Bring a warm flannel or windbreaker to stay comfortable during the outdoor tarmac concert.

Cultural and Community Context: Preserving Neighborhood Aviation History

Events like OktoberFlight at STP play an essential role in bridging urban heritage with contemporary community life. As metropolitan regions expand, smaller historic airports frequently face development pressures and noise debates.

According to cultural tourism guidelines from Visit Saint Paul and Explore Minnesota, opening active airfield grounds to neighborhood families fosters intergenerational understanding of how aviation shaped local industrial and civic growth. Children can meet certified flight instructors, inspect modern National Guard helicopters, and discover aeronautical STEM pathways firsthand.

By celebrating one hundred years of flight where early aviators once guided wooden-propeller biplanes through river fog, Saint Paul honors the courage of its aviation pioneers while keeping its riverfront spirit vibrant for the next century of flight.

FAQ: Attending OktoberFlight at STP 2026

What are the event hours and date for OktoberFlight at STP? The centennial celebration takes place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Saint Paul Downtown Airport (644 Bayfield Street).

How much does admission cost for the centennial open house? Admission to the open house and tarmac concert is free to the public, with paid off-site parking available for $15 including free round-trip shuttle transit.

What time does Rafe Carlson perform on the tarmac? Minnesota country-rock artist Rafe Carlson performs live on the main outdoor tarmac stage from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Can I tour the historic control tower and terminal building? Yes, the open house grants visitor access to the historic administration building and historic tower displays featuring curated photography and artifacts from 1926 to the present.

[Where the mighty Mississippi curves beneath autumn skies, Saint Paul honors one hundred years of wings, courage, and community spirit.]

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