Queen Bess Centennial Aviation Film Festival

Queen Bess Centennial Aviation Film Festival Queen Bess Centennial Aviation Film Festival Queen Bess Centennial Aviation Film Festival

Queen Bess Centennial Aviation Film Festival

Queen Bess Centennial Aviation Film Festival Queen Bess Centennial Aviation Film Festival Queen Bess Centennial Aviation Film Festival
  • FESTIVAL
  • FILMMAKERS
  • SPONSORS & PARTNERS
  • CONNECT

BESSIE COLEMAN (January 26, 1892 - April 30, 1926)

BESSIE COLEMAN (January 26, 1892 - April 30, 1926)BESSIE COLEMAN (January 26, 1892 - April 30, 1926)BESSIE COLEMAN (January 26, 1892 - April 30, 1926)BESSIE COLEMAN (January 26, 1892 - April 30, 1926)

The 1st Aviation Film Festival in the Nation is coming 2026

The Queen Bess Centennial Aviation Film Festival is coming and we’re making preparations. Don’t miss out!

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A Celebration of Bessie Coleman

Join us in person for an inspiring story of courage, perseverance and wonder. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Chicago Southland

Welcome to Queen Bess Centennial Aviation Film Festival!

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026 | BULT FIELD, ILLINOIS EVENTS

08:00 CST

  • Welcome and registration
  • Coffee, water, fruit, donuts
  • Airplane demos on the runway

09:00 CST

  • STEM Education in Hangar compliments of AeroStar Avion Institute
  • Tuskegee Airmen Official Bessie Coleman Honor Flyover

10:00 CST

  • Great Room - The Bessie Coleman Documentary film and discussion by Captain Beth Powell
  • Theater - Award-winning aviation film
  • STEM in the Hangar
  • Flight rides and demos on the runway
  • Drone Demonstration 

11:00 CST

  • Panel discussion and book signing by Captain Beth Powell
  • STEM in the hangar

12:00 CST

  • STEM Education compliments of Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars
  • Theater - Award-winning film
  • Food Trucks available in parking lot for attendees 

13:00 CST

  • Panel discussion led by Captain Beth Powell
  • STEM in the Hangar
  • Theater - Award-winning aviation film

14:00 CST

  • Theater - Bessie Coleman Documentary
  •  STEM in the Hangar
  • Drones Demonstration

15:00 CST


  • STEM in the Hangar
  • Theater - award-winning film

16:00 CST

  • Award Ceremony
  • 🏆 Audience Choice Award 
  • 🎞️ Best Aviation Feature Film Award 
  • ✈️ Best Aviation Short Film Award 
  • 🚁 Best Drone Film Award  

FESTIVAL LOCATION

BULT FIELD C56 | 28261 S Kedzie Ave, Monee, IL

Queen Bess Centennial Aviation Film Festival

28261 S Kedzie Ave, Monee, Illinois, USA

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HOW TO TRAVEL TO BULT FIELD

FREE PARKING - follow parking signs to the east side of the building. School buses follow signs.

 PILOTS - FREE Ramp space, follow directions on Airport Chart (C56) 

Bult Field, South Kedzie Avenue, Monee, IL, USA

Media Coverage

Chicago Tribune: Bessie ColemanNinety-Nines Woman Pilot Association article

PROGRAM & EVENTS

GIGI COLEMAN WELCOME

BESSIE COLEMAN DOCUMENTARY

GIGI COLEMAN WELCOME

FILMS

BESSIE COLEMAN DOCUMENTARY

GIGI COLEMAN WELCOME

BESSIE COLEMAN DOCUMENTARY

BESSIE COLEMAN DOCUMENTARY

BESSIE COLEMAN DOCUMENTARY

Our Partners

BULT FIELD (C56)

Connect With Us

Copyright © 2026 Queen Bess Aviation Centennial Film Festival (BessFF) - All Rights Reserved.

  • FESTIVAL
  • FILMMAKERS
  • SPONSORS & PARTNERS
  • CONNECT