18th Anniversary 1940s Summer Ball, A Timeless Love Story with the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Step into a Timeless Love Story at the 2026 1940s Ball: “Victory Through the Airwaves” with the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra.  

June 20th, 2026 | Boulder Airport | Boulder, Colorado

BOULDER, CO – Boulder’s beloved tradition, the 1940s Ball, returns to the Boulder Municipal Airport this summer, inviting guests to relive the golden era of swing, jazz, and World War II history. This one-night-only celebration brings together vintage aircraft, authentic 1940s performers, big band music, and period dress, transforming the airport into a time machine of nostalgia and community spirit.

Now in its 18th year, the 1940s Ball has become one of Boulder’s most unique cultural events—part festival, part immersive theater, and part history lesson wrapped in glamour. Guests dance under the stars to the sounds of swing orchestras, enjoy classic cars and exhilarating WWII-era planes, and connect with a community that spans generations.

“We don’t just host an event—we bring history to life,” says Khyentse George, founder and producer of the Ball. “It’s about honoring the past, celebrating music and culture, and giving people a chance to step away from the ordinary and experience something truly unforgettable.”

 NEW THEME FOR 2026: “Victory Through the Airwaves” with the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra

Celebrate the golden age of radio with live 1940s commercial breaks between big band sets, featuring sponsors like Ovaltine and Pepsodent. Step into a real 1940s radio broadcast, perform in a vintage radio drama, or hear your own voice played back over antique broadcasting equipment. You’ll even spot iconic moments from beloved 1940s films like Casablanca, reenacted live throughout the evening.

 Live on Three Stages: World-Class Big Bands and Iconic Talent
Dance to the irresistible rhythms of:
• The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra (direct from NYC!)

• The Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra

• Frank Sinatra Tribute by Derek Evilsizor

• Happy Days star Donny Most (“Ralph Malph”)

• Bob Hope tribute by Vegas star, Bill Johnson

• Flatirons Jazz Orchestra, Bianca & the Flyboys, Jeremy Mohney Swing, The Denver Dolls, The King Penny 1940s Radio Show, Kalama Polynesian Dancers, and more!

 Set Among WWII Planes, Vintage Cars & a Lantern-Lit Outdoor Dance Floor

Dance beneath a canopy of glowing Vietnamese lanterns on a massive open-air wooden dance floor surrounded by:

• Authentic WWII aircraft including the famed DC-3 and TBM Avenger
• Vintage cars & photo ops galore
• A WWII base camp and Victory Street full of immersive sets, living history re-enactors and historic exhibits
• The Casablanca Hangar with real movie props, foggy, moody lighting, and even a roulette table
• 1940s reenactors, cigarette girls, swing dance lessons, and a group conga line finale with Bob Hope & a dramatic confetti drop

 Inspired Immersion…

• Vintage Aircraft Tours and flyovers from historic WWII planes.
• Shop the 1940s Ball Vintage Fair
• Watch iconic characters like Lucille Ball, Carmen Miranda & Edward R. Murrow come to life
• Voice-act in vintage news bulletins
• Join the Best Dressed Contest and show off your vintage flair
• Visit the WWII Veteran Family Tribute Board to honor your loved ones
• And don’t miss the Homefront Craft Tent, scavenger hunt, and historical educator exhibits from Colorado’s 10th Mountain Division

 More Than a Party—A Celebration with Purpose
This event isn’t just about the past—it’s about giving back. A portion of ticket sales supports non-profits that serve historic preservation, and education. Over $120,000 has been donated to date.

 Tickets Sell Out Fast
Every year, tickets sell out weeks in advance—so don’t wait! Experience what the LA Times called “A Trip Back in Time.”

 Location: Historic Boulder Airport, Boulder, CO (est 1928)

 Date: June 20th, 2026

 Website: www.1940sBall.org

 Media Contact: Khyentse George 303-946-9227, [email protected]

 Tickets: Available at www.1940sball.org

About the 1940s Ball

The 1940s Ball is a nonprofit organization and community-driven celebration of vintage culture, history, and music. Over the years it has grown into one of Colorado’s signature summer events, drawing thousands of attendees, performers, and history lovers from across the country. The mission of the 1940s Ball is to create community and cultural connections that cross generations, genres, and borders through celebrating the music, dance, and culture of the 1940s and 50s. The Boulder, CO.-based nonprofit aims to provide quality performances and educational opportunities which will not only inspire those who already love “The Greatest Generation,” but will also introduce others to it. A portion of ticket sales is donated to select nonprofits including The Colorado 10th Mountain Division Foundation and the Commemorative Air Force Rocky Mountain Wing.  Since being founded, the 1940sBall has donated $120,000 to charity partners.

Interested in seeing what it’s all about firsthand?  Just shoot us an email or call:

Media Contact: Khyentse George  720-924-1945  [email protected]  Note to Editor:  Visit this Drive folder to download high-resolution images and video from the Ball, 1940s Ball approved for press use.

Top 10 Things Not to Miss at the 2026 1940s Summer Ball!

See the best national big bands, regional swing bands and vintage touring acts, including @theglennmillerorchestra

There will be at least a dozen WWII aircraft on-site, including the DC3, C45, and Stearman. You can even climb aboard the Commemorative Air Force’s TBM Avenger for a “wing walk” and photo at sunset. Plus, there will be a thrilling flyover, weather contingent!

Visit the new KBDU 1940s radio station! Get your photo taken as a presenter and try radio broadcasting with WWII broadcaster, Edward Murrow!

Follow and watch actors perform famous scenes from “Casablanca” sets throughout the event!

VICTORY STREET is Airwaves & Radio themed! See spectacular sets, historic exhibits, multimedia displays, and international foods! Take a peek into the Homefront and WII craft-making techniques. Also, visit the South Sea Stage for a tropical bar, Polynesian dancers and more photo ops!

Pick up a game card at merchandize booth and join the scavenger hunt! Meet Carmen Miranda, Lucille Ball, Rita Hayworth, Betty Grable, Peggy Carter, Indiana Jones and more. Follow clues, solve puzzles and win prizes!

At 9:45 we will have a very special confetti drop and conga line celebration that you won’t want to miss!

Enter Casablanca’s Rick’s Café Americain in our hangar: play roulette, take pictures with vintage cameras, lights and props and join a swing dance lesson! Several swing dancing groups will teach lessons and demonstrate moves.

Take part in a 1940s themed contest! Ten event attendees will be selected to compete on-stage for the “Best Dressed Contest!” or join the “1940s Cosplay Contest!”

Wander the WWII base camp and talk to living history re-enactors! Solve the puzzle on your map to enter the hidden briefing room, with special sound and lighting effects and hear briefings!

***BONUS: Explore the 1940s and 50s car show with authentic vintage concessions! And don’t miss the Vintage Fair where you can shop for vintage and vintage-inspired gifts and clothing!