NavyWeek.org is an independent guide. Military air shows are run by their own hosts and organizers, and the flight demonstration teams are operated by the U.S. military. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any show organizer, squadron, or branch of the armed forces. Dates, performers, and schedules are set by the military and the organizers and can change at any time. Always confirm current details with the official source before you travel.
AIR SHOWS
Military air shows put the country's flight demonstration squadrons, fighter demos, and heritage aircraft over a single flight line for a weekend — most of them free, many on active bases. This guide tracks the major U.S. military air shows, with a full visitor guide for each: dates, tickets, performers, parking, and the rules you need to clear the gate.
U.S. Military Air Shows 2026 — Key Facts
- What
- Major U.S. military air shows
- Coverage
- Dates, tickets, performers, parking & gate rules
- Headliners
- Blue Angels, Thunderbirds & military demo teams
- Admission
- Most base shows are free
Last verified: July 13, 2026
2026 MILITARY AIR SHOWS
| Dates | Show | Location | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 19–20, 2026 | NAS Oceana Air ShowFreeHeadliner: U.S. Navy Blue Angels | Virginia Beach, VA | Oceana guide |
| September 25–27, 2026 | MCAS Miramar Air ShowFreeHeadliner: U.S. Navy Blue Angels | San Diego, CA | Miramar guide |
| September 25–27, 2026 | San Diego Air ShowFreeHeadliner: U.S. Navy Blue Angels | San Diego, CA | San Diego guide |
| 2026 dates to be confirmed | Joint Base Andrews Air ShowFreeHeadliner: Rotating military jet teams (Thunderbirds, F-35A demo) | Camp Springs, MD | Andrews guide |
ABOUT MILITARY AIR SHOWS
Air shows hosted on active U.S. military installations are unlike any civilian event: they put operational hardware on the ramp, the nation's jet demonstration teams in the sky, and — at most base shows — charge nothing to get in. The trade-off is stricter entry: government-issued photo ID, clear-bag policies, and long security lines on show mornings.
This guide focuses on the largest and most-attended military air shows in the country. Each show’s guide is verified against the official source and updated as the lineup, dates, and ticket details are confirmed for the season.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are military air shows free?
Do I need ID to get onto a base for an air show?
Can I bring a bag or cooler?
Who performs at military air shows?
Editorial policy
- Source priority. We cite each show's official announcements and the participating military teams' schedules first. Dates, performers, and locations are quoted from those sources and dated above.
- Independence. NavyWeek.org is not affiliated with the U.S. Navy, the Department of Defense, NAVCO, or any federal agency. We do not accept payment to recommend specific recruiters, schools, vendors, or services.
- Review cadence. Because the military and show organizers can change dates at any time, this guide is re-verified against the official sources on a recurring basis and whenever a reader reports a change.
- Reviewer. The page is reviewed for accuracy by the reviewer named in the byline. The "Last reviewed" date at the top of the page reflects the most recent review pass.
- Corrections. Factual errors are corrected as soon as we can verify the issue against an official source. See the "Report an outdated fact" link below.
- Not advice. This page is informational only. For decisions about service, benefits, pay, or assignment, rely on official .mil sources and your chain of command, detailer, recruiter, or accredited representative.