Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo 2026: Florida’s Premier Aviation Event

Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo has earned its reputation as the kickoff to the North American airshow season, drawing over 200,000 visitors to Lakeland, Florida each April for a week of world-class aviation.

The 52nd annual Sun ‘n Fun runs April 14-19, 2026, at Lakeland Linder International Airport. Second only to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in size, this event offers an experience uniquely its own—warmer weather, a strong experimental aircraft focus, and the energy of a community eager to shake off winter.

What Makes Sun ‘n Fun Special

While Oshkosh dominates summer aviation, Sun ‘n Fun owns spring. The timing matters—pilots emerging from months of winter weather finally have somewhere to fly, and the Florida location guarantees conditions that Wisconsin can’t promise in July.

The event’s roots in experimental aviation remain strong. Homebuilders gather to share techniques, examine completed projects, and get inspired for their own builds. Kit manufacturers showcase their latest offerings, and the forums and workshops draw crowds seeking specific knowledge unavailable anywhere else.

But Sun ‘n Fun has evolved well beyond its homebuilt origins. Military demonstrations, warbird flights, and professional aerobatic performances now share equal billing with the grassroots aviation that founded the event.

2026 Highlights

USAF Thunderbirds

The headline act for 2026, the Thunderbirds perform during the daily airshow April 17-19. Their presence draws massive crowds to the afternoon flying demonstrations, typically scheduled from 4-5 PM.

Opening Night Concert

Sun ‘n Fun 2026 kicks off with country music artists Cooper Alan and Thomas Mac performing on April 14. The concert sets the tone for a week of celebration beyond just aviation.

Daily Airshows

Each afternoon features a curated flying program mixing military power, civilian precision, and historical warbirds. The show builds throughout the week, culminating in the Thunderbirds’ weekend performances.

The Camping Experience

Unlike many airshows where you visit for a day, Sun ‘n Fun invites extended stays. Camping opens March 9, 2026, and many attendees arrive weeks early to secure prime spots and establish their temporary aviation communities.

Aircraft camping puts your plane steps from your tent—a uniquely aviation experience that connects pilots across generations. The evening conversations around campfires, sharing flying stories with strangers who become friends, define Sun ‘n Fun as much as the daily airshows.

What to Expect

Exhibits and Vendors

Over 500 exhibitors fill the grounds with everything from avionics to insurance to flight training programs. Major manufacturers showcase new aircraft, while smaller vendors offer specialized products unavailable elsewhere.

Forums and Workshops

Education distinguishes Sun ‘n Fun from pure spectacle shows. Hundreds of forums cover topics from specific aircraft maintenance to airspace regulations to career development. Whether you’re building your first airplane or transitioning to jets, relevant programming exists.

Youth Programs

The Aerospace Center for Excellence, Sun ‘n Fun’s year-round educational arm, expands programming during the expo. Young people can explore aviation careers, try flight simulators, and connect with mentors who remember when they were asking the same questions.

Planning Your Visit

Getting There

Lakeland Linder International Airport lies between Tampa and Orlando, accessible from either city’s major airport. Driving from Tampa International takes approximately 45 minutes; Orlando International is about an hour away.

Flying in? Sun ‘n Fun coordinates one of the world’s most complex temporary air traffic environments. Study the NOTAMs carefully—procedures are specific and strictly enforced.

Tickets and Admission

Sun ‘n Fun operates cashless—bring credit cards or mobile payment options. Daily tickets, weekly passes, and premium experiences are available through the official website. Prices increase as the event approaches, rewarding early planners.

Accommodations

Hotels within reasonable distance book months in advance. Consider camping on the field for the full experience, or look at vacation rentals in surrounding communities. Tampa and Orlando offer more options but require daily commutes.

Why Sun ‘n Fun Matters

In an era of increasingly expensive, corporatized aviation events, Sun ‘n Fun retains its grassroots soul. The homebuilder camping next to a turboprop owner, sharing breakfast before walking to forums together—that democratic spirit defines the event.

For pilots emerging from winter, Sun ‘n Fun signals renewal. For aspiring aviators, it offers accessible exposure to aviation’s full spectrum. For the industry, it provides a crucial early-season gathering that sets the tone for the year ahead.

The 52nd Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo runs April 14-19, 2026. Visit flysnf.org for tickets, schedules, and camping reservations.