MCAS Miramar Air Show 2026: Dates, Schedule & Performers

The 2026 MCAS Miramar Air Show runs September 25–27 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. General admission and parking are free. The official event lineup confirms the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Fat Albert, the USMC F-35B demonstration, the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration, a U.S. Air Force C-17 demonstration, the MV-22 Osprey demo and additional military and civilian performers.

Confirmed 2026 Miramar performers

This selection reflects the official event lineup checked September 7, 2026. The organizer has now published a tentative performance timeline; use its current schedule for the complete list and approximate times. Performances remain subject to change.

• U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Fat Albert: F/A-18 Super Hornet formation demonstration and C-130J support-aircraft appearance.
• USMC F-35B Demo: Short-takeoff and vertical-landing capabilities of the Marine Corps’ F-35 variant.
• MAGTF Demo: A coordinated Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration.
• U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III: A demonstration of the large military transport aircraft’s performance.
• MV-22 Osprey Demo: Tiltrotor transition between helicopter-like and airplane flight.
• U.S. SOCOM ParaCommandos: Military parachute demonstration.
• Civilian and ceremonial acts: The official lineup also lists Ed Hamill’s Folds of Honor biplane, Vicky Benzing, the USMC Mounted Color Guard and 3d MAW Band.

Blue Angels at Miramar in 2026

The organizer’s published Friday–Sunday timeline includes the Blue Angels, with an approximate 2:45 p.m. demonstration time. Treat that as a planning reference and confirm the latest schedule for your attendance day; no performance is guaranteed.

The team is celebrating its 80th year in 2026 and flies the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, with the C-130J Fat Albert supporting the demonstration. Check the official Blue Angels schedule and Miramar’s schedule page for late changes.

2026 Miramar gate times and published schedule

The official schedule, checked September 19, publishes a tentative Friday–Sunday timeline: flightline gates open at 8:00 a.m., the first listed flying demonstration is at 10:15 a.m., and gates close at 5:00 p.m. These are organizer-published planning times, not guaranteed performance times. Recheck the page before traveling and on your attendance day.

Admission, identification and security

General admission and parking are free. According to the official event guidance, every attendee age 18 or older must present valid government-issued identification. Visitors with questions about nationality, passports or other entry documentation should check the organizer’s current identification FAQ directly before traveling; do not rely on a general summary for individual entry eligibility.

Because MCAS Miramar is an active military installation, prohibited-item and bag rules are stricter than at many civilian events. Review the official permitted and prohibited items list before leaving home. Do not rely on rules remembered from a prior year.

Getting to MCAS Miramar

The base is along Miramar Road in northern San Diego near Interstate 15. Large crowds can cause congestion around the entrances, particularly on Saturday. Arriving near gate opening gives you more time for parking, security screening and static displays before the main flying program.

Rideshare and parking: use the event destination

The organizer’s transportation FAQ designates the McDonald’s parking lot at Mitscher Way and Elrod Avenue for rideshare pickup and drop-off. Rideshare vehicles cannot access the flight line. Drivers entering the base are directed to parking lots, with shuttles to the flight line; passenger drop-off at the flightline entrance is not permitted. Recheck these arrangements before departure.

Which day should you attend?

• Friday: Often the best option for visitors prioritizing smaller crowds, but verify which headline acts are scheduled.
• Saturday: Typically the busiest atmosphere and heaviest traffic.
• Sunday: Another full public day and a useful alternative if Saturday logistics are difficult.

What to bring

• Government-issued identification for every attendee age 18 or older.
• Sun protection appropriate for an exposed flight line.
• Comfortable walking shoes for the large static-display area.
• Only bags and personal items permitted by the current official rules.
• A saved copy of the official schedule and alert channels for last-minute changes.

Why the Miramar Air Show is distinctive

The event is held on an operational Marine Corps air station and combines tactical demonstrations, modern military aircraft, static displays and civilian aerobatics. The official organizer describes it as the nation’s largest military air show. The 2026 theme, “Soaring Into America’s 250th,” connects the program to the United States’ 250th anniversary.

2026 Miramar Air Show FAQ

What are the 2026 Miramar Air Show dates?

The public event runs Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Are the Blue Angels performing?

Yes. The organizer lists the Blue Angels in its published timeline. Check the latest official schedule for your attendance day and any changes.

Is the Miramar Air Show free?

General admission and parking are free. Optional preferred seating or hospitality products may be sold separately.

Is the performer lineup final?

No air show lineup is guaranteed. Verify the official event schedule close to your visit.

For a broader view of events around the country, see the complete 2026 air show schedule.

Official sources

• MCAS Miramar Air Show: 2026 dates, admission and confirmed lineup
• U.S. Navy Blue Angels official show schedule

Miramar belongs in the U.S. military-open-house conversation, but current global comparisons need consistent evidence. See our biggest airshows in the world comparison.