Airshows This Month: Nine Major Events to See in August 2026

Last verified August 3, 2026

August’s airshow calendar moves quickly from Alaska and British Columbia to major shows across the continental United States. This guide covers nine events scheduled between August 7 and August 30, with dates, gate information, confirmed headliners, and direct organizer links.

Schedules can change because of weather, operational requirements, or performer availability. Check the organizer’s official page again before traveling.

Abbotsford International Airshow — August 7–9

Abbotsford, British Columbia opens the weekend with a Friday twilight program and two daytime shows. The official schedule lists the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and CF-18 Demonstration Team on all three days. Friday gates run from 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., with flying beginning at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday gates are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with flying beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Official schedule: https://abbotsfordairshow.com/schedule/
Visitor FAQ: https://abbotsfordairshow.com/faq/

Arctic Thunder Open House — August 8–9

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska hosts a free open house headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. JBER lists the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, and a joint-forces demonstration among the featured acts. Gates open at 9 a.m.; the event is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. General entry and parking are free.

Official event page: https://www.jber.jb.mil/Info/Arctic-Thunder-Open-House/

Rochester International Airshow — August 8–9

Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport hosts the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as the final flying act. The official lineup also includes the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Demonstration Team and the U.S. Army Golden Knights. Gates are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and flying is expected to begin at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Official FAQ: https://www.rocairshow.com/faq/
Official Monroe County announcement: https://www.rocairport.com/news-2026-05-26-airshow

Oregon International Air Show at McMinnville — August 14–16

McMinnville Municipal Airport hosts three show days, not two. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The organizer lists gates opening at 9 a.m., flying beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m., and the event closing at 5 p.m. each day.

Official schedule: https://oregonairshow.com/mcminnville/mcminnville-schedule/

Chicago Air and Water Show — August 15–16

Chicago’s lakefront show returns August 15 and 16. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds list Chicago on their 2026 schedule. Because lakefront viewing, transit, and road conditions can change, consult the city’s event information before leaving.

Visitor information: https://www.choosechicago.com/event/series/chicago-air-and-water-show-2/
Thunderbirds schedule: https://www.airforce.com/thunderbirds/schedule

Yellowstone International Air Show — August 22–23

Billings, Montana hosts the U.S. Navy Blue Angels on both days. The organizer lists gates opening at 9 a.m. and sells admission by show day. Review the official ticket page for current inventory, parking choices, and entry rules before purchasing.

Official ticket information: https://www.yellowstoneairshow.com/tickets/ticketinfo
Official ticket page: https://tickets.yellowstoneairshow.com/

Terre Haute Air Show — August 22–23

The Terre Haute Air Show in Indiana is scheduled for August 22 and 23 with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Tickets are day-specific. The organizer’s FAQ also addresses fly-in procedures and temporary flight restrictions, which are important for pilots planning to arrive by air.

Official event site: https://www.terrehauteairshow.com/
Official FAQ: https://www.terrehauteairshow.com/faqs

Grissom Air & Space Expo — August 29–30

Grissom Air Reserve Base in Indiana hosts the Grissom Air & Space Expo on August 29 and 30. The Grissom Air Museum calendar lists show hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and identifies the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as the featured demonstration team.

Official event page: https://grissomfss.com/airshow/
Grissom Air Museum calendar: https://www.grissomairmuseum.com/calendar

Thunder Over Louisiana — August 29–30

The inaugural Thunder Over Louisiana Air Show takes place at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels headline both public show days. Visit Lake Charles lists gates opening at 9 a.m., flying from noon to 4 p.m., and gates closing at 5 p.m. The event page notes that performer order will not be published and schedules remain subject to change.

Official visitor listing: https://www.visitlakecharles.org/event/thunder-over-louisiana-airshow/49613/
Chennault announcement: https://chennault.org/2025/12/09/us-navy-blue-angels-to-headline-the-inaugural-thunder-over-louisiana-air-show/

How to plan responsibly

Use official event pages as the final authority. Recheck the schedule the evening before and again on the morning of the show. Confirm parking and entry rules, bring hearing protection—especially for children—and prepare for sun, heat, rain, and long walks. Never stop on roads or enter restricted property to watch or photograph an aircraft.

Airshow Spectacle independently verifies event details against organizer, military-team, airport, or local-government sources. This guide will be updated when organizers publish material changes.