The 2026 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger has locked in a lineup that will make this June’s event one of the year’s most competitive military demonstration slots—pairing the U.S. Navy Blue Angels with a rare dual fifth-generation stealth fighter configuration that few shows can claim.
The show runs June 13–14 at Dayton International Airport in Vandalia, Ohio. It marks the 52nd annual edition at the nation’s birthplace of aviation. For the first time, organizers have confirmed both the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team and the U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II Demo Team will perform at the same show—a significant pairing that underscores the Dayton Air Show’s standing on the 2026 demo circuit.
Fifth-Gen Bookends and Navy Carrier Innovation
The F-35C Demo Team is making its Dayton debut this year. The team performs at only a select handful of airshows annually. Unlike the Air Force’s F-22, the F-35C is the Navy’s carrier-variant fifth-generation stealth fighter, designed explicitly for operations from the deck of an aircraft carrier. The jet entered service in 2019. It represents a fundamentally different mission profile—advanced stealth technology paired with carrier integration, higher payload capacity, and supersonic agility. Seeing both the F-22 and F-35C in the same flying show demonstrates the full spectrum of contemporary U.S. stealth fighter development.
The F-22 Raptor Demo Team, based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, has logged more than 250 demonstrations since its 2007 debut. The 14-person unit includes a pilot, safety officer, superintendent, avionics specialists, and public affairs staff. The F-22 itself remains one of the world’s most advanced air superiority platforms—the Air Force maintains approximately 187 Raptors following production’s conclusion in 2012.
Blue Angels Return, Warbirds, and Full Static Lineup
The Blue Angels headline the civilian-military mix. They fly the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet and Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules. The Navy’s flagship demonstration squadron—in continuous operation since 1946—will bring their signature eight-jet formation to Dayton for what organizers call an “incredible 51st celebration” return to the airfield.
The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the vintage aircraft collective Class of ’45 round out the flying card. Class of ’45 features a restored F4U Corsair and P-51 Mustang “Quick Silver.” The show will also include USAF F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon flybys, a USMC CH-53 Sea Stallion demo, USAF MH-139 Grey Wolf demo, aerobatic routines from Kyle Fowler’s Go-EZ Aerobatics and Aarron Deliu, and the historic Tora! Tora! Tora! formation.
Ground displays anchor a full static park: B-52H Stratofortress, F-35A Lightning II, C-5M Super Galaxy, and multiple fighter variants. The T-34 Association has confirmed both static aircraft and aerial demonstration participation, aiming to bring at minimum 16 Beechcraft trainers to the field.
Pre-Show and Attendance Details
The Vandalia Flight Fest Presented by the Dayton Air Show runs Friday, June 12 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Vandalia Recreation Center. Admission is free—tickets required—with live music from the As You Were Army Band and Dayton native Alexis Gomez. Organizers will host meet-and-greets with Blue Angels, F-22 and F-35C demo teams, and Golden Knights pilots at the pre-show event.
Gates open at 9 a.m. both weekend days. Flying action begins around 10 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. The show is being marketed under the America 250 celebration banner, tying Dayton’s aviation legacy to the nation’s broader heritage commemoration.
Seating and reserved areas typically sell out well in advance. Spectators can expect a four-hour flying show plus extensive aerobatic performances, Huey helicopter rides, and family entertainment throughout the midway.
Stay in the loop
Get the latest airshow spectacle updates delivered to your inbox.