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.
Dates: September 25–27, 2026
Location: MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California
Admission and parking: Free general admission and parking
Entry: Attendees 18 and older need valid government-issued identification
Official updates: Miramar Air Show official website
Confirmed 2026 Miramar performers
The following acts are listed by the official event as of July 2026. The lineup remains subject to change, and the detailed daily flying order may be published closer to show weekend.
| Confirmed performer | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 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 Blue Angels’ official 2026 schedule lists MCAS Miramar for September 26–27, while the overall Miramar event is open September 25–27. That distinction matters when planning: Friday is part of the public air show, but spectators specifically traveling for the Blue Angels should verify the final day-by-day schedule before attending.
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.
When will the daily Miramar schedule be available?
The organizer maintains a dedicated schedule page, but individual start times and the flying order can change. Use the lineup to plan what you want to see, then check the official Miramar schedule during show week. Military operations, weather and maintenance can all affect the program.
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. Non-U.S. citizens should bring valid documentation showing their current legal status in the United States.
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.
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. Both the official Miramar lineup and Blue Angels schedule confirm MCAS Miramar. The Blue Angels schedule lists September 26–27, so check the final Friday schedule if that is your planned attendance day.
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.
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