Thunderbirds Add 15 Shows to 2026 Season

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds have added 15 new performance dates to their 2026 schedule, bringing the team’s season total to a record-tying 67 demonstrations across North America.

The expansion, announced by Air Combat Command headquarters, responds to overwhelming demand from communities that lost Thunderbirds appearances during the pandemic-era scheduling cutbacks and haven’t been able to secure the team since.

The New Additions

Among the newly confirmed 2026 appearances:

• Reno Air Races (September) – First appearance since 2019
• Indianapolis Air Show (June) – Inaugural performance
• Chicago Air & Water Show (August) – Added second demonstration day
• Wings Over Houston (October) – Returns after 4-year gap
• Dayton Air Show (June) – Commemorating 100 years of military aviation at Wright-Patterson

“These are communities that have waited patiently,” said Major Jason Markzon, Thunderbirds operations officer. “When you haven’t seen the team in years, the anticipation builds. We’re excited to deliver.”

How Shows Get Selected

The Thunderbirds receive over 200 show requests annually for roughly 65 available slots. Selection criteria include:

• Geographic distribution – The team tries to reach all U.S. regions each season
• Community support – Local organization and military recruiting potential
• Venue suitability – Airspace, runway length, emergency facilities
• Rotation fairness – Sites that haven’t hosted recently get priority

“Every community that hosts us invests significant resources,” said Thunderbirds commander Lt. Col. David Sundlov. “We take that seriously. Our goal is to make every appearance count.”

The Pace of an Expanded Season

Performing 67 shows in a roughly seven-month flying season (March through November) means the team averages more than two performances per week during peak summer months. The grueling schedule requires careful management of aircraft maintenance and pilot fatigue.

“It’s demanding, no question,” Sundlov acknowledged. “But this is what we train for. Every show reaches thousands of people, plants seeds about military service, and represents the best of the Air Force. That mission drives us.”

Notable 2026 Season Highlights

Beyond the expanded schedule, several unique elements mark the 2026 season:

70th anniversary tributes: The Thunderbirds were established in 1953, and 2026 marks the team’s 73rd year. Select shows will feature historical flyovers and reunions with former team members.

Heritage flights: Multiple shows will pair the F-16s with P-51 Mustangs and F-86 Sabres, connecting Air Force aviation history.

Recruitment focus: Expanded meet-and-greet programs aim to bring pilots and maintainers directly to potential Air Force recruits.

Check the Schedule

The complete 2026 Thunderbirds schedule is available at afthunderbirds.com. Shows typically sell out quickly, and many venues offer early-access tickets for premium seating.

For communities not on the 2026 calendar, the application window for 2027 shows opens in November.