You can see the F-35 at selected U.S. air shows in 2026, but the aircraft and demonstration format vary by event. The U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team is based at Hill Air Force Base, while Marine Corps events can feature the short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing F-35B. A performer listing should say whether it is a full demonstration, a flyover or a static display.
Confirmed upcoming 2026 F-35 appearances
| Dates | Event | F-35 appearance |
|---|---|---|
| August 1–2 | Arctic Lightning Open House, Eielson AFB, Alaska | U.S. Air Force F-35A Demonstration Team |
| September 25–27 | MCAS Miramar Air Show, San Diego, California | U.S. Marine Corps F-35B demonstration |
This is a verified planning list, not a claim that these are the only F-35 appearances remaining in 2026. The Air Force announced a 20-show U.S. season for its F-35A team, but schedules can change and a single authoritative public table was not available when this guide was updated. Use the verification process below for any show you are considering.
F-35A versus F-35B demonstrations
F-35A Lightning II
The F-35A is the conventional-takeoff-and-landing Air Force variant. Its demonstration profile highlights acceleration, tight turns, high-angle-of-attack handling and other capabilities in a single-ship routine. The official Air Force team is assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
F-35B Lightning II
The Marine Corps F-35B can perform short takeoffs and vertical landings. At an air show, its demonstration may include a slow pass or hover that the F-35A cannot perform. The exact profile depends on the site, weather and operational approval.
F-35C Lightning II
The carrier-capable F-35C has larger wings and is designed for aircraft-carrier operations. It can appear in a flyover or static display, but an event listing an “F-35” should not be assumed to mean a dedicated F-35C demonstration.
F-35 appearances already held in 2026
Official Air Force media document the F-35A demonstration at Fiesta of Flight at Laughlin AFB in March, FIDAE in Chile in April, the Oregon International Air Show at Hillsboro in May and the Columbus Air Show in June. These examples confirm that the team is active in 2026, but they are past events and should not be used as future travel dates.
How to verify an F-35 before traveling
- Check the official F-35A Demonstration Team page.
- Open the host event’s current performer page and identify the variant: F-35A, F-35B or F-35C.
- Look for the exact format: demonstration, flyover or static display.
- Confirm the performance day. A multi-day event may not present the same lineup every day.
- Recheck during show week because weather, maintenance and operational requirements can change military participation.
For major events beyond the F-35, see the 2026 air show schedule. The 2026 MCAS Miramar guide has current event, admission and access details.
What “F-35 static display” means
A static display is a parked aircraft available for ground viewing. It can be an excellent chance to see the airframe closely and talk with aircrew, but it does not promise a flying performance. Likewise, a flyover can be only one or two passes rather than the full demonstration routine.
2026 F-35 air show FAQ
Is the F-35A Demonstration Team active in 2026?
Yes. The 388th Fighter Wing announced Maj. Sean “Rambo” Loughlin as the team’s 2026 commander and pilot and said the team was scheduled to visit 20 U.S. air shows from March through November.
Will the F-35 perform at Eielson in 2026?
Yes, according to Eielson AFB’s official Arctic Lightning Open House page. It lists the F-35A Demonstration Team for both August 1 and August 2.
Will the F-35 perform at Miramar in 2026?
Yes. The official Miramar Air Show site lists a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B demonstration. The event runs September 25–27, but visitors should check the daily flying schedule when it is published.
Does every F-35 listing mean a full demonstration?
No. It may be a full demonstration, a flyover or a static display. The host’s current performer description is the best source for the promised format.
Official sources
- 388th Fighter Wing: F-35A Demonstration Team
- 388th Fighter Wing: 2026 team commander announcement
- Eielson AFB: Arctic Lightning Open House
- Official MCAS Miramar Air Show
The F-35A Demonstration Team joined the Thunderbirds and Snowbirds at Columbus in 2026; see our Columbus Air Show recap and 2027 status.
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