The biggest air shows in the United States mix military jet demonstration teams, civilian aerobatics, warbirds and static displays. This guide lists the major recurring shows, with timing taken from each organizer's own website, and explains what the two main military jet teams fly. Dates change every year and performers can change without notice, so always check the organizer's page before you buy tickets.
Key Takeaways
- EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the largest fly-in. Its 2027 dates are July 26 to August 1, and news coverage reported a record of about 734,000 visitors in 2026.
- The Blue Angels have flown since 1946. The Thunderbirds fly six F-16s in a show built around a four-ship Diamond formation.
- The National Championship Air Races left Reno-Stead after 2023, so older lists that still show Reno are out of date.
- Seating at the big shows is limited and typically sells out well in advance, according to the Dayton show.
Major US Air Shows
Each row below comes from the show's own website. "Next listed" means the dates the organizer published when we checked in October 2026.
Major recurring US air shows| Show | Where | When | What the organizer says |
|---|
| EAA AirVenture Oshkosh | Oshkosh, Wisconsin | July 26 to August 1, 2027 (next listed) | Air shows, exhibits, workshops, family fun and entertainment. EAA calls it the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration. |
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| Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo | Lakeland, Florida | April 6 to 11, 2027 (next listed) | An aerospace expo with an airshow schedule published by the organizer. |
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| National Fuel Dayton Air Show | Dayton International Airport, Ohio | June 26 to 27, 2027 (next listed) | Lists the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as a performer. Seating is limited and typically sells out well in advance. |
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| Cleveland National Air Show | Burke Lakefront Airport, Cleveland, Ohio | Labor Day weekend (2026: September 5 to 7) | The 2026 show featured the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, military jet demonstrations, aerobatics and parachuting. |
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| Wings Over Houston | Houston, Texas | Check the organizer | The 2026 show listed the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. |
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| Great Tennessee Air Show | Smyrna Airport, Smyrna, Tennessee | June (2025: June 7 to 8) | The 2025 show featured the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. |
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Oshkosh has the biggest crowds. WSAW reported that the 2026 show drew approximately 734,000 attendees, a record, and that organizers counted 15,527 aircraft operations at Wittman Regional Airport between noon on July 16 and noon on July 27.
What Happened to the Reno Air Races?
The National Championship Air Races, once a fixture of the air show calendar, ended at Reno-Stead Airport after the 2023 races, according to reporting by AVweb and KUNC. The Reno Air Racing Association then asked other airports to bid to host the races. Older guides that still list Reno as a current show are out of date.
The Two Military Jet Teams
U.S. military jet demonstration teams (official team websites)| Team | Service | What they fly | Notes |
|---|
| Blue Angels | U.S. Navy and Marine Corps | F/A-18 Super Hornets, with a Marine Corps C-130J Super Hercules | Performing since 1946. The team marked its 80th anniversary in 2026 and publishes a show schedule on its website. |
|---|
| Thunderbirds | U.S. Air Force | F-16 Fighting Falcons | A mix of six aircraft in formation and solo routines, built around a four-ship Diamond formation and two solos. A smoke-generating system replaces the F-16's 20 mm cannon. |
|---|
The Air Force lists the F-16's speed as 1,500 mph (Mach 2 at altitude), its ceiling as above 50,000 feet and its ferry range as more than 2,002 miles. Neither team appears at every show. Each posts its own schedule, and a show that advertises one of them can change if the team's plans change.
Planning a Visit
- Buy early. Seating is limited at the big shows and typically sells out well in advance.
- Check the performers close to the date. Organizers say performers are subject to change without notice.
- Prepare for a long day outdoors. Sun protection, water and hearing protection for children are sensible at any show with jets.
- Read the official schedule. Flying times and ground displays are published by each show.
If you want to be around aircraft year round, our guide to aviation volunteering opportunities covers museums, fly-ins and other ways to get involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest air show in the US?
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin. WSAW reported record attendance of approximately 734,000 in 2026, and EAA lists the 2027 dates as July 26 to August 1.
Do the Blue Angels perform at every air show?
No. The Blue Angels publish their own show schedule at blueangels.navy.mil, and each show announces its performers separately. The Blue Angels have performed since 1946.
What aircraft do the Thunderbirds fly?
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly F-16 Fighting Falcons. Their show combines six aircraft in formation and solo routines, including a four-ship Diamond formation.
Are the Reno Air Races still held?
The National Championship Air Races ended at Reno-Stead Airport after the 2023 races. The Reno Air Racing Association then sought a new host location.
When is the Cleveland National Air Show?
On Labor Day weekend at Burke Lakefront Airport. The 2026 show was September 5 to 7 and featured the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
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