Best Airshows in the USA 2027: Must-See Aviation Events

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Quick answer: The biggest US airshows of 2027 include SUN ‘n FUN in Lakeland, Florida (6–11 April), EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin (26 July–1 August), the Chicago Air & Water Show (14–15 August), the Cleveland National Air Show (4–6 September), the MCAS Miramar Air Show in San Diego (25–26 September) and San Francisco Fleet Week (9–10 October). Some dates, including Thunder Over Louisville, are still to be confirmed.

The US air show season runs from March to November, with hundreds of events from small fly-ins to huge military open houses. This guide picks out the shows most worth travelling for in 2027 and gives the dates we could confirm from official sources. Where a date has not been announced, we say so. It is part of our Air Shows 2027 guide.

Planning your airshow trip? Use the AviatorFinds directory to find aviation museums and airports and airfields near each show.

US airshows 2027 at a glance

ShowLocation2027 datesHeadline military teamSource
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace ExpoLakeland, FL6–11 AprilBlue Angels (10–11 April)SUN ‘n FUN; Blue Angels
Thunder Over LouisvilleLouisville, KYDates TBCTBCNot yet announced
EAA AirVenture OshkoshOshkosh, WI26 July–1 AugustVariesEAA
Boeing SeafairSeattle, WA7–8 August (Blue Angels dates)Blue AngelsBlue Angels
Chicago Air & Water ShowChicago, IL14–15 AugustThunderbirds (preliminary)Thunderbirds release
Cleveland National Air ShowCleveland, OH4–6 SeptemberThunderbirdsCleveland National Air Show
MCAS Miramar Air ShowSan Diego, CA25–26 SeptemberBlue AngelsBlue Angels
San Francisco Fleet WeekSan Francisco, CA9–10 OctoberBlue AngelsBlue Angels
Jacksonville Beach air showJacksonville Beach, FL23–24 OctoberBlue AngelsBlue Angels
Blue Angels HomecomingNAS Pensacola, FL5–6 NovemberBlue AngelsBlue Angels

Dates checked in October 2026 against the Blue Angels 2027 schedule, SUN ‘n FUN, EAA, the Cleveland National Air Show and published reports of the Thunderbirds’ preliminary 2027 schedule. Where a show runs over more days than the jet team flies, we give the jet team dates and note it.

1. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Oshkosh is the largest aviation event in the US and a pilgrimage for pilots worldwide. EAA reported about 734,000 visitors and more than 10,000 aircraft in 2026. The 2027 show runs from 26 July to 1 August. Read our full Oshkosh AirVenture guide for tickets, camping and tips.

2. SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo

Held at Lakeland Linder International Airport in Florida, SUN ‘n FUN opens the big-show season with a week of general aviation exhibits, forums and daily air shows. The 2027 event runs from 6 to 11 April, and the Blue Angels are scheduled to perform on 10–11 April. It is a good choice if you want Oshkosh-style general aviation in the spring sunshine.

3. Chicago Air & Water Show

One of the biggest free air shows in the country, flown over the Lake Michigan shoreline. The Thunderbirds’ preliminary schedule lists Chicago on 14–15 August 2027. Arrive early for a spot on the beach, and expect large crowds.

4. Cleveland National Air Show

A Labor Day weekend tradition at Burke Lakefront Airport. The organisers have confirmed the Thunderbirds for 4–6 September 2027.

5. MCAS Miramar Air Show

One of the largest military air shows in the US, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. The Blue Angels are scheduled for 25–26 September 2027. Expect heavy traffic and plan to use the show’s parking and shuttle arrangements.

6. San Francisco Fleet Week

The Blue Angels perform over San Francisco Bay during Fleet Week, scheduled for 9–10 October 2027 on the team’s calendar. The bay and waterfront offer free viewing, though the best spots fill early.

7. Thunder Over Louisville

Traditionally one of the largest fireworks and air show events in the US, held in spring as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Dates for 2027 are TBC; check the Kentucky Derby Festival’s announcements.

Regional shows worth a look

  • Blue Angels Homecoming, NAS Pensacola (5–6 November): the team’s home show, which closes their season.
  • Boeing Seafair, Seattle (Blue Angels on 7–8 August): flown over Lake Washington.
  • Dayton Air Show, Ohio (Thunderbirds, preliminary 26–27 June): a long-running show close to the National Museum of the US Air Force.
  • Pacific Airshow, Huntington Beach, California (Thunderbirds, preliminary 2–3 October): a beach show flown over the ocean.

For every Blue Angels and Thunderbirds date in 2027, see our jet team schedule.

Airshow planning checklist

  1. Confirm the date on the show’s official website a few weeks before you travel.
  2. Book accommodation early, especially for Oshkosh and the big military shows.
  3. Buy tickets in advance where the show sells them; free shows can still charge for premium seating and parking.
  4. Check the security rules, particularly at military bases.
  5. Pack ear defenders, sun cream, water and a hat.
  6. Bring a folding chair where allowed, and check the bag policy.
  7. Have a weather plan. Displays can be cut or cancelled at short notice.

Make a weekend of it. Find airports and airfields and aviation museums near each show in the AviatorFinds directory.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest airshow in the US?

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, with about 734,000 visitors in 2026 according to EAA.

When is Oshkosh 2027?

26 July to 1 August 2027.

When is SUN ‘n FUN 2027?

6 to 11 April 2027 in Lakeland, Florida.

When is Thunder Over Louisville 2027?

The 2027 date had not been announced when we checked in October 2026.

Official sources

Further reading

Dates were checked in October 2026 and can change. Always confirm with the show organiser before you travel.

Where to stay for airshows across the USA

Hotels near the big shows fill up quickly. Zoom into the map around the show you’re planning to visit.

Affiliate disclosure: AviatorFinds participates in affiliate programmes, including Amazon Associates. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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