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The 2026 air show season is into its last few weekends, and both of America’s jet demonstration teams still have shows to fly. If you want to see the US Navy Blue Angels or the US Air Force Thunderbirds before they go into winter training, these are the remaining dates, from late October to the Blue Angels’ homecoming in Pensacola in early November.
Dates below are from the teams’ official schedules (Blue Angels, Thunderbirds) and the FAA’s 2026 military demonstration air show notice, checked on 19 October 2026. Military schedules can change at short notice, so confirm with each show before you travel.
Remaining Blue Angels and Thunderbirds shows in 2026
| Dates | Team | Show | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–25 Oct | Blue Angels | Amigo Airsho | El Paso, Texas |
| 24–25 Oct | Thunderbirds | Frontiers in Flight Open House & Air Show | McConnell AFB, Wichita, Kansas |
| 31 Oct–1 Nov | Blue Angels | Air Dot Show Atlanta | Peachtree City, Georgia |
| 31 Oct–1 Nov | Thunderbirds | Wings Over Houston Airshow | Ellington Airport, Houston, Texas |
| 6–7 Nov | Blue Angels | NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show | NAS Pensacola, Florida |
| 7–8 Nov | Thunderbirds | Special event at Kennedy Space Center | Kennedy Space Center, Florida |
The last weekend of October is the only one where both teams fly on the same days, in different states. If you are choosing between them, the Blue Angels fly the F/A-18 Super Hornet with the C-130J “Fat Albert” in support, while the Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Blue Angels: the last three shows of 2026
Amigo Airsho, El Paso, Texas (24–25 October)
The Blue Angels head to West Texas for the Amigo Airsho. The FAA’s notice also lists the USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team for this show, so it is a strong weekend for fast-jet fans.
Air Dot Show Atlanta, Peachtree City, Georgia (31 October–1 November)
Halloween weekend brings the team to Peachtree City, south of Atlanta. The FAA notice lists the USAF F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team on the same programme.
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, NAS Pensacola, Florida (6–7 November)
The season ends where the team is based. The homecoming show at Naval Air Station Pensacola is one of the best-value shows in the country: according to the official FAQ, admission, parking and blanket seating are free, with paid upgraded seating available. Gates open at 8:00 am on Friday and Saturday, the show starts at 9:30 am, and the Blue Angels fly last, at around 2:00 pm. The FAA notice also lists the F-16 Viper and F-35A demonstration teams.
Pack light for Pensacola. Most bags, including backpacks and camera bags, are not allowed; small purses and diaper bags are accepted after a search. Cameras must be hand-carried. Chairs and blankets are welcome, but pop-up tents are not, and outside food and drink are not allowed. November mornings can be windy on the tarmac, so bring layers.
Thunderbirds: the last three shows of 2026
Frontiers in Flight, McConnell AFB, Wichita, Kansas (24–25 October)
An open house and air show at McConnell Air Force Base. As a military base show, expect security screening at the gate and stricter rules on bags. Check the base’s guidance before you go.
Wings Over Houston, Ellington Airport, Texas (31 October–1 November)
Run by volunteers from the Commemorative Air Force with the Lone Star Flight Museum and others, Wings Over Houston is known for its World War II warbirds as much as for its modern jets. With the Thunderbirds headlining in 2026, it is one of the most varied shows of the autumn. See the Wings Over Houston event listing on our calendar.
Kennedy Space Center, Florida (7–8 November)
The Thunderbirds’ season finale is at Kennedy Space Center. Space Coast weather in November is usually mild, but bring sun protection: there is little shade on an open field.
Other military jet demos still flying this autumn
If neither team is near you, the single-ship demonstration teams are still on the circuit. From the FAA’s list:
- San Marcos, Texas (6–8 November): USAF F-22 Raptor Demo
- Punta Gorda, Florida, Florida International Air Show (7–8 November): USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo
- Stuart, Florida, Stuart Air Show (13–15 November): USAF F-16 Viper Demo, plus a Friday night show with fireworks and a drone finale. See our Stuart Air Show 2026 night show guide
How to plan a jet team show day
- Check the day. Military jet teams do not always fly every day of a multi-day event, so confirm which days your team is scheduled.
- Arrive early. Big military shows draw very large crowds, and traffic around the gates can be heavy before the team flies.
- Protect your hearing. Jet teams are loud, especially at crowd centre. Ear defenders are essential for young children.
- Bring your own seat. General admission at most shows means standing or sitting on the ground.
- Read the bag policy. Base shows such as Pensacola and McConnell often have tighter rules than civilian ones.
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For young fans, a picture book about the team makes a good souvenir or a pre-show primer:
Our Amazon product boxes go to the US store (Amazon.com), so prices show in US dollars and can change at any time. If you are buying from outside the US, check delivery and import charges before you order.
Looking ahead to 2027
The Blue Angels have already published their 2027 schedule. The season opens on 13 March 2027 at the NAF El Centro Festival of Flight in California, the team’s winter training base. The team then returns to Pensacola for the Pensacola Beach Air Show on 17 July and the homecoming on 5–6 November 2027. In April 2027 the team is also scheduled for Sun ’n Fun in Lakeland, Florida; see the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo 2027 listing. Check the Thunderbirds’ official schedule for their 2027 dates as they are released.
For more show planning, see our guide to the best airshows in the USA in 2026, the companion podcast episode, or browse every upcoming event on the AviatorFinds events calendar. New to air shows? Our piece on why airshows are the ultimate celebration of aviation explains what makes them special.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last Blue Angels show of 2026?
The Blue Angels’ final show of 2026 is the NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show on 6–7 November 2026. The team is scheduled to fly at about 2:00 pm on both days.
When is the last Thunderbirds show of 2026?
The Thunderbirds’ last scheduled show of 2026 is at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on 7–8 November 2026, according to the team’s official schedule.
Is the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show free?
Yes. Admission, parking and blanket seating are free at the NAS Pensacola Homecoming Air Show. Upgraded seating, such as boxed seats and the Flight Line Club, is available to buy.
Where do the Blue Angels open their 2027 season?
The 2027 season opens on 13 March 2027 with the NAF El Centro Festival of Flight at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California.
What aircraft do the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds fly?
The Blue Angels fly the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, supported by the C-130J “Fat Albert”. The Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Plan your next air show trip
Browse upcoming shows on our events calendar, or find airports, airfields and flight schools in the AviatorFinds directory.
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