A reminder that as we mentioned in a previous entry – see Government of Canada to procure new aircraft for the iconic Canadian Forces Snowbirds – the 2026 season will be the last time the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be using their Candair CT-114 Tutor aircraft, and the CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC21) won’t ready until the early 2030s.  So be sure to catch this last Snowbird performance for the next 3-5 years.

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Greetings!

We’re one day away from the colossal 2026 California Capital Airshow deep discount ticket launch. We admit it. Normally, the hyperbole is a bit much. This year, we totally mean it.

If you want to secure your tickets at the lowest prices of the year, please buy them at launch. Just like 2025, this year’s Airshow is headed to SOLD OUT.

That said, please allow us a few moments to pile on all the “awesomeness” you get to see up close …

It’s America’s 250th Birthday, and we’re elated to host the US Air Force Thunderbirds with their 6-jet Fighting Falcon demonstration, plus the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds and their 9-jet demo of precision and grace.

Pumped, psyched, and all the other positive hyperbole describes how we feel about this year’s show. But it’s not (with all due respect) just because of the Thunderbirds and Snowbirds.

Not only are we bringing the California Capital Airshow back to the cool, comfortable days (and nights) of October, but we’re also adding heaps of afterburner to stoke a must-see experience. Here are some of the notable friends and family you get to see (up close) …

US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet “Rhino” Demo

From our friends from “down the road” at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, Strike Fighter Squadron 122 is proud to showcase the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet to audiences around the world. The use of maximum afterburner will leave you spellbound as the skies above Sacramento come alive with freedom’s roar!

US Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demo

Don’t blink. The Lightning II will light its afterburners and rapidly accelerate to just below the speed of sound, tearing through the Sacramento sky. Watch the F-35A demo pilot bite into the air with aggressive angles of attack, pulling almost 9Gs. That’s nine times the force of gravity!

Air Force Heritage Flight

The iconic P-47 Thunderbolt will join the fifth-gen F-35A Lightning II as we honor the past and present with the Air Force Heritage Flight.

Kyle Fowler’s Long-EZ

This one-of-a-kind performance features smooth aerobatic maneuvers such as loops, rolls, wingovers, and a ‘Humpty Bump’ highlighting Long-EZ’s distinctive canard design, often leaving the audience trying to figure out exactly how the airplane even flies.

“But, wait, there’s more …”

Based on overwhelming demand, we are bringing back the Night Show to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in the BIGGEST, BRIGHTEST & LOUDEST way possible!

Bob Carlton & his JET POWERED Glider
You do not want to miss this graceful jet-powered sailplane’s aerobatics, featuring lights and over 800 pyrotechnic devices. As the sun sets, Bob Carlton will own the night!

Redline Airshows

Piloted by the dynamic father-son duo of Ken and Austin Rieder, Redline Airshows brings high-energy, precision formation aerobatics to the Sacramento skies in their custom Van’s RV-8 aircraft. Equipped with specially modified wingtips, Ken and Austin will light up the night by launching dazzling fireworks directly from their aircraft!

This year’s ‘Magic in the Air’ will close at 8:00 pm (Saturday & Sunday) with a choreographed pyro-musical fireworks and an unbelievable drone show! We’re celebrating the Airshow’s 20th Anniversary and America’s 250th Birthday.

In 2024, Night show attendees raved about the drone show using words such as “awesome, spectacular, mind-blowing, and beautiful.”

And the icing on the cake comment:

“Most amazing thing I have seen in my life!!!”

Last but not least, more performers, unbelievable ground display aircraft, and fun are headed to Sacramento! Stay tuned to your inbox for more performer and ground display announcements after launch.

Buckle up, Sacramento!

“Az”

Your California Capital Air Show Insider

P.S. – Deep discount California Capital Airshow tickets launch this Wednesday, June 24th, at noon Pacific Time! The ticket launch lets you purchase tickets at the year’s lowest prices. Stay tuned to your email on June 24th at Noon for your exclusive discount purchase link. And remember, with our new transparent pricing, the price you see is the price you pay. No hidden fees at checkout!

P.P.S. – With the return of the US Air Force Thunderbirds, America’s 250th Birthday, the return of the Night Show, plus some of the best pilots in the world, tickets will SELL OUT at record pace. Please buy early for the deepest discounts of the year.

2026 California Capital Airshow

Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday with the

United States Air Force Thunderbirds
and the
Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds!
October 10-11, 2026

Sacramento Mather Airport – KMHR

Presented by Sacramento County in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova

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California Capital Airshow | (916) 876-7568 insider@californiacapitalairshow.com | https://CaliforniaCapitalAirshow.com/