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!

Less than 30 days until launch! Here are some updated details to get you spooled up.

Wednesday, June 24th, at noon Pacific Time, marks CCA’s 2026 deep discount ticket launch! As an Air Show Insider, you get the first chance to purchase tickets, scoring special deep discounts not available to the general public. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your spot at the year’s lowest prices!

Discount Tickets Will Sell Out Quickly

We are going all out to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday! Prepare to be left slack-jawed with the return of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the spectacular Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, and some of the best pilots in the world!

Even better, we are bringing back an upgraded Night Show for BOTH Saturday and Sunday! Featuring heart-pounding flying performances, jaw-dropping fireworks, and the thrill of afterburners against the twilight sky, this year’s event promises unforgettable moments.

2026 Ticket & Event Revamp: We Heard You!

We read years of survey responses, and your message was clear. You told us what you loved and what needed fixing, and we are taking action:

Cooler Weather

We heard your feedback on the summer heat! We are thrilled to officially return to our traditional October dates for a much more comfortable experience.

Expanded General Admission

We’ve redesigned the layout to give GA ticket holders much more space to spread out along the runway and better views of the show.

Upgraded Premium Experiences

We are bringing back true exclusivity to our premium areas with more shade, private restrooms, enhanced food and beverage offerings, and great views of all the aviation action.

There’s something for everyone at a range of price points. Stay tuned to your inbox for all the exciting details!

A “SOLD OUT!” Airshow is Expected

Given the monster lineup, the return of cooler Fall weather, and peak demand for the Night Show, we expect this year’s Airshow to sell out before the weekend. Previous years saw tickets sell out quickly, so securing your discounted tickets at launch will ensure you don’t miss out on our best and most comfortable show to date.

IMPORTANT – Don’t Miss the Deep Discounts & Essential Show Updates

We want to make sure you receive the launch email and important show updates. If you haven’t already, please add insider@californiacapitalairshow.com to your trusted email list or address book.

If you have any questions, please hit reply and let us know. We’ll be sending additional ticket launch details in the coming weeks.

Have a wonderful weekend,

“Az”

Your California Capital Air Show Insider

2026 California Capital Airshow

Celebrating 20 Years & 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

______________________________________________________________________

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

Due to the aging nature of the Candair CT-114 Tutor aircraft, the Government of Canada has announced that it will be replacing them with the CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC21).  However, the Tutors will go out of service at the end of 2026, but the replacement program not expected to be fully ready until the early 2030s.

All the more reason to make sure that you catch the Snowbirds when they come to the California Capital Airshow on 10-11 October 2026.

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“For 55 years, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds have been a powerful symbol of excellence for Canadians at home and abroad. Their performances have brought Canadians together in moments of celebration and resilience, while showcasing the professionalism and dedication of the Canadian Armed Forces. As the Royal Canadian Air Force advances its air and space modernization efforts, we remain firmly committed to a future air demonstration capability that continues this proud legacy. The skilled members of 431 Squadron will carry forward their expertise, teamwork, and passion, so that Canadians can continue to be inspired by the Royal Canadian Air Force for generations to come.”

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

“For decades, the Snowbirds have inspired Canadians from coast to coast to coast with performances that reflect the professionalism and experience of the Royal Canadian Air Force. I know that the Snowbirds hold a special importance to the community of Moose Jaw and to Saskatchewan as a whole. Today’s commitment to future air demonstration capability ensures that this proud tradition will continue, all while supporting the next generation of aviators and maintaining Moose Jaw’s enduring role as a home for both military flight training in Canada and the Snowbirds themselves. As we honour the remarkable legacy of the CT-114 Tutor, we also look ahead with confidence to the future of the Snowbirds and of Moose Jaw.”

The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development

“The members of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron – the Canadian Forces Snowbirds – past and present have been more than ambassadors for the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Air Force: they have been a source of pride and inspiration for generations. Their skill, professionalism, teamwork, and dedication have left an indelible mark on Canada’s aviation heritage. Like so many Canadians, I am immensely proud of all they have accomplished. As the iconic CT-114 Tutor prepares for its final flights, I encourage all Canadians to take in these last opportunities to witness this legendary aircraft and celebrate the team’s incredible 55-years of excellence.”

Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force

• The Canadair CT-114 Tutor was the primary jet trainer for the RCAF from 1963 until 2000. The Snowbirds have flown the Tutor since 1971. These aircraft were slightly modified for show features and enhanced performance during low-level aerobatic flying.
• 2026 will mark the final air show season for the CT-114 Tutor aircraft prior to the fleet’s retirement. The performance schedule for the Canadian Forces Snowbirds is available at:  https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/showcasing/snowbirds/schedule.html
• There are 86 Regular Force, Reserve Force, and public service personnel in 431 Air Demonstration Squadron of whom 56 are Regular Force members. These members will continue to contribute to the RCAF’s missions and modernization projects.
• The ‘Snowbirds’ received their name after a “Name the Team” contest was held at the local Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan base elementary school in June of 1971. The Snowbirds’ crest originates from the location of the Snowbirds’ home base in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. As a tribute to their home province, the Snowbirds’ crest displays four “speed birds” (a stylized emblem of a bird in flight) in formation, resembling an ear of wheat. The speed bird is also featured on the bottom of each Snowbird aircraft.
• Over the past 55 years, the Snowbirds performed as far north as Inuvik in 1974 where they were the first air demonstration team to fly a show at midnight (albeit in daylight due to summer daylight conditions in the Arctic). They flew as far south as Zapopan Military Air Base near Guadalajara, Mexico in 1993. They have flown shows as far west as Victoria, British Columbia, and as far east as St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
• 431 Air Demonstration Squadron traces its lineage to the RCAF’s Second World War 431 Bomber Squadron, formed in November 1942 and serving with RCAF No. 6 Group until September 1945.
• Canada’s Air Force has a proud history of forming air demonstration teams, from the Siskins from 1929 to 1932, to the Golden Hawks from 1959 to 1964, and the Golden Centennaires in 1967.
• The Snowbirds have performed over 2,700 air displays for over 140 million people and covered countless kilometres in North America.
• Ten CAF members have been lost while serving with and alongside the Snowbirds. Each Snowbird performance is dedicated to their memories.

Associated links

• Canadian Forces Snowbirds
• Royal Canadian Air Force
• Royal Canadian Air Force Facebook
• Royal Canadian Air Force X
• Royal Canadian Air Force Instagram

Alice Hansen
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: alice.hansen2@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

An update from the Capital Air Show this October that will feature the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

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Greetings!

Not only do you get the world-famous US Air Force Thunderbirds and Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds in an epic double-header … we’re also bringing you a night show spectacle in October that few people have experienced.

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

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!!!”

This year’s drone show returns to us from Starlight Aerial Productions, based in Michigan. The drone performance will feature American-made Lumenier ARORA drones, equipped with LED lights capable of creating more than 4 billion color combinations … all set to an epic pyro-musical finale.

 

That said, there’s only one place to see this sensory spectacle: Sacramento’s Mather Airport on October 10 & 11. Because our Airshow is returning to October, you can enjoy the entire night show experience with cooler temperatures.

Your Air Show Insider deep-discount ticket launch is June 24th. We’re expecting a SOLD OUT Airshow. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your spot at the lowest prices of the year while supplies last!

More fun to follow,

“Az”

Your California Capital Air Show Insider

2026 California Capital Airshow

Celebrating 20 Years & 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

______________________________________________________________________

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

An update from the Capital Air Show this October that will feature the Canadian Forces Snowbirds – and also this Canadian pilot.

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Greetings!

Let’s welcome this twin jet engine glider to Sacramento for the first time!

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

 

With the return of the Night Show, his performance will lead us into this year’s one-of-a-kind America 250th pyro musical. Get ready for a night to remember.

Bob Carlton’s Background

This retired rocket scientist began flying at the age of 19. He has since logged over 2,000 hours in a wide variety of aircraft and holds a commercial pilot certificate. Bob has flown hang gliders, airplanes, helicopters, and sailplanes from hundreds of sites in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

Bob has flown in air shows professionally since 1993. He lives in Moriarty, New Mexico, with his wife, Laurie, and their dog, Dewey.

We’re going vertical on October 10 & 11, 2026, at Mather Airport, and “we would be honored if you would join us!” -DV

Have a fantastic day,

“Az”

Your California Capital Air Show Insider

P.S. – Your Air Show Insider deep-discount ticket launch is June 24th. We’re expecting a SOLD OUT Airshow. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your spot at the lowest prices of the year while supplies last!

2026 California Capital Airshow

Celebrating 20 Years & 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

______________________________________________________________________

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

An update from the Capital Air Show this October that will feature the Canadian Forces Snowbirds – and also this Canadian pilot.

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Greetings! Get ready for this FIRST time performance at Mather Airport! Come check out Canadian Kyle Fowler’s unique, bright-yellow 1986 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. Kyle has a lifelong passion for aviation. He began announcing his father’s, Ken Fowler, Team Rocket Aerobatics performances at the age of 12. He earned his Private Pilot’s License at 21 and currently performs across North America in the one-and-only act in a Long-EZ. Make sure to stop by his aircraft to meet Kyle in person…his high-energy personality is out of this world! Have a great weekend, “Az” Your California Capital Air Show Insider 2026 California Capital Airshow Celebrating 20 Years & 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 ______________________________________________________________________ California Capital Airshow | (916) 876-7568 insider@californiacapitalairshow.com | https://CaliforniaCapitalAirshow.com/

California Capital Airshow | 10425 Norden Avenue | Mather, CA 95655 US