Note that this opens later today…
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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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.
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
______________________________________________________________________
California Capital Airshow | (916) 876-7568 insider@californiacapitalairshow.com | https://CaliforniaCapitalAirshow.com/
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.
Greetings!
We’re just six days away from the colossal 2026 California Capital Airshow deep discount ticket launch. Per Wednesday’s email, below is a series of the most common ticket launch questions and answers.
The Short Version
Tickets launch Wednesday, June 24th, at Noon Pacific Time. You will receive an email with your unique link to purchase discount tickets at Noon on the 24th. We will reveal 2026 ticket pricing and full ticket details at launch on the 24th. Please be sure to add insider@californiacapitalairshow.com to your trusted email list.
There is a strictly limited quantity of discounted tickets. As each discount ticket block sells out, ticket prices increase. With the return of two national jet demonstration teams, single-ship military demos, and the Night Show, discount tickets will sell at a record pace.
We cannot emphasize this enough: if you want to secure your spot at the deepest discounts of the year, please buy at Noon on the 24th.
Additionally, in 2026, General Admission ticket quantities are reduced by 26% for more comfort. Because of the reduction, we expect a SELL OUT before show weekend. In 2025, General Admission tickets SOLD OUT before the Airshow Weekend.
Your Launch Questions and Answers
Below is Insider info and detailed answers based on all the calls and emails to the office.
What time does the Airshow start on October 10 & 11?
We’re bringing back the Night Show in 2026. That means you get the best of all worlds: day, breathtaking twilight, and a jaw-dropping night show! Parking gates open at 3 PM each day, flying begins at 4 PM, and the Night Show concludes at 8:30 PM. Because this is a fall show, it’s not only cooler weather, but sunset is also earlier.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE SET insider@californiacapitalairshow.com as a TRUSTED EMAIL ADDRESS! If you haven’t already, make sure to add insider@californiacapitalairshow.com to your trusted email list so you don’t miss the deep-discount launch email and important customer updates.
WHEN do Discount Tickets Go On Sale?
Insider ONLY discounted tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 24th at 12:00 PM (Noon) Pacific Time – ONLINE ONLY! As an AIR SHOW INSIDER®, you will receive a special email on June 24th at Noon, with your special discount ticket launch link. If you want a sweetheart deal at the lowest prices of the year, please buy during launch.
WHERE do Discount Tickets Go On Sale?
Discount tickets can be purchased securely online, using your Insider-Only Link. You will receive your special, Insider ONLY, purchase link via email on June 24th at 12:00 PM (Noon) Pacific Time.
What are the 2026 California Capital Airshow Ticket Prices?
As we’ve previously done, ticket pricing and full ticket package details for 2026 airshow tickets will be released on launch day, Wednesday, June 24th. Click on your launch email (June 24th) at Noon for package details, pricing, and purchase links.
ONLY Insiders Get up to HALF OFF CCA Admission at Launch
Buy at launch, and you SAVE up to HALF OFF and get first dibs on 2026 California Capital Airshow tickets (not available to the public). The deep discount launch pricing EXPIRES (if discount quantities remain) on Tuesday, June 30th at 11:59 PM Pacific Time or after individual ticket blocks sell out.
All discount ticket purchases are online ONLY using most major credit cards. You can buy tickets on desktop, tablet, or mobile.
2026 Airshow Ticket Types:
Our goal is to provide you with the ultimate air show experience possible at a range of price points. Ticket types include everything from an affordable day of aviation thrills for the whole family to an ultra-premium airshow experience. There’s something for everyone, including families!
Below is a brief overview of 2026 ticket types. We’ve carefully analyzed and tweaked our ticketing options. In 2026, we’re also going with new aviation-related names. You can expect full ticket details and pricing on Wednesday, June 24th.
Very Limited Discount Ticket Quantities & Time
Once ticket purchases exceed a certain threshold, or after the ticket launch ends on Tuesday, June 30th, prices will increase. Again, deep ticket discounts are limited by time and quantity. So please don’t miss your chance to SAVE BIG!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY TICKETS (Reduced Numbers for 2026):
Please note: This means that once the launch purchase quantity limits above are reached, tickets will move to the next price level.
If You Have Any Ticket Purchase Issues After Launch
If you have any issues with your ticket purchase AFTER Noon on June 24th, please contact our ticket service provider, EventSprout, or click the support link in your purchase confirmation email.
We need to emphasize that EventSprout can only help you AFTER tickets launch at Noon on June 24th. EventSprout customer service representatives are great at helping our Airshow customers.
Thank you for reading the most common ticket launch questions and answers. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Have a great day,
“Az”
Your California Capital Air Show Insider
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
______________________________________________________________________
California Capital Airshow | (916) 876-7568 insider@californiacapitalairshow.com | https://CaliforniaCapitalAirshow.com/
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.
Greetings!
We’re just one week away from the massive 2026 discount ticket launch, and anticipation is spooling up! The office has received hundreds of emails and telephone inquiries regarding the discount ticket launch.
Next Wednesday, the 24th, at Noon Pacific Time, keep a watchful eye out for your exclusive ticket launch email. Your June 24th email will give you special access to deep-discount 2026 Airshow tickets via a unique link.
Tickets to Sell Out
We cannot emphasize this enough … please purchase your tickets at launch. Last year, several discount ticket blocks sold out in minutes after launch.
To create a better experience for everyone, we’ve slashed daily capacity by thousands. That means a better overall experience for you, your family, and friends.
As an AIR SHOW INSIDER, you get to purchase tickets at the year’s lowest prices. Plus, you get special access to tickets and deep discounts that are not available to the public. As ticket blocks sell out, ticket prices increase.
Over the next 7 days, we will send you a series of essential launch-prep emails in bite-sized chunks. This includes exciting ticket experience upgrades and maybe even a surprise or two.
With the return of cooler fall weather … not one but two national jet teams (US Air Force Thunderbirds and Royal Canadian AF Snowbirds), the Night Show Spectacular with a pyro musical finale, and some of the most elite military and civilian pilots in the world, tickets will SELL OUT at a record pace.
Let the countdown begin!
“Az”
Your California Capital Air Show Insider
P.S. – On Ticket Pricing: Because several people have asked, and as we’ve done for years, we’ll release ticket pricing at launch. Rest assured, there are tickets at a variety of price points – everything from great family value to an ultra-high-end VIP experience.
To be as upfront as possible, we’ll display all-in pricing for this year’s Airshow tickets. No hidden fees; what you see is what you pay.
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
______________________________________________________________________
California Capital Airshow | (916) 876-7568 insider@californiacapitalairshow.com | https://CaliforniaCapitalAirshow.com/
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.
Greetings!
So, you’ve got the U.S. Air Force (Thunderbirds & F-35A Demo), Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, joined by some of the best military and civilian aviators, and now the U.S. Navy brings even more fun to Sacramento. We’re less than two weeks away from the massive launch of discount tickets for 2026. And …
Today, we’re thrilled to announce the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Demonstration!
Come out to Mather Airport on October 10th & 11th, and experience the full-tilt capabilities of the Navy’s extraordinary aircraft. The use of maximum afterburner will leave you spellbound as the skies above Sacramento come alive with freedom’s roar!
The VFA-122 West Coast Rhino Demo Team
From our friends “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 Tactical Demonstration you will see flies the Super Hornet as close to the “edge of the envelope” as safety and prudence allow.
You have to see it to believe it. And the only place to get up close to the action is at the Airshow!
Here’s to a great day,
“Az”
Your California Capital Air Show Insider
P.S. – 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 Airshow 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 (with reduced attendance and more space!).
Deeply discounted tickets launch on Wednesday, June 24 at Noon Pacific Time. And keep an eye on your email for your special access link!
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
______________________________________________________________________
California Capital Airshow | (916) 876-7568 insider@californiacapitalairshow.com | https://CaliforniaCapitalAirshow.com/
Royal Canadian Legion, US Branch #25 