Tag Archives: California Capital Airshow

California Capital Airshow – Canadian Forces Snowbirds

Yesterday concluded the California Capital Airshow, and the final public performances of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in their Candair CT-114 Tutor aircraft. Below is a video collection of some of the footage that was shared on social media from the past few days.

Click on the image to load the video.

The clips in this video were taken from (in no particular order):

California Capital Airshow – Saturday Show

Yesterday, and continuing today, several members of Branch 25 had the opportunity to attend the California Capital Airshow and the final public performances of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in their Candair CT-114 Tutor aircraft.

The airshow featured the several World War II era P-51 Mustangs, the US Navy’s F/A-18F, a U-2 and T-38s from Beale Air Force Base U-2, and the US Air Force Thunderbirds in the air, as well as the C-5 Super Galaxy M, C-17 Globemaster II, and KC-135 Stratotanker from Travis Air Force Base on the ground.  There was even a Royal Canadian Air Force CT-102A Astra (Grob G-120A) down from 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (CFFTS) in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba.

However, members of the Royal Canadian Legion were there to see the Snowbirds in action. Below are some cell phone images , as well some video of their performance.

Click on any image to see the full size version.

Click on any image to see the full size version.

Finally, here are a few pictures from the CF Snowbirds themselves from that Saturday performance.

Taken from https://www.facebook.com/CFSnowbirdsFC/posts/pfbid028PuGdqqs1kmf9E8iAKjUJHEYJvVcCDQmZo7xp7HLoqcL1MZG6ww9LCymNxLwrpDl.

California Capital Airshow: Red, White & Brews

Last night was the official opening of the California Capital Airshow, with their kick off event – Red, White & Brews. It was a free, family-friendly event that took place in Modern Aviation’s Hangar One with live music from All Hat No Cattle, where guests of age could participate in the Brew Fest with tastings from 13 local breweries and distilleries. Additionally, folks could meet and interact with various airshow performers – including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

Branch 25 President, Michael Barbour, attended and handed our our Branch challenge coins to members of the Snowbird team. Below are some pictures from the event.

You’re invited: Red, White & Brews

A reminder that 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 (see Government of Canada to procure new aircraft for the iconic Canadian Forces Snowbirds).  So be sure to catch this second last Snowbird performance for the next 3-5 years.

Note that this event occurs the Thursday before the actual airshow, where you can meet some of the pilots – including some of the Snowbirds.


Would you like an opportunity to meet the USAF Thunderbirds and some of the best pilots in the world with a side of family fun?

You’re invited to the “Red, White and Brews” event to welcome this year’s performers and kick off Airshow weekend! This FREE, family-friendly event takes place Thursday, October 8th from 18:00 TO 21:00 at Modern Aviation’s Hangar One.

All ages are welcome to join us in celebrating the arrival of this year’s performers, including the USAF Thunderbirds, RCAF Snowbirds and many more.

Google Maps to Modern Aviation MHR

Rock out to live music with All Hat No Cattle, a Sacramento-based country band known for blending original music with crowd favorite covers. Their influences span all generations of country music delivering high-energy performances that keep audiences dancing.

Wristbands & the Food Truck Rodeo

Grab dinner from a variety of food trucks that will be on site with delicious bites for purchase, featuring Fry Boys, Hefty Gyro, Authentic Street Tacos, and The Mini Donut Shack.

Guests 21 and older can participate in the Brew Fest by purchasing a $40 wristband (on-site) for unlimited tastings from 12 local breweries and distilleries.

Kids 12 and under are encouraged to show their patriotic spirit in celebration of America’s 250th! Come dressed as an American icon, your favorite pilot or aviation team—or anything red, white and blue—for a patriotic costume contest, with prizes for the top three costumes! Adults can join in the fun too!

But that’s not all, kids of all ages are welcome to get up close to some of our performer’s aircraft in our Pet-A-Plane area, plus enjoy family-friendly games, and meet Airshow performers.

Have a great day!

“Az”

Your California Capital Air Show Insider

P.S. – September ticket discounts end Wednesday the 30th at 11:59 PM PT. Be sure to secure your spot and save; just click below:

*All fees included.

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

Gates Open at 12:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)

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

California Capital Air Show stratospheric ticket launch

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.


Greetings!

Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 24th, at 12:00 PM PT, marks the stratospheric launch of deep discount 2026 California Capital Airshow tickets!

You will receive an email at Noon tomorrow (6/24 – 12 PM Pacific Time) with your exclusive access link to deep discount 2026 Airshow tickets.

2026 Airshow to Sell Out!

In 2025, General Admission tickets SOLD OUT before Airshow weekend. There are a limited quantity of discounted tickets. As each discount ticket block sells out, ticket prices increase.

We received the following and numerous similar notes regarding Airshow tickets:

“I screen-shotted the announcement… but I didn’t set an alarm. When the weekend came upon us… sadly it was too late. The tickets that were available just a couple of weeks ago were all gone.”

Seriously, the last thing we want you to experience is the above sentiment. Please set an alarm or calendar event for Noon tomorrow, June 24th, and buy at launch.

Your Launch Questions and Answers

Below are updated 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. Because this is a fall show, it’s not only cooler weather, but sunset is also earlier. That means you get the best of all worlds: day, breathtaking twilight, and a jaw-dropping night show! Parking gates open at 12 PM (Noon) each day, flying begins at 4 PM, the sun sets at 6:20 PM, and the Night Show concludes at 8:00 PM.

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.

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. And remember, with our new transparent pricing, the price you see is the price you pay. No hidden fees at checkout!

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 at Noon Pacific Time.

  • General Admission: Free parking and admission for one Adult and up to six FREE Children (ages 15 and under). Good for one day only. You select which day works best for you during purchase.
  • First Class: An ultra-premium / elite Airshow experience. We’ve taken the best parts of Capital Club tickets and raised the bar on food, drinks, and comfort. Includes VIP parking, VIP restrooms, pilot meet and greet, plus other stunning First Class ONLY surprises. Limited to 250 tickets per day. This experience is the closest premium chalet to show center.
  • Business Class (previously Capital Club): VIP parking, VIP restrooms, complimentary beer, wine, signature cocktails, water and soda, complimentary snacks, buffet dinner and desserts, shaded tent to beat the heat, and oversized front yard with a great view of the show. Business Class tickets are good for one day only. Youth age 3 and older will need to purchase a ticket.
  • Premium Cabin (previously Flight Line Club): Free parking, complimentary water, lemonade and iced tea, buffet dinner, shaded tent to beat the heat, and oversized front yard with a great view of the show. Good for one day only. Youth age 3 and older will need to purchase a ticket.
  • Main Cabin (previously Mather Club): Free parking, shaded tent to beat the heat, and oversized front yard with a great view of the show. Good for one day only. Youth age 3 and older will need to purchase a ticket.

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):

  • General Admission – Only 2500 tickets available (Saturday / Sunday) at up to HALF OFF Airshow Admission
  • First Class – Only 30 tickets available at a discounted rate.
  • Business Class – Only 100 tickets available at up to HALF OFF Airshow Admission
  • Premium Cabin – Only 100 tickets available at up to HALF OFF Airshow Admission
  • Main Cabin – Only 275 tickets available at up to HALF OFF Airshow Admission

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.

Until tomorrow,

“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/

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