California Capital Airshow Returns with Night Show and World-Renowned Performer Lineup
Oct 05, 2026 10:40AM ● By California Capital Airshow News Release
The event will feature miles of aircraft on display and hands-on exhibits for all ages, and conclude with nighttime aerial performances and a massive pyro-musical fireworks show. Photo courtesy of Mark E. Loper/California Capital Airshow
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The 20th annual California Capital Airshow (CCA), presented in partnership by Sacramento County and the City of Rancho Cordova, returns Oct. 10-11 from noon to 8 p.m. daily at Mather Airport in Sacramento.
The two-day event will recognize CCA’s 20th anniversary alongside the nation's 250th with an extraordinary lineup of performers, including the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. The event will feature miles of aircraft on display and hands-on exhibits for all ages, and conclude with nighttime aerial performances and a massive pyro-musical fireworks show.

The Thunderbirds and Snowbirds are coming to Sacramento to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the airshow and the nation’s 250th, with a night show and fireworks finale to match. Photo courtesy of Mark E. Loper/California Capital Airshow
This unique show features nonstop aerial performances running from 3:30-8 p.m. each day, culminating with the night show. In addition to the two headlining jet teams, the USAF Thunderbirds and Canadian Snowbirds, airshow highlights include performances from the U-2 Dragon Lady and T-38 Talons of Beale Air Force Base, the United States Air Force C-17 Globemaster III Demonstration Team, and the United States Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Demonstration Team. As the sun sets, the show will continue with maximum afterburner followed by aircraft lighting up the night sky with pyrotechnics, walls of fire, spectacular fireworks and hundreds of drones.
“This year’s show is a milestone celebration that offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Darcy Brewer, CEO of California Capital Airshow. “We're bringing the Thunderbirds and Snowbirds to Sacramento to celebrate our 20th anniversary and the nation's 250th, with a night show and fireworks finale to match.”

The Airshow team is grateful to its 1,000 passionate volunteers that keep the airshow running. Photo courtesy of Mark E. Loper/California Capital Airshow
Airshow tickets are on sale now at CaliforniaCapitalAirshow.com. Each adult General Admission ticket includes free admission for up to six youth (age 15 and under) and free parking. A variety of upgraded tickets and experiences are also available for purchase. Tickets are available online only and will not be sold at the gate. They are expected to sell out, so attendees are encouraged to purchase their tickets soon.
Special thanks to our generous partners Sacramento County, the City of Rancho Cordova, Sutter Health, Wilton Rancheria, Modern Aviation, SMUD, Teichert, Roseville Auto Mall, Sky River Casino, Kaiser Permanente, Sacramento Republic FC, Five Star Bank, Southwest Airlines, Atlas Disposal, UPS and iHeart Media.

The event heavily relies on volunteers to assist with admissions, guest services, ramp and flight line security and more over the two-day event at Mather Airport. Photo courtesy of Mark E. Loper/California Capital Airshow
In addition, the Airshow team is grateful to its 1,000 passionate volunteers, a long list of committed community supporters, as well as the teams of law enforcement and emergency services that give their time and energy to keep everyone safe.
Tickets and more information can be found at CaliforniaCapitalAirshow.com.
About California Capital Airshow
Established in 2004, the California Capital Airshow 501(c)3 plans and operates the exciting, family-friendly annual event designed to honor the Sacramento region’s rich aviation heritage and veterans while using the power and magic of flight to inspire young people. CCA gives back to the community through scholarships, charitable group donations and exciting educational youth programming throughout the year. For more information about the airshow, performers and discount tickets, visit www.californiacapitalairshow.com.




















