The Lake Cumberland Air Show is set to thrill aviation enthusiasts on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Lake Cumberland Regional Airport in Somerset, Kentucky. Presented by Don Franklin and held over the Veterans Day weekend, this major aviation event honors veterans by offering them free admission upon presentation of valid ID. The public is invited to enjoy a spectacular air show combining speed, Cold War history, and high-flying aerobatics, all in a family-friendly atmosphere.
The headliner for the 2026 edition is FighterJets Inc., flying the powerful MiG-17F. The program also features a diverse lineup of aircraft and exceptional pilots, including Team Fastrax in a Cessna 206, Britt Lincoln in an Extra 330SC, Michael Hoy in a Monosport 360, Charlie Morris in a Decathlon, and the Warbird Thunder duo in SNJ-2s. Spectators will also be able to admire Anthony Quadrani flying a C-45 Expeditor, the Skyliners formation team in T-23s, the Friends of Army Aviation with a UH-1 Huey, and finally Craig Gifford at the controls of a Staudacher S300.
The airfield gates will open at 10:00 a.m. to allow visitors to settle in before the flight demonstrations begin, scheduled for around 12:30 p.m. and lasting approximately two hours. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets and folding chairs to get comfortable. On-site, several food trucks will offer food and drinks. A free shuttle service will run from the main parking lot at the American Standard Fiat Parking Lot to facilitate access to the site, while designated parking spaces will be reserved for motorcycles and people with disabilities near the main terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lake Cumberland Air Show takes place on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Gates open at 10:00 AM and the air show begins at approximately 12:30 PM, lasting about two hours.
The event takes place at the Lake Cumberland Regional Airport, located at: 500 W. O. Newell Dr, Somerset, KY 42503.
Veterans receive free admission with a valid military ID or verification of military service. General admission tickets may be purchased in advance online or at the gate on the day of the event.
Free air show parking is located at the American Standard Fiat Parking Lot (706 KY-3057, Somerset, KY 42501). A shuttle bus will take you to the airport grounds.
Handicap and motorcycle parking is located near the main terminal building, very close to the event. Spaces are first come, first served upon providing proper credentials to an officer.
The air show will go on rain or shine. However, severe weather or low clouds may hinder flying activities, and there is no rain date.
Yes, bringing your own blankets and folding chairs is welcomed and encouraged.
Food trucks are available on site to purchase food and drinks.
The 2026 lineup features FighterJets Inc. with the MiG-17F, Team Fastrax, Britt Lincoln, Michael Hoy, Charlie Morris, Warbird Thunder, Anthony Quadrani, Skyliners, Friends of Army Aviation with the UH-1 Huey, and Craig Gifford.
