Rightly considered the world’s largest military air show, the MCAS Miramar Air Show returns September 25–27, 2026, at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California. This major event is part of the celebrations marking 250 years of the American spirit, innovation, and excellence in aviation. Open to the public from Friday through Sunday, the event offers a unique, immersive experience right in the heart of the flight lines for the whole family.
Highlights of the 2026 event include spectacular demonstrations by the famous USN Blue Angels and their support aircraft, Fat Albert, as well as highly anticipated displays by the USMC F-35B Demo Team and the MAGTF demonstration. The lineup also showcases the U.S. Air Force with the C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, the U.S. SOCOM ParaCommandos, the Folds of Honor biplane flight presented by Ed Hamill, the MV-22 Osprey demonstration, not to mention performances by Vicky Benzing at the controls of “Plum Crazy,” the USMC Mounted Color Guard, and the military music of the USMC 3rd MAW Marching Band.
In addition to impressive in-flight demonstrations of modern fighter jets, vintage aircraft, and historic warbirds, the public will enjoy a vast interactive exhibition set up directly inside an active F-18 aircraft hangar. This trade show area highlights innovation, aerospace technologies, and hands-on demonstrations to immerse enthusiasts in the heart of the military world. General admission to the site and parking are completely free, provided that visitors comply with safety guidelines and present a valid government-issued ID at the entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The event takes place from September 25 to 27, 2026.
The event takes place at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, located at Miramar Rd, San Diego, CA 92126.
General admission and parking are free.
The 2026 lineup includes the USN Blue Angels and Fat Albert, the USMC F-35B Demo, the MAGTF Demo, a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, the U.S. SOCOM ParaCommandos, along with other aerial demonstrations and civil or military aircraft.
All attendees ages 18 and older must present a valid form of government-issued identification for entry. Non-U.S. citizens must ensure they possess valid documentation demonstrating their current legal status in the United States.
Yes, the Air Show Expo features an indoor trade show experience inside an F-18 aircraft hangar, showcasing aerospace innovations, interactive activations, and displays.
