The Columbus Air Show is back — and this year, the sky is kind of the point.
America turns 250 this year, and Columbus is marking the occasion the right way: by filling the sky over Rickenbacker International Airport June 19-21 with some of the most iconic aircraft in U.S. military history. The Columbus Air Show presented by ScottsMiracle-Gro returns June 19–21, and this year’s lineup, headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Canadian Forces Snowbirds, is a fitting tribute to a milestone worth looking up for.
Here’s what you need to know before you go.
New this year: the twilight show
Friday and Saturday feature an all-new twilight show format, and it’s a different experience than the traditional air show day. Flying begins around 3:30 p.m., leading into dramatic pyrotechnics and a fireworks finale. Gates open at 1 p.m. and close at 9 p.m. both nights.
Sunday is a traditional show day: gates open at 9 a.m., flying begins around noon, and gates close at 5 p.m.
Who's performing?
The 2026 lineup spans decades of aviation history, from classic warbirds to cutting-edge military aircraft:
- U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
- Canadian Forces Snowbirds
- USAF F-35A Demo Team
- USAF KC-135 Stratotanker
- U.S. Army Golden Knights (parachute team)
- USCG MH-65 Dolphin
- KC Formation Flight Team
- P-38J Lightning
- B-25 “Rosie’s Reply”
- P-40 Warhawk
- P-51 Mustang “By Request”
- UH-1H Greyhound
- ScottsMiracle-Gro Aviation Showcase
- Sherman M4 Tanks & Battlefield Europe ground demonstration
- Skip Stewart – Pitts S-2S
- Kyle Fowler – Long EZ
- Bob Carlton – FoxJet Sailplane
- Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Truck
- Third Strike Wingwalking
- Celebrate “America 250” Finale
Ground displays will feature a mix of modern and classic aircraft — and you’ll have the chance to get close, ask questions, and even meet pilots and crew.
Tickets and parking
The only thing worse than missing a great air show is watching it from the parking lot because you forgot to buy a ticket. Don’t be that person. All tickets and parking passes must be purchased online in advance. There are no gate sales. Parking is sold separately and tends to sell out well before show weekend, so grab both at the same time while you’re at it. Each parking pass covers everyone in your vehicle.
Active duty, reserve, and retired military members can use code MIL1 for a 15% discount on general admission and general parking. Have your CAC or USID card ready at entry.
One more thing: there’s no re-entry once you leave the grounds. Plan accordingly.
A limited number of handicapped parking spaces are available on hard surface near the main entrance. Handicapped parking requires a general parking pass plus a handicap placard or plate, and is first-come, first-served. The show grounds are predominantly hard surface, and all premium seating areas are hard surface as well. Accessible restrooms are available on site.
For full accessibility details, visit columbusairshow.com.
Getting there
Program this into your GPS:
2241 John Circle Dr., Columbus, OH 43217
And remember to give yourself extra time! There will likely be traffic heading to and from the Air Show.
What to bring
- Ear protection: The jets are loud. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones are a must, especially for little ones.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat. You’ll be outside for hours with your eyes on the sky, and there’s not a lot of shade between you and the runway.
- Empty water bottle: Refill stations are available by the main gate. Outside beverages aren’t permitted (except for medical needs), so arrive hydrated and plan to refill.
- Comfortable shoes: The airfield and parking lot both cover a lot of ground. Your feet will know the difference by hour three.
- Folding chair or blanket (general admission): General admission seating isn’t provided, so bring something to claim your spot when you find the perfect view.
- Small umbrella: Ohio weather being what it is, a little insurance doesn’t hurt. Leave the golf umbrella at home as oversize umbrellas aren’t permitted, but smaller umbrellas are allowed.
- Camera: Photography is highly encouraged! Bring along your camera but leave the drone at home – they aren’t permitted.
- Backpack: Handy for hauling all of the above. Backpacks are permitted but will be searched at entry.
Strollers and wagons are welcome. Service animals are permitted, though it’s worth keeping in mind that jet noise is significant and the pavement gets hot — plan accordingly. All other pets should stay home, and please don’t leave any animals in your vehicle.
Food and drink
Part of the air show experience is wandering the grounds with something good in hand. A wide variety of food vendors will be set up on site, with options for all kinds of appetites — including vegan. Concessions accept cash and credit cards, but note there’s no ATM on the grounds, so bring cash if that’s your preference.
Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed in, with the exception of medical needs. Your empty water bottle, however, is always welcome with refill stations available by the main gate. Beer and wine are also available for guests 21+ with valid ID.
Final notes
Don’t rush out after the main acts land. Pilots and crews are usually right there with their aircraft answering questions, taking photos, and signing things. It’s one of the best parts of air shows that doesn’t get mentioned enough.
Full details — schedule, venue map, entry restrictions, accessibility — are available at columbusairshow.com.
And don’t forget to tag us at @columbusairport and @rickintlairport on Instagram. We’ll be watching for your shots!