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The California Capital Airshow is back this weekend to mark its 20th anniversary and celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday.
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The event takes place Saturday and Sunday at the former Mather Air Force Base, which opened in 1918 and became a county-run airport in 1993.
Performances begin at 3:30 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. each day. Gates open at noon.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the shows, flying F-16 Fighting Falcon jets in close formation. Formed in 1953, the Thunderbirds are one of the Air Force’s longest-standing demonstration units.
Other teams include the nine-aircraft Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Demo Team and the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III West Coast Demo Team. After sunset, the performances will continue with illuminated parachute displays, aerobatics and additional aircraft.
A grand finale celebrating the country’s 250th birthday will feature synchronized drones, pyrotechnics and fireworks.
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Parking is free with admission, but re-entry is not allowed, and entry closes at 5 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to bring hearing protection because of aircraft noise. Those with general admission tickets are also encouraged to bring portable chairs or blankets, as seating is not provided with those tickets.
Tickets can be purchased online. No tickets will be sold on site.
In March 2025, the air show saw a record-setting turnout of 146,872 attendees over two days and sold out, according to previous Bee reporting.
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