The 2026 Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show returns to Offutt Air Force Base this weekend after years of flood recovery work. Visitors will once again be able to park on base instead of using off-site shuttle buses, which were required during the previous air show because of damage caused by the historic 2019 Missouri River flooding.
While admission to the air show remains free, attendees are required to obtain a free base pass through the official air show website before arriving. The pass is not a ticket, but will assign guests to a specific entry gate and parking area using a QR code to help reduce traffic congestion and improve security.
Gates are scheduled to open at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday with aerial performances running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking areas will be divided into red, blue and orange zones, with ADA parking available in each section.
The 2026 Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show will also serve as part of the national America 250 celebration, highlighting the U.S. military’s role in defending the nation. Scheduled performers include the U.S. Air Force F-35A Demonstration Team, TORA TORA TORA, the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue, the C-47 Demonstration Team, the P-51 “Gunfighter,” and several civilian aerobatic performers.
Click here for complete air show details.
(Photo: Offutt Air Force Base)