McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita is hosting an air show in 2026, and the Thunderbirds are coming! This event is FREE to the public. Mark your calendars for October 24 – 25, 2026, for the “Frontiers in Flight” air show in Wichita and the McConnell Air Force base open house.
The Wichita air show was a popular event for years, and we’re so glad it’s back. These flight festivals hosted by Wichita’s McConnell AFB have had as many at 60,000 guests in recent years. This is such an amazing event, it’s hard to believe it’s free of charge!
McConnell Air Show
Below, you will find information from the last air show. We will update you once the information is available.
- Air Show Performance Schedule
- Other things to do/see at the Wichita Air Show
- What to Bring/What to Expect
- How to Get There/Where to Park
2026 Air Show in Wichita Info Coming Soon. Inforamation below will be updated soon….
All attendees older than 18 must present a state or federal government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
Wichita Air Show Schedule
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the free event, along with a wide variety of civilian and military static aircraft, including the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46A Pegasus, throughout the two-day show. In addition to the aircraft on exhibit, the extensive ramp display will include numerous types of military ground transport vehicles, and dozens of assorted vendors and agents from various institutions, organizations, and associations.
The base is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m on Saturday and Sunday. The U.S. Air Force Blue Angels are scheduled to perform alongside many other professional airshow performers!
Schedule for both Days:
- Parking & Gats are open from 9 am – 5 pm
- Flying Starts at Noon
- Thurderbirds start at 3 pm
McConnell Open House Activities
In addition to performances, the air show and McConnell open house will also have air crafts on display, lots of flight-related and STEM exhibits, and food and beverage vendors. This family-friendly event will be an exciting time for both kids and adults!
Aircraft will be parked on the flight line for you to browse through and learn about. When we went to the open house many years ago, we were able to actually go inside some of the planes! They’ll have the Dreamlifter, DOC, B-52, KC-135, C-130, F-15 and many more.
Also, some of the aircraft that will be involved in the aerial performances will be on display until, of course, it’s time to go get ready to fly!
They’ll also have bathroom facilities (probably portable), a Kids Zone, concessions, a first aid truck, souvenirs, smoking areas, and a Lost Child/Nursing Station if you need it.
See what else is happening this week/weekend in Wichita! Click HERE
What to Bring/What to Expect
Important note: This event is taking place on a United States military base. There are guidelines about what you can and cannot bring into the base with you, so to make your entrance as easy as possible, please take a look at the list of permitted/prohibited items at the air show website.
Bring Cash! They will not have ATMs at this event, but they will also accept credit cards, some food vendors might only take cash.
When entering the base or festival at any gate, expect TSA/airport level security. All vehicles, individuals, and items are subject to search so just go through your car and bag before you leave the house to make sure you don’t have any of the prohibited items.
You can bring strollers and diaper bags for small children, cameras or camcorders (without bags), and lawn chairs. Purses should not be bigger than one cubic foot (12″x 12″x 12″), so pack light.
Food and beverage vendors (including a beer truck) will be onsite in case you get hungry or thirsty! Refillable water bottles (not glass) are permitted, but outside food and other beverages are not.
Air Show Parking and Where to Enter McConnell Air Force Base
McConnell AFB Air Show 2026
Date: October 24 -25, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
Location: McConnell Air Force Base
Cost: FREE
For more information about the McConnell Air Force Base air show, visit FrontiersinFlight.com
Related:
See what’s going on in Wichita, Kansas today.
Fall Festivals around Wichita, KS
See more upcoming Aviation-related events in Wichita.
3 Responses
Everything Looks fine. I would like to know if there is going to be disabilty transportation. We are bothe Retired Cmsgt.
That’s a good question. I need to look at their website or Facebook page to see if I can find the answer for you.
They will have a handicap-accessible parking lot, but I can’t remember if they say they will have transportation. If I can find out, I’ll let you know here!