Columbus Air Show 2026 sets June dates at Rickenbacker, featuring F-35 Lightning II demonstrations

Event dates, venue, and daily format

The 2026 Columbus Air Show is scheduled for June 19–21, 2026 at Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. Organizers have published a three-day format that splits the weekend into two evening programs followed by a traditional daytime show.

For Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20, gates and ground displays are set to open at 2:00 p.m., with flying beginning at 5:00 p.m. and gates closing at 9:00 p.m. Sunday, June 21 is planned as a day show, with gates opening at 9:00 a.m., flying beginning at 12:30 p.m., flying ending at 4:00 p.m., and gates closing at 5:00 p.m. Organizers have also stated that Sunday will not include an evening program or fireworks.

F-35 Lightning II presence: demonstration team and flybys

Promotional materials for the 2026 show list multiple F-35-related elements, including the U.S. Navy’s F-35C Lightning II Airshow Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II flybys. The Navy’s F-35C is the carrier-capable variant of the Lightning II family, designed for catapult launches and arrested recoveries and used by naval aviation.

In addition to the solo demonstration profile, the event’s published performer descriptions include a planned “Legacy Flight” combining a modern Navy aircraft with a vintage warbird in formation. The 2026 listing identifies an F-35C paired with an F4U Corsair, a WWII-era fighter, while noting that the specific Corsair appearing may differ from representative imagery.

Other announced performers and ground attractions

The event’s performer roster, as posted to date, indicates a mix of modern military aircraft, historic warbirds, and civilian aerobatics. Announced participants include the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, a USAF KC-135 Stratotanker, and multiple heritage aircraft such as an F-4D Phantom and a B-25 bomber. Civilian acts listed include wingwalking and aerobatic performances, along with a jet-powered exhibition vehicle.

• Modern military and support aircraft: KC-135 Stratotanker; F-35A flybys
• Demonstration and ceremonial elements: U.S. Navy F-35C demonstration team; Legacy Flight concept
• Heritage aircraft: F-4D Phantom; B-25 “Rosie’s Reply”; P-51 Mustang “By Request”; UH-1H helicopter
• Other acts: U.S. Army Golden Knights; wingwalking; aerobatic performances; jet truck exhibition

Organizers emphasize that performers are intended to fly all three days unless otherwise noted and that the lineup remains subject to change.

Tickets, parking, and entry policies

Admission requires a purchased ticket, and parking is sold separately in advance, with exceptions described for certain premium packages. The event’s posted entry policies also state that children 15 and under receive free general admission when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. A military discount is advertised for eligible veterans, active-duty, and retired service members for certain ticket and parking categories, with limitations by seating area.

Operational details—such as performer order and exact flight times—are not expected to be released publicly because the schedule is described as subject to change.