The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the 2026 Rochester International Airshow this weekend at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.
The two-day event is set for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 8-9, and will feature a mix of military and civilian aerial performers. A.P. Property Services is the title sponsor, and the Sunny Mike Foundation is the charitable beneficiary.
Thunderbirds headline Rochester airshow
The Thunderbirds, the Air Force's official demonstration team based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, will headline the two-day event.
Rochester has hosted the Thunderbirds four times in the past 12 years, most recently in 2023.
Other featured military acts include a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B demonstration flown by Rochester native Maj. William Horn, a 2014
University of Rochester graduate, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team.
Full Rochester airshow lineup
Additional performers scheduled for this weekend include:
- Commemorative Air Force Rise Above P-51
- Class of '45 P-51 and F4U Corsair
- Carol Pilon and Third Strike Wingwalking
- Craig Clifford and Britt Lincoln, U.S. National Aerobatic Team members
- Rick Volker Aerobatics in a Sukhoi 26
- Trevor Rafferty in a Christen Eagle
- C-17 and KC-135 refueling demonstration
- Warrior Aviation L-39 and Classic Jets parade
Organizers said the weekend will feature aerial demonstrations and displays from military and civilian performers.
Airshow to benefit veterans
A portion of proceeds from the airshow will benefit the Sunny Mike Foundation, which has provided emergency financial assistance to veterans in the Finger Lakes region since 2021.
County officials said the partnership will help expand support for veterans facing financial instability, unemployment and limited access to services.
Rochester airshow tickets
Tickets for the 2026 Rochester International Airshow are available through the event's website.
Children ages 12 and younger will be admitted free with a ticketed adult.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester airshow returns this weekend with Thunderbirds, F-35B and Golden Knights
