2026 Duluth Airshow to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with Thunderbirds
Thunderbirds will headline Duluth’s July 11-12 airshow, a 50,000-person draw organizers say brings nearly $20 million and strains parking, shuttles and airport access.
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the Duluth Airshow as the two-day event returns to Duluth International Airport with an America 250 theme and plans that stretch well beyond the flight line. Gates will open at 9 a.m. each day, flying will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the program will run until 6 p.m. on July 11 and July 12.
The event brings nearly $20 million in economic impact, with about 75 percent of attendees coming from outside Duluth, driving hotel bookings, restaurant traffic and airport-area congestion. Tickets went on sale Dec. 1, 2025, and the lineup includes general admission, Presidential Chalet, Flight Line and Photo Tour passes.
The Thunderbirds will be led by Thunderbird Boss Lt. Col. Alexander Prevendar of Esko, giving the headliner a local connection. The team was established on May 25, 1953, completed final certification for the 2026 season on March 5, and includes eight pilots and four support Airmen.
The schedule will also feature an F-16 from the 148th Fighter Wing, C-17, KC-135 and KC-46 demo teams, the USAF Wings of Blue, MiG-17 and T-33 Ace Maker aircraft, and B-25s Rosie’s Reply and Miss Mitchell. The static display will include military and heritage aircraft such as the F-16, T-38, C-130H, C-5 Galaxy, QF-16, T-6, P-51 Mustang, FG-1D Corsair, TBM Avenger, FM-2 Wildcat, HU-16 Albatross, C-45, L-17 and L-5.
The Duluth Airshow is Minnesota’s largest airshow and one of the largest spectator events outside the Twin Cities metro area, drawing between 50,000 and 60,000 people over two days. It was also a first-ever sellout in 2025, a result that has pushed organizers to emphasize advance planning for 2026.
That planning includes the teal shuttle lot, which is limited to 1,200 vehicles and costs $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the show, with shuttles running continuously and an estimated five-minute ride. The airshow will also stream live each morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. with Jason Vincent.
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