MATHER — Organizers of the 2026 California Capital Airshow have announced another major addition to this year’s milestone aviation event, confirming that the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demo Team will return to Sacramento’s Mather Airport for high-performance flight demonstrations.
The announcement adds one of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft to an already powerful lineup for the Oct. 10–11 show, which marks the 20th anniversary of the California Capital Airshow and coincides with celebrations surrounding America’s 250th birthday. Officials say the return of the fifth-generation stealth fighter will deliver some of the most dramatic aerial demonstrations of the weekend.
The Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II is considered one of the most technologically advanced combat aircraft ever built, combining stealth capability, supersonic speed, sensor fusion and advanced avionics into a single multirole fighter platform. During the airshow demonstration, spectators will witness the aircraft’s unique blend of power and maneuverability through a series of high-performance maneuvers designed to showcase both its agility and cutting-edge technology.
Among the most anticipated moments of the demonstration is the aircraft’s signature “low and slow” pass, where the F-35A flies at speeds as low as roughly 115 miles per hour. Despite appearing almost suspended in the air, the aircraft maintains full control thanks to its advanced onboard flight computer and thrust capabilities.
The demonstration also includes blistering high-speed passes in which the jet ignites its afterburner and accelerates to speeds just below the speed of sound, producing the thunderous roar that has become a hallmark of modern military jet demonstrations.
Pilots will also push the aircraft through aggressive high-angle maneuvers, including turns approaching nine times the force of gravity, or nearly 9 Gs, demonstrating the extreme performance envelope of the fighter and the physical demands placed on the pilots who fly it.
The addition of the F-35A Demo Team further strengthens a lineup that already includes the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. The Thunderbirds, flying F-16 Fighting Falcons, will headline the 2026 show with their signature precision formation flying, while the Snowbirds will add their distinctive nine-jet formation routines representing Canada’s national demonstration team.
Organizers previously confirmed that the popular nighttime airshow format will return in 2026 following strong public demand. The evening performances allow spectators to experience aerial demonstrations during daylight, dusk and full darkness, culminating in a large pyro-musical fireworks finale.
Officials say bringing the airshow back to October will also allow audiences to enjoy cooler fall weather while experiencing a full day-to-night aviation spectacle designed to celebrate both the event’s anniversary and the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial.
Past editions of the California Capital Airshow have drawn large crowds to Mather Airport with a combination of military and civilian performers, interactive exhibits, flight-line experiences and static aircraft displays. Organizers say the 2026 edition will continue expanding those experiences while delivering one of the most ambitious aerial programs in the show’s history.
Tickets for the 2026 California Capital Airshow are not yet on sale. Additional performer announcements and ticket information are expected in the coming months.
More information and updates on the event are available atwww.californiacapitalairshow.com.
As part of its year-round mission, the California Capital Airshow also continues its Aviation and STEM Scholarship Program, which supports students pursuing careers in aviation, aeronautics and related science and technology fields. Applications for the 2026 scholarship cycle remain open through May 1 for students residing in Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Solano, Yolo and Yuba counties.
Since the program began, the nonprofit organization has awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships to over 280 students across the region, helping develop the next generation of aviation professionals.
Established in 2004, the California Capital Airshow is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the past, inspiring the future and showcasing the innovation and strength of aviation while investing in educational programs, scholarships and community partnerships throughout the Sacramento region.
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