GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION

What are the air show dates?

The 2026 Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026 and Sunday, August 9, 2026.

When do the gates open?

Gates open at 8:30AM. Static displays, vendors and exhibits will open at 8:30AM. The show begins at approximately 11:00AM. We suggest arriving in plenty of time before the performances are scheduled to begin.

Is the show the same both Saturday and Sunday?

The show is expected to be the same both days.

Is there a schedule of events?

We list our acts, but cannot give a specific schedule since schedules are finalized much closer to the air show. Schedule depends on availability and various conditions.

*All acts are subject to change/cancellation without notice. There are no refunds due to performer cancellations, to include the headliner.

What does admission cost?

Admission to the event is completely free. However, please note that a base/parking pass is strictly required for every vehicle entering Offutt Air Force Base during the event weekend. Premium seating options are available for purchase. These upgraded tickets include additional perks and amenities not included with general admission.

Are premium seating tickets good for both days?

No. Premium seating tickets are sold on a per-day basis only. There are no weekend or multi-day passes available for purchase. You must use your Base Pass, Aviators Choice™ Premium Box Seat, or Flight Line Club™ tickets for the day in which they were purchased.

Can I leave and re-enter the air show?

No. Re-entry to Offutt Air Force Base will not be permitted once your vehicle exits the installation. Guests are highly encouraged to plan their day and pack essential items accordingly before entering.

Should I bring cash?

No. This is a strictly cashless event. All authorized on-site vendors, including food, beverage, and merchandise stalls, will accept debit and credit cards only.

What happens if there is bad weather?

Unless the weather is severe, we will fly as much of the show as is safe and possible. Due to FAA permit restrictions and performer commitments, it is not possible to reschedule the air show for another weekend. In the event of severe weather, guests may be required to temporarily evacuate the flightline and seek shelter until event officials determine whether the show can safely resume.

All premium ticket sales are final, there are no refunds for weather issues to include cancellation of any performers or the headliner.

ACCESS, PARKING & ID REQUIREMENTS

Do I need a base pass or parking pass to attend?

Yes. A base/parking pass is required for every single vehicle entering Offutt Air Force Base during the event. This requirement applies to all attendees, including Department of Defense (DoD) ID cardholders.

Where will I park?

Detailed parking information for general admission guests will be included on your base pass.

Do I need to bring an ID?

Yes. Security Forces require proper identification for installation entry. Please refer to the table below to ensure you bring acceptable identification:

DoD ID Cardholders:

• DoD Common Access Card (CAC)
• Military Retiree ID Card
• Military Dependent ID Card
• State/Federal Law Enforcement (on official business only)
• Sponsored Guests (DBIDS card holders)

General Public (Ages 18+):

• REAL ID-compliant identification
• U.S. Passport or Passport Card
• DD Form 1173
• DD Form 2 Series
• Birth certificate with raised seal AND social security card

How much is parking?

Parking is free, however a Free Base Pass is required for each vehicle attending the air show. If purchasing Aviators Choice™ Premium Box Seats or Flight Line Club™ tickets, your order will include one Free Base Pass.

Is ADA parking available?

Yes. Designated accessible parking will be available for guests possessing valid ADA placards or ADA license plates. These spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive early to ensure a parking spot.

Can I bring a mobility scooter?

Yes. Personal medically required electric mobility cooters are permitted on the flightline, but remain subject to standard security screening upon entry. Please be aware that the crowds may be heavy, maneuvering may be difficult, and that there is no place at the show to plug in and recharge.

SECURITY & GUEST POLICIES

Will there be security screening?

Yes. All guests, vehicles, bags, and personal belongings entering Offutt Air Force Base are strictly subject to security screening. Security Forces personnel reserve the right to inspect all persons and property entering the installation. Please allow additional travel time upon arrival to accommodate these vital safety procedures.

Permitted vs. Prohibited Items

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please review the authorize and prohibited items list before packing:

Authorized/Permitted Items:

• Clear bags
• Reusable water bottles
• Folding lawn chairs
• Strollers and wagons for children
• Cameras and photography equipment (tripods are not allowed within the seats or aisles of the premium seating areas)
• Sunscreen
• Essential medical items
• Baby formula, breast milk, and baby supplies
  
  

Prohibited Items (Strictly Forbidden)

• Firearms of any kind (including replica/toy weapons)
• Ammunition or explosives
• Fireworks, firecrackers, bottle rockets
• Drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Pepper spray or mace
• Pocket knives, switchblades, butterfly knives, machetes
• Brass/iron knuckles, clubs, chains, modified bats
• Tasers or stun guns
• Pop-up tents, tents, canopy umbrellas
• Outside alcohol, food, and beverages
• Hard coolers (soft-sided coolers allowed)
• Glass containers
• Drones or remote-controlled aircraft
• Laser pointers

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Skateboards, bicycles, rollerblades, and recreational motorized devices are strictly prohibited on the flightline. Any weapons confiscated by security personnel will not be returned. Tripods are not allowed within the seats or aisles of the premium seating areas, but may be used in the standing area behind the last row of seats.

What should I bring/wear?

You are welcome to bring the following items:

Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen
Comfortable clothing for a sunny day
Ear protection for the kids (ear plugs, etc)
Sunglasses
Your camera (minus the bulky camera bag)
Something to sit on (blanket, lawn chair, stroller/wagon for the kiddos)
Credit or debit card for the midway/food/drinks/souvenirs
Small, personal umbrellas are allowed
A great attitude and a love for all things aviation related!

Can I bring outside food or drinks?

No. Outside food, drinks, and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on the installation. Exceptions are made only for baby formula, breast milk, and medically necessary items.

I have medication that must remain cold. Can I bring a cooler?

Yes, but with strict limitations. Medically necessary medication, baby formula, and breast milk may be brought in a soft-sided cooler only. Please note the following requirements:

• Hard-sided coolers of any size remain strictly prohibited
• Medication must be accompanied by a valid doctor's note confirming medical necessity.

Can I bring a sun umbrella?

Guests may use personal umbrellas in General Admission. Umbrellas are not permitted within the Flight Line Club™ or Aviators Choice™ Premium Box Seats so that guests views are not blocked. Tents and pop-up tents are not permitted.

Are cameras allowed?

Yes, cameras for personal use are allowed. Camera bags will be checked by the gate security upon entry. Remember that the air show performance and many performers' acts are copyrights, and your photography or video cannot be used for commercial purposes. Tripods are not allowed within the seats or aisles, but may be used in the standing area behind the last row of seats.

Are pets allowed?

Only documented service animals are permitted. Emotional support animals and family pets are not authorized. Pets must never be left unattended in vehicles during the event. Because of the festival setting with food and drink vendors, the Health Department prohibits animals, other than legally allowed guide and service animals. The air show takes place entirely outdoors on an active flightline. Pavement and concrete surfaces can reach extreme temperatures, and shade or animal relief accommodations will be highly limited. Guests attending with service animals must plan ahead to ensure the safety, hydration, and comfort of their animal throughout the event.

Will there be any shade?

The air show is held under an open sky. You are encouraged to bring hats, sunglasses, small umbrellas, and sunscreen. No tents or canopies are allowed.

Do I need hearing protection?

The air show strongly encourages you to bring and use proper hearing protection such as quality ear plugs, especially for children. The noise from the jet engines and pyrotechnic explosions may be painful or harmful for some.

Look - don't touch!

Be careful when you are near airplanes or other displays. Equipment can be easily damaged. Do not touch exhibited unless you have permission from the pilot or owner. Keep your children close and let them know they should not touch anything. No smoking near the aircraft.

Can we watch the show from our car in the parking lot?

No. Even if you have purchased tickets, you must leave your vehicle and view the show from inside the air show gates. This rule is due to FAA safety regulations involving the performance area.

Can I arrange for a handicap parking drop off/pick up close to the eating area?

Unfortunately, we do not have shuttle service to/from the show due to foot traffic and aircraft proximity.

Why the restrictions on coolers, large bags, and totes?

The FAA and Department of Homeland Security have required us to enforce these rules for your safety. You will be on airport grounds. This is a rule common to all airports, major air shows, and events in the U.S.

TICKET INFORMATION

What types of tickets are available?

Free Base Pass is required for all attending the air show. One Base Pass per vehicle, a Base Pass is not needed for each person attending. If you have prior access to the base, a Base Pass to attend the air show is still required.

Aviators Choice™ Premium Box Seats are reserved seats right on the front line, allowing you a great view of the show.  The seating area also provides easy access to portable restroom facilities. 1x Base Pass is included per order.

Flight Line Club™ provides many great benefits, such as catered food, beverages throughout the day and great seating areas.  The seating area also provides easy access to portable restroom facilities. 1x Base Pass is included per order.

Where can I purchase tickets?

Advance tickets (for all types of seating) can be purchased online from our website.

How do I get my tickets when buying online?

When you purchase your tickets online, you need to have an email address ready. Ticket bought online are sent to an email address where you can download and print out your tickets instantly! Be sure you have a working printer handy as well, or a friend that will let you use theirs.  Please note that ticket fees are not refundable even if the event cancels.

Is there a military discount?

The air show is free for general admission attendance. There are no discounts available for upgraded seating.