Arctic Lightning Airshow 2026

Mark your calendars for the 2026 Arctic Lightning Airshow on 1-2 Aug! The airshow will be Free and Open to the public, featuring military flying demonstrations, Science, Technology, Engineering, Aviation, and Mathematics (STEAM) activities, and static displays. Gates will open to the public at 10 a.m. each day, with aerial demonstrations scheduled to begin at noon. For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, entry gates will close at 3 p.m. The final performance is scheduled to conclude at approximately 4 p.m.Prior to the public airshow weekend, a Department of Defense identification card (ID) holder-only day will take place on Friday, July 31, 2026.Entry and LogisticsVisitors traveling to the airshow will exit the Richardson Highway and enter Eielson AFB through Hursey Gate. Attendees will then proceed to designated parking areas. A detailed parking and entry map will be released closer to the event date.Security GuidelinesTo ensure a safe environment for all guests, security forces personnel will conduct an ID check for all visitors age 16 and older to enter the airshow viewing area.A complete list of approved and prohibited items will be available on the Eielson AFB website. Visitors are encouraged to review the list before arriving. All attendees are subject to security screening and searches, if deemed necessary by security forces personnel.For additional information on the 2026 Arctic Lightning Airshow please visit: https://www.eielson.af.mil/Arctic-Lightning-Open-House/.