Your Guide to the California Capital Airshow

Drive-In Airshow & Tailgate Party

The Friday night amazing Drive-In Airshow & Tailgate Party is headed back to the 2022 Airshow again this year! It's a tailgate party... but with jets! Located on the west cargo ramp at Mather Airport, on September 30th, gates will open at 2pm, opening ceremonies will start at 3:30 PM, and planes will fly until around 7 PM.

Make sure to venture to local eateries in Rancho Cordova before the show or bring your own food & drinks as there will not be any on-site food purchases available. Coolers, chairs, and standard umbrellas are welcomed however, for the safety of airshow attendees and staff, barbecues, glass containers, beach umbrellas, canopies, and pop-up tents are not permitted.

On Friday, access to the ramp for the ground display aircraft will NOT be available, but you will have a fantastic view of an AMAZING performance.

Drive-in tickets will be sold for up to 6 people per car and include admission.

Check out where to get delicious food and drink here before you go!

Tickets are going fast as space is limited, so be sure to get yours now!

THE LINEUP

This year's 2022 Airshow festival will host a multi-national commemoration honoring the United States Air Force's 75th anniversary. Grab your chance to experience the world's best pilots and aircrafts, including the fearsome F-22 Raptor's long-awaited comeback, fantastic runway displays, amazing military jet demonstrations, and interactive exhibits unlike anything we've ever seen before.

USAF F-22 RAPTOR DEMO TEAM

The USAF F-22 Raptors are back!

For the first time since 2014, The United States Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team will return to the California Capital Airshow skies!

The F-22 Raptors are the only twin-engine, vectored-thrust demonstration unit in existence and the only specialized fifth generation combat aircraft demonstration unit in the world. With its blend of stealth, super cruise, mobility, integrated avionics, and better than ever supportability, the Raptor's warfighting capabilities have increased exponentially. 21st century Air Force concepts can be experienced to the fullest with the Raptor's ability to undertake air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. Don't miss out!

Watch this video to see Major Joshua "Cabo" Gunderson fly the F-22 Raptor to fulfill one of his lifelong goal.

EA-18G GROWLER LEGACY TEAM & NAVY F4U CORSAIR

The two jet U.S. Navy Growler Legacy Team will soar over Mather Airport to show off the incredible capabilities of the EA-18G before getting in close formation with a veteran Navy plane for an emotional three-ship salute to the legacy and history of naval aviation.

The carrier-based EA-18G Growler, a version of the combat-proven Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet, offers tactical jamming and electronic protection to international partners and U.S. armed forces. For many years to come, the U.S. Navy continues to invest in improved Growler capabilities to safeguard all strike aircrafts on missions that pose a high risk.

The Growlers are members of the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island-based Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129), which is headquartered in Oak Harbor, Washington. There are only 150 Growlers in use at the moment so this will be an amazing opportunity to experience them up close!

US NAVY LEGACY FLIGHT : E/A-18G GROWLERS & F4U CORSAIR

Dedicated to those who have served for the United States, the E/A Growler and F4U Corsair takeoff at Mather Airforce this year for an amazing tribute.

CANADIAN CF-18 HORNETS

The Canadian CF-18 Hornets perform a highly distinctive display in style with a one-of-a-kind paint job. With its dynamic grey color scheme, this year's paint job pays tribute to the Canadian Forces' "Fighter Operations at Home and Abroad." The CF-18's geometric design is a nod to the hornet, after which the aircraft gets its name.

The supersonic CF-188 Hornet, or CF-18 as it is more commonly named, is a flexible, elite fighter jet that can engage both ground and airborne targets. Its dual engines can propel 24 full-size pick-up trucks off the ground with their push alone!

The upgraded CF-18 serves as the primary multi-role fighter for the RCAF and is utilized for training, aerobatic displays, air superiority, air defense, and aerospace research and evaluation.

Due to their battle-hardened nature and the current capabilities of the CF-18s, RCAF personnel and aircraft have more than demonstrated their ability to serve alongside fighter aircraft operated by its NATO Allies.

‘PLANES OF FAME’ : F-86 SABRE & MIG 15 DOGFIGHT

The first known aerial conflict involving swept-wing jet fighters occurred over Korea on December 17, 1950. Due to the MiG-15's immense speed and maneuverability causing trouble for the U.S. B-29 and escort fleets, the North American F-86 Sabre was rushed to the stage for aerial battle. Witness this epic dogfight and glimpse into history between these two aircraft over Mather Airport!

U.S. AIR FORCE U-2 DRAGON LADY & the T-38 TALONS

One of the most famous spy planes ever built, the U-2, otherwise known as the “Dragon Lady,” first flew out of a secret military facility near Las Vegas in 1955. The U-2 has quickly become a unique focal point of the U.S. Air Force and NASA. Due to the U-2's massive wing span, it can fly higher than most fifth generation fighter aircraft, reaching the very edge of our atmosphere! Don't miss out on the chance to see this engineering wonder soar through Rancho Cordova's skies!

U.S. Air Force: KC-135 Demonstration

Out of the Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, 92nd Air Refueling Squadron, the KC-135 Stratotanker Demonstration Team will showcase the amazing capabilities of the Global Air Mobility Command’s aircraft including the lowering of its boom, the primary fuel transfer method. Nearly all of its internal fuel can be pumped through its boom. That’s over 200,000 pounds of fuel!

DISPLAY AIRCRAFTS

Back again in 2022, you'll have the chance to explore grounded planes, meet pilots and interact with crew members. This is your chance to get up close, especially if you love aviation. Nothing is more fascinating than touring vintage military planes, especially ones that flew back in World War II. This year you can expect to see, and even climb through, some of the largest military planes the US military has to offer including the C-5 Super Galaxy M, C-17 Globemaster II, KC-10 Extender, & KC-135 Stratotanker! Explore the air delivery service vessels in two of the largest air-cargo fleets in the world and meet the first responders and aircrafts that make up the law enforcement, medi-vac, surveillance and firefighting agencies in the U.S.

INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS FOR KIDS & TEENS

The Airshow is also family-friendly, and your kids will love visiting the interactive exhibits. Teens and young kids can watch demonstrations, participate in games and fly simulators! If your kids love playing video games, they can see how games and technology intersect with real-world applications. There will also be an autograph tent and airshow performers on the runway for you and the family to meet and take pictures with throughout the show! With stunning performances, surprise flyovers, and amazing walk-through exhibits, the 2022 California Capital Airshow will be a once-in-a-lifetime event for patrons of all ages!

Tickets are ONLY sold online and they are selling out fast so get yours while they last!

Purchase your discounted tickets here: 2022 California Capital Airshow Tickets

IT'S TIME TO BOOK YOUR HOTEL!

Grab your discounted hotel deals here:

Hotel Deals for California Capital Airshow