October 10 – 11, 2026
Mather Airport
✈️ Headliner Stunt Event: Watch the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds perform a death-defying show.
🪂 Local Stunt Performers: Even more local pilots will show off their daring skills, including landing a plane on top of a moving ambulance.
🛩️ Fascinating Ground Displays: Climb into some of the largest military planes the US military has to offer.
👩✈️ Pilot Meet-and-Greets: Say hello and get autographs from performing pilots.
🍗 Food Trucks & Merch Tents: Savor delectable snacks and find collectable gifts to take the magic home with you.
🍺 The Hanger, An Exclusive Beer Garden: Sip local award-winning craft brews from the Barrel District.
Mather Airport began in April 1918 as Mills Field, established by the U.S. Army during World War I to train pilots for the war effort. Originally a grass-field training base with wooden structures and early aircraft like the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny,” it quickly became a bustling aviation hub, later renamed Mather Field in honor of 2nd Lieutenant Carl Spencer Mather, who died in a training accident. The airfield served as a primary flight training facility through the end of World War I, closing in 1919 and briefly lying dormant before hosting community events like the 1925 “Aerial Circus,” which helped sustain local interest in aviation. One of the era’s most famous moments came in 1927 when Charles Lindbergh landed the Spirit of St. Louis at Mather, drawing huge crowds and cementing the field’s regional aviation significance.
After reactivation in 1930, Mather continued supporting military aviation through subsequent decades, serving training roles for U.S. forces and allied units. Over time it evolved from a strictly military installation (Mather Air Force Base) into a broader aviation facility. After its Air Force Base closure in the early 1990s, the site transitioned into today’s Mather Airport, preserving its long legacy as a Northern California aviation landmark. Its history is celebrated through events like the California Capital Airshow, which highlights both historic and modern flight and connects the community with the area’s rich aeronautical past.
Looking for activities to round out your relaxing weekend getaway? We recommend starting your Saturday morning with brunch at Mimosa House or Soil Born Farms. If you love to shop, you'll find several great vintage shops that offer nostalgic collectibles and decor. Wrap up your evenings at one of Rancho Cordova's many delicious restaurants and don't forget to try local craft brews in our award winning Barrel District.
California Capital Airshow Event Rules & Information
Find parking info, ticket sales, hotel deals, and event rules for the California Capital Airshow.
California Capital Airshow Performer Lineup
Learn about the stunt performers, planes, and vendors that are waiting for you at the California Capital Airshow!
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