California Capital Airshow

The California Capital Airshow is a source of Rancho Cordova hometown pride. Come for the stunt pilots, stay for the fascinating ground displays!

Prepare to be amazed by the magic of flight! Bring the whole family to this 2-day, fan-favorite event! In 2026, the amazing U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds are sure to soar beyond your wildest imagination! More airshow information will be released soon.

Travel Tip: When you sign up for the Airshow's Insiders Email Newsletter, you can get first dibs when ticket sales launch and discounted ticket access.

Newsletter Sign Ups, Tickets & More
Dates, Location & Headliners
What to Expect
Night Show Thrills
Mather Airport History
More Things to Do
Performers & Event Rules

Airshow Dates, Location & Headliners

🗓️ October 10 – 11, 2026

🌙 Featuring Day & Night Performances on Both Days

📍Mather Airport, 10425 Norden Avenue, Mather, CA 95655

✈️Headline Performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds & Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds

What to Expect at the Event

✈️ 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.

🎆 Epic Night-Show with Fireworks: The jaw-dropping performances continue with a pyro-musical fireworks display.

🍗 Concessions & Merch Tents: Savor delectable snacks and find collectable gifts to take the magic home with you.

A Night Show Designed to Dazzle

To celebrate America's 250th birthday and the California Capital Airshow's 20th anniversary, spectators will enjoy a special performance called "Magic in the Air" at 8:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. You'll see airplanes gliding across the sky with fireworks bursting from their wings, choreographed pyro-musical drones, and an unbelievable light show! It's going to get loud. Come ready for the most magical airshow you've ever experienced!

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Rancho Cordova's Aviation History

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.

More Mather Airport History

More Ways to Play During Airshow Weekend

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.

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Stay Close to the Action
Book your Rancho Cordova hotel stay early to enjoy restful nights close to the airport and skip the stress of sold-out rooms. With our economical choices, you'll have less anxiety for the big event and keep more money in your pocket.
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Everything You Need to Know

How to Buy Airshow Tickets

All ticket sales links (including general admission, VIP ticket types, and discounts) are provided through the Airshow Insiders email list on the California Capital Airshow website.

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