The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the 2026 Rochester International Airshow, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced this week, as officials unveiled the full lineup and sponsor for the annual event.
The show will return Aug. 8-9 at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport and will feature a mix of military and civilian aerial performers. A.P. Property Services is the title sponsor, and the Sunny Mike Foundation has been named the charitable beneficiary.
Thunderbirds to headline return
The Thunderbirds, the Air Force’s official demonstration team based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, will lead the two-day event. Rochester has hosted the team four times in the past 12 years, most recently in 2023.
Other featured acts include a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B demonstration flown by Rochester native Maj. William Horn, a 2014 University of Rochester graduate, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team.
Full lineup includes military, aerobatic acts
Additional performers announced include:
Organizers said the event will feature a variety of aerial demonstrations and displays throughout the weekend.
Charity beneficiary supports veterans
A portion of proceeds from the airshow will benefit the Sunny Mike Foundation, which has provided emergency financial assistance to veterans in the Finger Lakes region since 2021.
County officials said the partnership will help expand support for veterans facing financial instability, unemployment and limited access to services.
Ticket details and discount
Tickets are available at rochairshow.com. Organizers are offering a 15% discount on general admission, reserved seating and VIP flight deck tickets purchased between May 26 and June 2 using the promo code FLY.
Children ages 12 and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Thunderbirds to headline 2026 Rochester airshow
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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