
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline McConnell’s 2026 Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show, now scheduled for Oct. 17-18, 2026, according to a statement from the base.
The Thunderbirds are the Air Force’s premier aerial demonstration team, performing precision aerial maneuvers displaying Air Force high-performance aircraft to people worldwide. The show involves a mix of precision formation flying and intense solo routines demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force pilots and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The Thunderbirds last performed above the Wichita skies in September 2022.
Over 65,000 visitors arrived on day one of McConnell’s last air show on Aug. 24, 2024. The show never continued its second day after an unexpected wet microburst brought 54 mph wind gusts and torrential rain, leaving debris strewn around the flightline and air acts unable to operate safely.
The base looks forward to milder October weather and a historically lower chance of precipitation during next year’s show.