3 Minute Read
On October 3 & 4, 2026, the skies in Grand Junction will shake, and thunder will echo with mighty force. This isn’t a storm, though. Planes, jets, and historic aircraft will fill the skies for two straight days as the Grand Junction Air Show takes off. With action-packed displays in the air and on the ground, the air show is full of excitement. This year’s show is even more special as it takes place during the America 250 and Colorado 150 celebrations. There’s no better time to gather beneath the open sky, watch the power and precision of flight, and celebrate the innovation, courage, and spirit that helped shape both our nation and the great state of Colorado.
In the Skies
U.S. Navy Blue Angels
Photo by: Steve Traudt
The famed Navy Blue Angels are known for their aviation excellence - close flying, precision maneuvering, tremendous roar, and of course, the iconic blue planes. Since the Blue Angels were founded in 1946, the team has flown for over 450 million people all over the United States. Watch the skilled Navy and Marine pilots loop, roll, and twist around each other in tight formations, all while flying at speeds of 400 miles per hour. The Blue Angels reach 700 mph while mirroring each other, flying belly to belly or back-to-back. In a breathtaking display of trust, skill, and raw power, the Blue Angels turn the sky into their stage—leaving the crowd below in awe long after the thunder fades. Bonus: After the show, many of the pilots greet visitors, giving fans the rare chance to meet the people behind the flight suits, hear their stories, and take photos with the aircraft that just soared overhead. Every Blue Angel at one time attended an Air Show in their childhood that planted a seed – a moment that sparked a dream and set them on a path toward the skies. Meet them and light a spark for your little one.
C130 Hercules
Photo by: U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Howard Blair
Originally introduced in 1951, when the C-130 Hercules appears at an air show, its massive wingspan, distinctive engine roar, and remarkable maneuverability offer a powerful reminder of the aircraft’s enduring role in aviation history. The C-130 can accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo, including utility helicopters, six-wheeled armored vehicles, palletized cargo, and military personnel.
The legendary C-130 Hercules is more than a workhorse of aviation—it’s a symbol of strength, reliability, and service. For decades, this remarkable aircraft has carried troops, delivered life-saving supplies, and supported communities around the world in moments of need. With its unmistakable silhouette and powerful turboprop engines, the C-130 represents the quiet heroism of the crews who fly it and the missions that often unfold far from the spotlight. Watching it soar overhead at an air show is a powerful reminder that aviation is not just about technology—it’s about courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of those who serve. Don’t miss this behemoth.
F16 Viper Demo Team
Photo by: U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Steven Cardo
Developed as a lightweight, multirole fighter for the U.S. military, the F-16 was designed for air-to-air combat and ground-attack missions, delivering speed, agility, and precision in the most demanding conditions. The F16 Viper Demo Team will showcase that same remarkable capability on full display as the jet climbs, rolls, and accelerates with breathtaking force. Each maneuver highlights the aircraft’s incredible power, tight turning ability, and lightning-fast acceleration—giving audiences a thrilling glimpse of the performance that has made the F-16 one of the world’s most respected fighter jets.
C17 DEMO TEAM
Built as a strategic and tactical military transport aircraft, the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III carries troops, heavy equipment, and humanitarian aid across the globe, with the unique ability to operate from short or austere airfields where many large aircraft cannot land. The C17 Demo Team brings this massive aircraft to life in a powerful display of precision and strength. Watch this giant in the sky climb, bank, and maneuver with remarkable control, revealing the extraordinary capability behind one of the world’s most trusted airlifters.
SKIP STEWART
Photo by: Kelsie Bell
Built for high-performance aerobatics, the Pitts S-2S biplane is engineered for tight turns, rapid rolls, and gravity-defying maneuvers that push both pilot and aircraft to the limit. Watch as Skip Stewart pushes his custom S-2S, Prometheus, to the edge in a high-octane aerial performance. With explosive climbs, lightning-fast snaps, and daring low-level maneuvers, this breathtaking routine delivers thrills, chills, and nonstop action that will leave you looking skyward in awe.
BRAD WURSTEN
Photo by: Kelsie Bell
Built for elite aerobatic performance, the MX Aircraft MXS-R is a lightweight, single-seat, carbon-fiber aircraft engineered for exceptional agility, rapid climbs, and precise control in the air. Brad Wursten pushes the MXS-R through daring aerobatic sequences and dynamic maneuvers, showcasing both the pilot’s skill and the aircraft’s unmatched performance in an electrifying display high above the runway.
COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE TBM WWII BOMBER
A true piece of aviation history, the TBM WWII Bomber played a critical role in World War II, delivering precision, firepower, and reliability in the most challenging combat missions. Housed in Grand Junction by the Commemorative Air Force Rocky Mountain Wing, this legendary aircraft allows guests to experience firsthand craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of one of WWII’s most iconic warplanes.
P51C MUSTANG “TUSKEGEE AIRMEN”
Photo by: U.S. Air Force
Flown as a long-range escort fighter during World War II, the North American P-51C Mustang was famously flown by the Tuskegee Airmen, who protected Allied bombers with unmatched skill and precision, showcasing courage, talent, and trailblazing determination in the skies over Europe. Today, the P-51C Mustang, with its iconic red tail, is not only a vital piece of aviation history preserving the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, but it is also one of the few remaining aircraft of its kind still flying—a living tribute to bravery and excellence in the air.
THE PINK JET
Developed as a high-performance military jet trainer, the L-39 Albatros was designed to prepare pilots for advanced fighter aircraft, becoming one of the most widely used jet trainers in the world. The Pink Jet fights against cancer by spreading breast cancer awareness, supporting survivors, and raising money to help find a cure. Flown by highly skilled women aviators, it carries a powerful message of strength, hope, and resilience across the country.
FRANKLIN FLYING CIRCUS
Performing in six different aircraft throughout his career, Kyle Franklin and the Franklin Flying Circus deliver performances filled with daring stunts. Their acts include wingwalking, solo aerobatics, motorcycle to airplane transfers, stunt driving, comedy routines, and dramatic aerial dogfight sequences, creating a one-of-a-kind spectacle in the sky. The team flies brightly painted biplanes that resemble classic barnstorming aircraft from aviation’s early days. During performances, the pilots fly in tight formations while performing aerobatic maneuvers as classic air show entertainment—slow, graceful maneuvers that allow the audience to clearly watch the aircraft interact and perform together.
On the Ground
CALIFORNIA MAVERICK
California Maverick brings the thrill of a real-life Top Gun experience to the airshow. With a striking resemblance to Tom Cruise, his captivating performances, complete with playful impersonations and dynamic appearances, will have you doing a double take. Sit back and enjoy as he takes you soaring through the excitement, skill, and showmanship of a true Top Gun adventure.
NAVY SPECIAL WARFARE STRIKE GROUP
Experience the Navy like never before with an immersive, hands-on adventure that brings the service to life. Meet real sailors and learn about exciting STEM careers in the Navy while exploring the technology and teamwork that power every role. Step aboard an aircraft carrier in a cutting-edge virtual reality experience, where you can launch an F-35C jet, pilot a full-motion flight simulator, or take on the challenges of a Navy diver by navigating a boat through storm-damaged waters to repair a pier. This mobile, multi-scenario mixed-reality experience offers a thrilling, up-close look at the skills, strategy, and collaboration that define life in America’s Navy.
COLORADO STATE PATROL
The Colorado State Patrol will be on hand to educate both guests and residents about the importance of child passenger safety, while also sharing key traffic safety statistics to help keep everyone informed and safe on Colorado’s roadways.
All this happens against the stunning backdrop of Grand Junction. The airshow grounds are surrounded by the Bookcliffs – the longest continuous cliff face in the world, the Grand Mesa – the world's largest flat-top mountain, and the Colorado National Monument – 20,500 acres of intricate canyons. Explore what else Grand Junction has to offer.
Find more fun-packed annual events on pages 42 and 43 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide!