The skies above Central Alberta are about to roar to life! From July 24–26, 2026, the Red Deer Regional Airport in Springbrook will transform into a high-octane hub of aviation excellence, gravity-defying stunts, and family-friendly excitement. The Red Deer Regional Airshow is back, and it’s bigger than ever!
Building on the massive success of past shows that brought in over 25,000 fans, this year’s event is a true celebration of community spirit and aerial mastery.
As a premier summer highlight for Central Alberta, this three-day weekend brings together world-class military jet teams, historic warbirds, and an incredible lineup of on-the-ground entertainment. The tarmac is the place to be this July.
Event Details & Gate Times
Where: Red Deer Regional Airport, 3801 Airport Drive, Springbrook, AB
Friday, July 24 | Glow Night & Flight Suit Disco
6:00 pm – Gates Open
- 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Festival Activities: Explore the food trucks, static aircraft displays, ice cream social, Aviation STEM Area, meet & greet the performers, beer gardens, and more!
- 6:45 pm – Program & Speeches
- 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Live Music & DJ: Dance the night away on the tarmac.
- 8:00 pm – Balloon Glow Begins: Watch hot air balloons illuminate the summer sky.
- 9:00 pm – Gates Close
Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26 – Airshow
10:00 am – Gates Open
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Festival Activities: Full access to food trucks, static aircraft displays, the Aviation STEM Area, face painting, the market & exhibitors, autograph sessions, beer gardens, and the Kids Zone!
- 12:30 pm – Opening Ceremonies
- 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Flying Displays: Look to the skies for the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, CF-18 Hornet Tac Demo, SkyHawks (Canadian Forces Parachute Demonstration Team), Historic Harvard Mark IV, Melissa Burns, the MiG-17, and more!
- 5:00 pm – Gates Close
Please Note: Aviation elements are subject to change without notice due to weather, aircraft serviceability, and other operational factors.
Ticket Information
Securing your admission online early is highly recommended to guarantee your spot on the tarmac and skip the lines. Parking passes are required, which can be purchased online with your tickets.
| Ticket Type | Single-Day Price | What’s Included |
| Friday Night (Adult, Senior, Veteran, Youth) | $20.00 | Full access to Glow Night & Suit Disco |
| Adult (Ages 18+) | $40.00 | Full access to grounds, displays, and aerial show. |
| Youth (Ages 3–17) | $20.00 | Full access to grounds and Aviation STEM Family Zone. |
| Seniors (65+) & Veterans | $35.00 | Discounted day pass rate (ID required at gate). |
| Child (Under 3) | FREE | Free entry all weekend long. |
Upgrade Your Experience: Looking for prime views and premium perks?
Check out the Family Chalet ($120 – Only Sunday Tickets Left), or the exclusive Officer’s Club ($250 – Only Sunday Tickets Left) VIP experience.
What to Expect: Elite Aerial Performers
The 2026 lineup features an unbelievable mix of precision military drill teams, tactical demonstrations, and champion aerobatic pilots. Keep your eyes glued to the skies for:
- Canadian Forces Snowbirds: Catch the iconic 9-jet precision team in what is set to be the historic final season for the classic CT-114 Tutor fleet.
- CF-18 Hornet Tactical Demonstration: Feel the raw power and thunder of Canada’s frontline fighter jet.
- Canadian Armed Forces SkyHawks Parachute Team: Watch Canada’s premier parachute team perform their signature interactive, close-proximity canopy formations.
- Melissa Burns Aerobatics: Be amazed by world-class, hard-core tumbling and edge-of-your-seat stunt flying.
- Jim Hrymack: The Historic Harvards: Enjoy the roaring radial engines and nostalgic beauty of Canada’s legendary WWII training aircraft.
Pro Tip: Ground Attractions You Can’t Miss
While the action in the clouds will take your breath away, make sure to leave plenty of time to explore everything happening at ground level:
- The Friday Night Launch: Kick off the weekend on July 24 with the Glow Night & Flight Suit Disco! Experience glowing hot air balloons, live DJs, an ice cream social, and beer gardens.
- Red Deer Auto Showcase: Take a break from the aircraft to check out a spectacular display of custom, classic, and high-performance cars right on the airport grounds presented by Adrenalin Auto Group.
- Food Truck Alley & Beer Gardens: Fuel up between flight sets with an incredible lineup of over 25 food vendors. Then take a break and enjoy the atmosphere in the Beer Gardens, proudly featuring Alley Kat Brewing’s signature YQF lager, crafted just for the Red Deer Regional Airshow.
- Performer Autograph Tent: Meet your favorite pilots and crews—including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the SkyHawks—to hear their stories and take home a signed keepsake!
- Static Display and Exhibitors: Get up close to incredible aircraft and racing teams, like the Harvard Historical Aviation Society, Girls in Aviation Day, Morgan 66 Racing, and Thaden Van Wong Racing.
While You’re in the Red Deer Area
Making a weekend trip out of the airshow?
Central Alberta has plenty to keep the adventure going before and after the flight schedules:
- Fuel Up: Start your morning at local Gasoline Alley Farmers’ Market or a cozy café in the Capstone district for a gourmet coffee and a fresh, locally sourced treat before heading out to the Springbrook gates.
- The Ale Trail & The Troubled Trolley: Keep the high energy going after the gates close by grabbing a flight of locally crafted beer or spirits at a Red Deer brewery. Want to level up the fun? Grab your crew and book a ride on Red Deer’s first party bike, the Troubled Trolley!
- Outdoor Adventure: Take advantage of the gorgeous July weather by stretching your legs along the 110 kilometers of beautiful, scenic trail networks winding through the Red Deer River Valley or beat the heat by cooling off at one of Red Deer’s splash pads or the outdoor pool.
- Heritage & Culture: Step back in time at the Sunnybrook Farm Museum to explore Central Alberta’s rich agricultural roots, or stop by the historic Cronquist House for a scenic lunch overlooking the water at Bower Ponds.
- Canyon Ski Resort: Head over to Alberta’s only alpine coaster for an adrenaline rush, and be sure to check out their massive aerial adventure park! The 40-foot steel structure is surrounded by natural beauty and features 36 thrilling obstacles arranged across three skill levels.
Looking for MORE adventures? Sign up for our FREE Highway 2 More! Attractions Pass! Check in at participating local attractions to score discounts, earn points toward fun and unique Red Deer swag, and get entered to win a Grand Prize package valued at over $500. There’s always more to explore in Red Deer, sign up today to start saving and winning!
Turn it Loud: Other Epic Events in Town This Week!
Want to maximize your weekend itinerary? Red Deer is absolutely packed with action (including a chance to channel your inner Maverick with a Top Gun experience long after the jets land!).
Coordinate your schedule to catch these awesome local events:
Friday, July 24
Headpins Live at Red Deer Resort & Casino Event Centre
- What: Kick off your weekend with an unforgettable night of classic Canadian rock! Head over to the Events Centre to sing along to massive anthems like “Turn It Loud” and “Don’t It Make Ya Feel”.
- Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm | Show starts at 8:00 pm
- Details: All-ages event. First-come, first-served seating rounds of 8 (unless a full table is purchased in advance).
- Purchase Tickets Here
Saturday, July 25
“Top Gun” Summer Drive-In Movie at Westerner Park
- What: Feel the need for speed all over again! Presented by Westerner Park and the Red Deer Regional Airport, cruise straight from the airshow over to the Northwest Parking Lot for a nostalgic drive-in experience showing the original 1986 classic, Top Gun.
- Time: Gates open at 6:30 pm | Movie starts at 7:30 pm
- Admission: $25.00 per car (up to 2 people) or $40.00 per carload (up to 6 people).
- Perks: Every ticket includes one complimentary small popcorn per person! Local food vendors will also be on-site for extra snacks. Turn the engine off, roll the windows down, and pump the volume up.
- Purchase Tickets Here
Troubled Monk’s 11th Anniversary Party
- What: Something big is brewing! Red Deer’s own Troubled Monk is turning 11, and they are celebrating over a decade of bold brews with a massive parking lot bash. Expect live music (featuring Brayden King, Cole Martin, and more), food trucks, beer gardens, yard games, and a special anniversary brew release.
- Time: 4:00 pm – Midnight (Minors welcome until 8:00 pm)
- Details: Free admission and family-friendly! Proceeds from the 50/50 and raffles support The Mustard Seed’s School Lunch Program.
Make it a Weekend:
With a jam-packed schedule of daytime aerial thrills, evening movie magic, and local anniversary parties, you’ll definitely want more than just a single afternoon to take it all in. Make the most of your trip by turning it into a full weekend getaway!
Head over to our [Where to Stay] page to check out Red Deer’s fantastic local hotels and accommodations, pick your perfect home base, and book your overnight stay today.
Ready to watch the skies come alive?
Get your tickets today at www.reddeerregionalairshow.com/get-tickets/ and we’ll see you on the tarmac!
