The SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo brings a huge mix of aerial performances and static displays to Lakeland

SUN 'n FUN is the 2nd largest aviation expo in the U.S. with over 200K visitors and aircraft of all kinds.

The SUN 'n FUN Air Show is back, taking place in Lakeland and celebrating its 52nd year in 2026, the highly anticipated s event is happening from April 14 – April 19, 2026.

SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo is an annual aviation extravaganza that takes place at Lakeland Linder International Airport, and is the 2nd largest aviation expo in the U.S. with over 200 thousand aviation enthusiasts from all over the world attending the event.

The air show features an impressive lineup of aerial performances, showcasing breathtaking maneuvers by skilled pilots flying a variety of aircraft, from vintage warbirds to cutting-edge jets. Spectators are treated to captivating displays of aerobatics, high-speed flybys, and synchronized formations, creating a thrilling atmosphere that leaves audiences in awe.

In addition to the aerial displays, the SUN 'n FUN Air Show also offers a range of ground attractions, including static aircraft displays, interactive exhibits, educational workshops, and vendor booths. It's a perfect opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to connect, learn, and celebrate the passion for flight.

Check out some of the highlight of this year's SUN ‘n FUN

The USAF Thunderbirds will headline the 2026 SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo, taking place April 14-19 in Lakeland. They are scheduled to perform daily airshows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The USAF C-17 Demo Team will showcase the heavy transport's agility with low-level passes, rapid tactical descents, and backing-up maneuvers.

Get ready—one of the most unique aircraft in the world is flying into Lakeland and will be on static display all week!The Aero Spacelines Super Guppy is headed to SUN ‘n FUN 2026, and it’s unlike anything else on the field. With its massive, bulbous fuselage and swing-open nose, this aircraft was built to carry cargo that simply won’t fit in a normal airplane.

Originally designed to transport rocket components for NASA’s Apollo missions, the Super Guppy still plays a critical role today—moving oversized spacecraft parts, massive structures, and even aircraft components across the country. And yes… it’s so big, it can carry jet parts—and even small aircraft—inside its enormous cargo bay.

NASA’s Northrop T-38 Talon will be part of the week’s activities! The aircraft will remain on static display Wednesday through Saturday, giving guests a rare up-close look at the jet NASA uses to train astronauts and support mission readiness—before departing on Sunday.

The North American F-100 Super Sabre is a swept wing supersonic jet fighter that served with the US Air Force from 1954 to 1971 and the Air National Guard until 1979. See it fly at SUN 'n FUN Wednesday at Twilight, Friday evening during the daytime airshow and Saturday evening at twilight.

Red Bull’s “Pick and Flick” explodes onto the airshow with pure adrenaline—a daring twist on a classic stunt. An experimental Cessna tears low down the runway, locked in perfect sync with a speeding car. Then, right at show center and precisely 1,300 feet, they release—dropping into freefall in a perfectly timed moment that launches Red Bull’s portion of the show. It’s a high-speed fusion of precision, timing, and trust that delivers an unforgettable aerial spectacle.

NORAD is a bi-national United States and Canadian organization that was established on May 12, 1958. It is the first line of defense in protecting the United States and Canada from attack from all approaches through aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning for North America.

During the airshow, NORAD pilots will demonstrate how they respond when a general aviation aircraft enters a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR). This performance showcases the same graduated, safety‑focused procedures NORAD uses in real-world situations to get a pilot’s attention. Spectators will see fighter aircraft rock their wings as well as perform a controlled “head‑butt” maneuver by safely crossing in front of the suspect aircraft. Each action is designed to clearly signal the pilot and guide the aircraft away from restricted airspace. Throughout the demonstration, NORAD crews will also simulate radio calls to show how they work to establish communication during an actual intercept.

SUN ’n FUN will welcome the Freedom 250 F-5 Team. Led by Jared Isaacman, this striking three-ship formation features F-5's specially painted in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Bold, patriotic, and impossible to miss, they’ll bring high-speed precision and powerful symbolism to the skies over Lakeland.

For more info and to purchase tickets: https://flysnf.org

Check out all the latest news and more from Orlando and throughout Central Florida.

Contact Us:

You can contact us here. To advertise with us, click here. To list your upcoming event, submit it here.

Newsletter:

Sign up for our newsletter and stay in the loop with all the latest news from Central Florida delivered daily to your mailbox.

Social Media:

Join the local conversation on X, Facebook, and Instagram, plus, for extended coverage, catch the latest on our YouTube channel.