Key keywords: 2026 Rochester International Airshow, Rochester Airshow 2026, international aerobatic demonstration, military aircraft performance, civilian aerobatic teams, Rochester Monroe County Airport, family-friendly aviation event, static aircraft exhibition, US Air Force Thunderbirds, airshow regional economic impact Organizers of the Rochester International Airshow officially confirmed this week that the 2026 edition of the beloved regional aviation event is fully scheduled to run from August 15 to 17, 2026, at the Rochester Monroe County Airport, marking the 12th iteration of the show since its launch in 2002. The 2026 event is set to feature its most diverse lineup to date, with headlining performances from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerobatic team, who last appeared at the Rochester Airshow in 2019, alongside the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, and award-winning civilian aerobatic pilot Patty Wagstaff, who will bring her signature high-octane solo stunt routine. Beyond in-air performances, the 2026 show will expand its static display zone by 30% compared to the 2024 event, with more than 70 aircraft on view for attendees. Highlights of the static exhibition include a fully restored WWII-era B-17 Flying Fortress that will offer paid sightseeing flights during the show, the latest F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, a range of vintage propeller planes, commercial passenger jets, and small civilian private aircraft. Organizers have also added new interactive zones to cater to family audiences, including a hands-on flight simulation area for children, a career fair for students interested in aerospace, aviation maintenance, or military flight careers, and a series of panel discussions hosted by retired military and commercial pilots sharing their career stories and aviation knowledge. Ticket sales launched on December 1, 2024, with early-bird discounts available through March 2025. General admission tickets start at $35 for adults, $15 for children aged 6 to 12, and children under 6 get free entry. Discounted packages are available for veterans, active military personnel, and groups of 10 or more. Event organizers project that the 2026 show will draw more than 180,000 attendees across the three days, a 25% increase from the 2024 attendance numbers, and is expected to generate more than $22 million in economic impact for the greater Rochester area, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses. To ensure attendee safety, organizers have expanded the no-drone zone to a 5-mile radius around the airport during the event, added 12 additional on-site medical stations, and increased security staffing by 40% compared to 2024. Additional performance teams and special guests will be announced through the official airshow social media channels over the next 18 months leading up to the event.