Your eyes on the skies: What awaits at the Cold Lake Air Show!

The word on the street is there isn’t a hotel room to be had in Cold Lake, nor Bonnyville. St. Paul may be a struggle. The 2024 Cold Lake Air Show is one of the most anticipated events of the summer — not just in the Lakeland, but in Alberta.

Heck, even Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to attend on Saturday on the invitation of city council.

Some visitors are going for both days, one day to focus on the static displays, the other to enjoy the majesty of flight with some of the most skilled pilots flying some of the most impressive planes in the world.

Tentative schedule (could be subject to changes):

• National Anthem Featuring the Skyhawks
• 12:00 pm
• CF Snowbirds
• 12:05 pm
• Skyhawks Demo
• 12:35 pm
• CH-149 Cormorant
• 1:00 pm
• Lancaster & CF-18 Demo
• 1:10 pm
• Northern Stars Aeroteam
• 1:25 pm
• CF-18 Demo & Heritage Flight
• 1:50 pm
• P-40e Kittyhawk
• 2:10 pm
• Harvard Mark IV
• 2:25 pm
• C-17 & KC-135 Air-To-Air Refueling Demo
• 2:35 pm
• F-35 II Lightning Demo
• 2:50 pm
• Frecce Tricolori
• 3:10 pm

“The weather is going to be extremely warm, but the show is going to be fantastic,” raved Mayor Craig Copeland as he welcomes people to the community.

“All of the people that organize the air show do a fabulous job, and they get all of the acts coming in, and we get to benefit from it, from all the hard work everybody’s doing out on the wing. So it’s going to be great show. If no one’s ever been to an air show before, really come out. Get here early.”

Here’s what you can watch:

Skyhawks:

Canada’s only military parachute demonstration team has been around for over 40 years. They are unmistakable for their signature Canadian flag parachutes.

Snowbirds:

A Canadian staple and iconic comprised of serving members of the Canadian Forces, 431 Squadron work as a team to bring thrilling performances to North America.

CH-149 Cormorant:

The CH-149 Cormorant is a long-range helicopter dedicated to search and rescue. It can operate in severe conditions, making it ideal for Canada’s challenging geography and climate. 

Lancaster & CF-18 Demo:

The most recognizable bomber used by the British Commonwealth in the Second World War, The Lancaster first flew in December 1941. As well, welcome Captain Jesse “Modem” Haggart-Smith and his CF-18 to the skies!

Northern Stars Aeroteam:

The three-plane, precision aerobatic formation team flown by Canadian Air Force veterans draws on their heritage with veteran RCAF pilots, Brent Handy, Todd Farrell and Greg Hume-Powell.

P-40e Kittyhawk:

This single-seat, all-metal fighter-bomber that first flew in 1938. The P-40 design was a modification of the previous Curtiss P-36 Hawk.

C-17 & KC-135 Air-To-Air Refueling Demo:

Witness the seamless coordination and precision as these aircraft execute a thrilling aerial ballet, showcasing the critical capability of mid-air refueling.

F-35 II Lightning Demo:

First flying in 2006, the F-35A Lightning has been in operation in the United States since 2016, and with its new technologies, is considered the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft.

Frecce Tricolori:

Italy’s elite aerobatic demonstration team, the “Tricolor Arrows,” have been celebrated globally for their mesmerizing aerial ballet.

Learn the on-site rules

Pay attention to the website on what you can and cannot bring to the Air Show. Things like tents will not be allowed, and with the extreme heat, bring an umbrella, and water bottles to make sure you stay hydrated.

Perhaps most importantly, bring a chair! There is no seating on-site. Standard size backpacks, children’s wagons, and coolers less than two gallons are allowed. Here is a FAQ of the do’s and don’t of items.

Tickets

Pre-purchasing tickets is the best way to ensure you can attend. They are capping the attendance at 25,000 visitors, so don’t be left in the lurch! Purchase your tickets at https://coldlakeairshow.com/tickets-souvenirs/