The countdown is on as the 2026 Cold Lake Air Show returns to 4 Wing Cold Lake this weekend, promising two days of high-speed aerial performances, military demonstrations and family entertainment.

Taking place Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, the air show will once again bring thousands of spectators to the Lakeland region to watch some of the world’s top military and civilian performers take to the skies.

Organizers are encouraging visitors to plan ahead before arriving to help make the experience as smooth as possible.

Plan ahead before heading to the show

Anyone attending is encouraged to download the official Cold Lake Air Show app before arriving. The app includes performance schedules, site maps, performer information, notifications and other important event updates.

Visitors should also:

• Review the event traffic plan before travelling.
• Read the frequently asked questions for information on accessibility, gates and event policies.
• Check the list of permitted and prohibited items before packing.
• Download or print tickets in advance to help speed up entry into the grounds.

Those attending with family or friends are also encouraged to have everyone’s tickets ready before reaching the entrance gates.

Prepare for a day outdoors

The event is entirely outdoors, meaning attendees should be ready to spend the day outside.

Organizers recommend:

• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Weather-appropriate clothing.
• Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to take advantage of free water refill stations available throughout the venue.

The public is also encouraged to follow the Cold Lake Air Show on social media and enable in-app notifications for any important updates leading up to or during the weekend.

World-class lineup takes to the skies

This year’s show features an impressive mix of military aircraft, historic warbirds and aerobatic performers from Canada and the United States.

Highlights include:

• United States Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, showcasing the incredible manoeuvrability of the fifth-generation stealth fighter.
• Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Tactical Demonstration, featuring Canada’s frontline fighter aircraft.
• Canadian Forces Snowbirds, one of Canada’s most recognizable aerial demonstration teams.
• Canadian Armed Forces SkyHawks Parachute Team, known for precision parachute displays beneath their signature Canadian flags.
• Erickson Aircraft Collection, bringing three iconic Second World War aircraft to Cold Lake: the B-25 Mitchell, P-38 Lightning and P-47 Thunderbolt.
• Smoke N Thunder Jet Show Jetcar delivers one of the loudest and fastest ground demonstrations at the event.
• Ace Maker Airshows featuring Gregory “Wired” Colyer flying the classic T-33 Shooting Star.
• Vertigo Airshows, Undaunted Airshows, Neil Harris Aerosports, Luke Penner, veteran pilot Jim Hrymack and demonstrations featuring the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter.

Together, the lineup offers something for aviation enthusiasts, military supporters and families alike.

An internationally recognized event

The Cold Lake Air Show has become one of Canada’s premier aviation events and recently earned international recognition.

The event received the 2024 Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award from the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS), in recognition of exceptional community involvement and collaboration.

The award is presented annually to a military base that demonstrates outstanding relationships with its surrounding community while setting new standards for integrating local organizations into the planning and delivery of an air show.

Cold Lake became the first Canadian recipient of the honour since Canadian Forces Base Borden received the award in 1997.

The recognition came despite challenges during the 2024 event, when wildfire smoke significantly reduced flying hours. Organizers credited the success to the support of volunteers, local businesses, community partners and events such as the Friday night street festival hosted by the City of Cold Lake.

That commitment to working together has helped establish the Cold Lake Air Show as one of North America’s premier military air shows and a major attraction for visitors from across Alberta and beyond.

With a favourable weather forecast and an action-packed schedule, organizers expect another memorable weekend as the skies over Cold Lake come alive once again with the sights and sounds of aviation excellence.