F-35A Lightning II to Headline 2026 Columbus Air Show

Annual air show at Rickenbacker International Airport scheduled for June 19-21, 2026.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team will headline the 2026 Columbus Air Show, which is scheduled for June 19-21 at Rickenbacker International Airport. The air show will also feature performances from the F4-D Phantom, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, and private flight teams and wing-walkers.

Why it matters

The 2026 Columbus Air Show is an officially designated event for the nation's 250th birthday celebration. The F-35A Lightning II, described as "a masterpiece in aviation technology," is one of the top attractions drawing crowds to the annual air show.

The details

Tickets for the 2026 Columbus Air Show are on sale now, with adult admission priced at $65. Discounts will vary as tickets are sold. The air show is produced by Herb Gillen's company and is one of just five F-35A Lightning II performances scheduled in the Midwest this year.

  • The 2026 Columbus Air Show is scheduled for June 19-21, 2026.
  • Tickets for the air show are on sale now.

The players

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team

The U.S. Air Force's demonstration team for the F-35A Lightning II, a 5th generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft.

F4-D Phantom

An iconic post-World War II fighter jet that will be performing at the 2026 Columbus Air Show.

U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team

The U.S. Army's official parachute demonstration team that will be performing at the 2026 Columbus Air Show.

Herb Gillen

The president of the company that produces the Columbus Air Show.

Rickenbacker International Airport

The airport in Columbus, Ohio where the annual Columbus Air Show is held.

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What they’re saying

“The F-35A is a masterpiece in aviation technology that will wow this year's crowds.”

— Herb Gillen, President of the company that produces the Columbus Air Show (dispatch.com)

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Columbus Air Show are on sale now at ColumbusAirShow.com/tickets.

The takeaway

The 2026 Columbus Air Show promises to be an impressive display of aviation technology and skill, featuring the cutting-edge F-35A Lightning II as the headline act. As an officially designated event for the nation's 250th birthday celebration, the air show is expected to draw large crowds to Rickenbacker International Airport in June.