Your Go-To Resource for the 2026 SkyFest Air Show
Common SkyFest Questions
Everything you need to know about attending the 2026 Skyfest Air Show
ℹ️ We Are Cashless
- No ATMs or credit card kiosks will be available onsite.
- All purchases (food, beverages, novelties, etc.) will be cashless.
Tickets & Entry
Find answers related to how you get in to the Air Show on June 6 & 7
When is the airshow?
June 6 & 7, 2026. Gates open at 8:30 AM. The show runs from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. We recommend arriving early. Inbound traffic closes at 1:30 PM.
Do I need a military or other ID to enter?
No. The event is open to the public. Non-DOD visitors enter through the Main Gate (16825 US-2, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011).
Can I leave and re-enter?
Yes, but all inbound traffic lanes close at 1:30 PM.
What to bring
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle (free water stations available inside)
- Hearing protection (especially for children)
- Wagon or lightweight stroller
- Foldable chair
⚠️ Bag exceptions
Allowed: Diaper bags; Small purses; Canvas bags with folding chairs; Small camera bags (21″ x 10″ x 10″ or smaller)
Security & Allowed Items
All visitors are subject to search. When in doubt, leave it in your vehicle or at home.
🚫 Prohibited items
- RC aircraft & drones
- Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives, pocket tools, scissors, box cutters, mace, pepper spray)
- Firearms of any type
- Toys that resemble firearms
- Laser pointers
- Flammable items and fireworks
- Pets (except service animals)
- Spray paint and silly string
- Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller skates/blades, hoverboards
- Outside food, coolers, grills, or glass containers
- Glass bottles
- Balloons
- Walkie-talkies, HAM radios, scanners
- Alcohol and illegal drugs (including marijuana)
- Excessively large items and bags
✅ Authorized items
The following are items permitted on base at this show.
- Metal or plastic water bottles
- Personal wheelchairs, mobility carts, and strollers
- Official service animals (trained, harnessed)
- Diaper bags
- Small purses
- Canvas bags with folding chairs
- Small camera bags (21″ x 10″ x 10″ or smaller)
- Folding chairs, lawn chairs, blankets
- Binoculars, cameras, camcorders
- Medically necessary items (after inspection at entry)
More security questions
All visitors are subject to search. When in doubt, leave it in your vehicle or at home.
Is there expedited screening?
No. All visitors go through the same security screening.
Are alcoholic beverages allowed?
You may not bring alcohol in. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased at the event with valid ID.
Parking & Transportation
Parking on base is limited to certain areas related to the SkyFest 2026 Air Show.
Is there parking?
Yes. Free parking is available. Handicap parking is available just outside the entrance. Limited RV parking. Parking is for transit only — no tailgating.
Where can DOD ID holders park?
DOD ID cardholders may park outside the main lot (e.g. Commissary, BX, RMC). Shuttles run on base to and from the show.
Will there be public transit and paratransit available?
Fixed route vehicles will be running throughout the duration of the airshow. Any ADA passengers can board Fixed Route vehicles so long as they can get to the temporary stop at O’Malley and Boston and control any mobility device to get on the buses. If ADA passengers need a bit more assistance than that, then they will need to work with the Spokane Paratransit department.
- Reservations/Scheduling: (509) 328-1552
- Paratransit Eligibility: (509) 325-6052
- Customer Service (General): (509) 328-RIDE (7433)
Weather
Parking on base is limited to certain areas allocated for the SkyFest 2026 Air Show.
Will there be shade?
Shade will be available in the STEM fair event space.
What if it rains?
The Air Force will be following local air traffic control weather patterns and enforcing safety protocols for the safety of all aircraft and support staff located on the flight line during SkyFest. We advise you to please check your local prefered news outlet for up-to-date weather related information. Come prepared at your convience.
Accessibility / ADA
Find answers to Accessibility & ADA related questions.
Is the airshow handicap accessible?
Yes. Handicap parking is available just outside the entrance. Wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons are allowed (no plug-in/recharging stations).
Are pets allowed?
No. Only certified service animals are allowed.
Schedule & Activities
Find answers for helping plan your trip to SkyFest
What else is there besides air acts?
TBD. Ground displays, STEM fair, kids zone, and more.
Who will perform?
Please Check the official SkyFest page for updates. Link Here
Food, drinks, and vendors?
Food, nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks (with ID), and souvenirs are available for purchase. Concessions are cashless. Free water fountains are available to fill reusable bottles.
Do vendors take cards?
Concessions are cashless. Food vendors accept cards. We recommend bringing some cash in case souvenir vendors do not.
Where is the event?
Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, WA (100 W. Ent St., Fairchild AFB, WA 99011).
Anything for young children?
Yes. The STEM fair has interactive booths. A Kids Zone and lost-child tent (with wristbands for contact info) are available.
Restrooms and facilities?
Restrooms are available. A nursing area is in the STEM fair event space.
Medical services?
A medical tent is on site for minor injuries. Emergency response personnel can provide transport if needed.
Can I take photos or livestream?
Yes. Photos, video, and livestream from mobile devices are allowed.
When do aircraft arrive?
Aircraft arrival times are not released for operational security.
What if I can't find my child?
Children receive a wristband at entry for contact info. The lost child tent is next to the Kids Zone.
Smoking or vaping?
Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Marijuana and drugs are prohibited on federal installations.
How can my business get involved?
Contact Jodi Swenson at Jodi.Swenson@us.af.mil