The 52nd Annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is ready to take flight in Lakeland! Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a family looking for a high-octane weekend, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years yet as the festival celebrates “The Red, White & Blue at 52.”
📅 Event Essentials
- Dates: April 14–19, 2026
- Location: Lakeland Linder International Airport (3875 Pipkin Rd, Lakeland, FL)
- Gates Open: 8:00 AM daily (Parking lot opens at 7:00 AM)
✈️ Airshow Highlights & Schedule
The 2026 lineup features an incredible mix of military power and civilian artistry.
Key Performers
- USAF Thunderbirds: The headlining jet team performing multiple days.
- USAF F-22 Raptor Demo: A mind-bending display of stealth and power.
- USN F-18 Rhino Demo: High-speed passes and vertical climbs.
- Titan Aerobatic Team: Precision formation flying in classic T-6 Texans.
Specialized Shows
- Opening Night Concert (Tuesday, April 14): Kick off the week with country stars Cooper Alan, Thomas Mac, and Angie K (included with admission).
- The Composite Airshow (Wednesday, April 15): A unique, music-driven aerial performance from 5:00 PM – 9:15 PM, ending with a laser encore.
- Night Airshow & Fireworks (Saturday, April 18): A fan favorite featuring aircraft with pyrotechnics, a massive firework display, and a laser show.
🎟️ Tickets & Parking
Buying online is highly recommended to save money and speed up entry.
| Ticket Type | Online Price | Gate Price |
| Daily Adult Admission | $50 | $50* |
| Weekly Adult Admission | $180 | $180* |
| Youth (Ages 13-17) | $20 | $20 |
| Daily Parking | $12 | $20 |
| Weekly Parking | $55 | $80 |
> Note: Kids 12 and under are FREE. Florida residents can look for special BOGO offers for Saturday and Sunday.
🚀 New & Notable for 2026
- SUN ’n FUN Express: A brand-new daily shuttle service for fly-in guests, running from the airport to popular shopping and dining spots in Downtown Lakeland.
- STOL Invitational: Head over to “Paradise City” (the grass strip) to see world-class Short Take-Off and Landing pilots compete in extreme bush-plane maneuvers.
- America’s 250th Celebration: Look for special patriotic tributes throughout the grounds as the festival begins the countdown to the nation’s semiquincentennial.
💡 Pro-Tips for Your Visit
- Stay Hydrated: Florida in April can be scorching. Bring a refillable water bottle (clear plastic) and wear plenty of sunscreen.
- Hearing Protection: It gets loud—especially when the F-22 or Thunderbirds are in the air. Earplugs are a must for kids.
- Download the App: The SUN ‘n FUN mobile app provides real-time schedule updates, a GPS-enabled map of the grounds, and performer info.
- Arrival: Traffic on Pipkin Road and County Line Road gets heavy by mid-morning. Aim to arrive before 9:00 AM to beat the rush.
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