The 2025 California Capital Airshow saw record attendance in a sold-out weekend, according to an announcement by the organization.

More than 140,000 spectators gathered at Mather airport in Rancho Cordova to see aerial performers headlined by the U. S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team. General admission tickets for both Saturday and Sunday were sold out, the organization said. 

“The enthusiasm for this year’s Airshow was truly remarkable,” Executive Director Darcy Brewer said. “Selling out days in advance is a testament to the incredible lineup and the unique experience we strive to deliver. This event attracts a growing number of aviation enthusiasts from all over the globe, and it is a true honor to create this event for our community.” 

Organizers were able to secure an additional 1,400 parking spaces after the initial general admission tickets sold out, according to the release. Those tickets also quickly sold out, the release said.

Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez helped kick off Saturday’s show with Colonel Justin Ballinger of Travis Air Force Base. Officials from the Navy conducted a swearing in ceremony for newly enlisted recruits during opening ceremonies on Saturday.

Pat Hume, Supervisor for Sacramento County’s District Five, also attended the air show, saying it is a positive event for the community. 

“It’s a great event to come out and support our military folks, but it’s also a great economic development driver,” Hume said.

Chairman of the California Capital Airshow Board of Directors, Terrence McNamara thanked volunteers and event partners.

“This year’s record-breaking attendance shows how important this event is to the Sacramento region,” McNamara said. “We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our many volunteers, partners and sponsors, and the essential collaboration with Sacramento County and the City of Rancho Cordova.”

Several Sacramento region businesses and organizations had a presence at the event, including an electric vehicle ride and drive by SMUD. Drivers could choose from a variety of electric vehicles to take on a test drive around a course. 

Senior program manager at SMUD, John Grindrod, said he hopes the experience will help people understand what he called “the EV lifestyle.” The event drew hundreds of drivers, Grindrod said.

Modern Aviation provided fuel and support for various aircraft at the event, and additional sponsors included Sacramento County, the City of Rancho Cordova, Southwest Airlines and Sutter Health, according to the release.

Travis Air Force Base and Beale Air Force Base joined Cal Fire and several law enforcement agencies to provide exhibits and aircraft for spectators to explore. 

Viewing areas for this year’s event differed from previous years with the general admission entrance near the air show center, organizers said. Guests entering the event were treated to views of the Blue Angel’s F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft as well as static displays of other aircraft. Various chalets were constructed along a taxiway.

Plans for the 2026 California Capital Airshow are being finalized, Brewer said. Further announcements will be published through the organization’s website and email list.