With the onset of spring weather, aviation groups across the central valley are gearing up for events in 2026. Here is a roundup of events set for May.

Wednesday, April 29, Placerville Airport (PVF) El Dorado County Airports Manager Dale Lusby is hosting a meet and greet from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is aimed at providing a networking opportunity for aviators and airport management. Lusby said he is working on more events in the future. Hot dogs, popcorn, and snacks will be available at the event, Lusby said.

Saturday, May 2, McClellan (MCC) California Aerospace Museum Open Cockpit. The California Aerospace Museum at McClellan airport (MCC) is hosting an open cockpit day to coincide with the nationally recognized date for Star Wars fans of May 5. The event will feature cosplayers with hands-on access to select aircraft and exhibits. All activities are included with general admission to the museum. General admission to the museum is also included with a membership. See the Aerospace Museum of California for details.

Saturday, May 2, Calaveras County Airport (CPU) The annual Calaveras County Airport Day is set to feature static aircraft displays, local food vendors, and exhibits. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fly CA Passport stamps will be available under the gazebo and the manager can sign off for display credits, according to an announcement posted to the airport’s social media page. [Editor’s note: A previous version of this page listed airplane rides would be available. A recent announcement by the airport said that rides will not take place due to scheduling conflicts.]

Saturday, May 2, Sutter County Airport (O52) The monthly cheesesteak fly-in for EAA Chapter 1593 is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sutter County Airport. Young Eagles flights are also available at no cost for first time flyers from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., accouding to an announcement by the organization. Lunch is $20 and includes a cheesesteak sandwich, drink, sides, and a dessert. Proceeds benefit the chapter’s flight training and scolarship fund. Those driving in can enter through the AeroSTEM Academy campus. Online registration is required.

Thursday, May 7, Nut Tree Airport (VCB) The Rowland Freedom Center will host the May mixer for the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce. The event is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and features live jazz, food, raffles, and vendor booths.

Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10 Cameron Park Airport (O61) Foothill Flight Center will host an Upset Prevention and Recovery Training program. The training is designed to help pilots become more proficient in loss of control situations such as stall and spin awareness , aircraft upset regognition, and energy management. The course aims to build confidence and help aviators safely recover from these situations. The cost is $295 and a limited number of spots are available as of press time. Ground classes will be Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with two hour time slots per person scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Contact Foothillflightcenter.com or call 530-303-8137 for details.

Saturday, May 9, AMOS Remote Controlled Aircraft Airfield The Associated Modelers of Sacramento is hosting their Cinco de Fly-o event featuring remote controlled aircraft, swap meet, demo derby, and an airsoft shoot-down. Breakfast is $10 and starts at 9 a.m. while lunch is $15 at 1 p.m. Admission is free and airsoft shoot-down tickets are $2.50 for 25 rounds. The AMOS RC Airfield is at 4015 E Catlett Rd., in Lincoln.

Saturday, May 9, Nut Tree Airport (VCB) The Sacramento 99’s will hold their regular meeting in the conference room at the Nut Tree Airport. Member Lynn will give a show and tell with her T-34 with a lunch following the presentation. Contact the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the Ninety-Nines for more information.

Thursday, May 14 through Saturday, May 16, Tracy Municipal Airport (TCY) The Northern California Aerobatic Club is holding the Nor Cal Classic 2026 aerobatic contest. The event begins with early registration on the 13th with competitions scheduled for the 14th and 15th. The event concludes with an awards ceremony that is slated to coinside with the Tracy Airport Family Fun Day on the 16th. Registration is $350 and the organization is sponsoring a special first-time competitors discount of $50. Limited hangar space is available for overnight parking and the Fairfield by Marriott is the official contest hotel.

Saturday, May 16, Oroville Airport (OVE) Oroville Fly-in (OVE). This annual free event drew over 2,000 attendees last year, organizer Gonzalo “Peewee” Curiel told Wingman. This year’s event will again be held at Oroville Airport and runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Past events have featured aircraft from CALFIRE, vintage warbirds, homebuilts, and other general aviation aircraft. An advertisement for the event also lists food trucks, vendors, custom and classic cars, and a pancake breakfast. Oroville Airport is at 100 Airport Parkway.

Saturday, May 16, Yuba County Airport (MVY) When Pigs Fly The third annual When Pigs Fly fundraiser is scheduled at the Yuba County Airport (MVY). The event is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on the tarmac at Yuba County Airport, according to an announcement. The event will feature a dinner, raffles, and music. Proceeds go towards search and rescue missions for the Yuba-Sutter Sheriff’s Aero Squadron. 

Saturday, May 16,  Watts Woodland (O41) A Pancake Breakfast is scheduled. 

Saturday, May 16, Aerospace Museum of California at McClellan (MCC) Join EAA Chapter 1714 for a fundraiser and silent auction from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Star Wars costumes are encouraged and there will be a costume contest with prizes, according to an announcement from the chapter. A shuttle from the FBO is available, contact @eaa1714 for details.

Saturday, May 16, Nevada County Airport (GOO) An Armed Forces Day is scheduled at the Nevada County Airport in Grass Valley. The event will feature classic cars, live music, food trucks, flyovers, exhibits, and a kids zone. Aircraft rides on a WACO YMF-5 open cockpit biplane are also available during the event. Organizers are encouraging participants to drive-in rather than fly-in due to maintenance on the ramp that is displacing more than 50 aircraft to the transient parking area. Proceeds go toward raising funds for aviation scholarships.

Saturday, May 16 through Monday, September 7, McClellan (MCC) The Aerospace Museum of California is offering free admission to active military members and up to five guests as part of the Blue Star Museum network.

Friday, May 29, 424 Folsom Rd., Roseville, CA Join Girls Love to Fly for Cockpits and Coffee in Roseville for an hour of coffee and aviation to connect with pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Visit Girls Love to Fly for RSVP and contact information.

Friday, May 29 through Saturday, May 30, Hayward (HWD) to McClellan (MCC) The 62nd annual Hayward Air Rally takes place to test the navigation and fuel management skills of participating pilots. The event begins at Hayward Executive Airport with aviators flying to McClellan for the one leg event. Rather than sheer speed, the rally emphasizes precision navigation and fuel management. An award ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at the Aerospace Museum of California. Entry fees are $250 for each pilot and co-pilot team. Passengers are $80 and all entries include attendance to the awards banquet. The event is open to pilots of single and multi-engine piston aircraft with a minimum range of 400 miles. There is a required course and safety briefing in Hayward on the 29th. Departures are scheduled to begin at Hayward Executive Airport on the 30th at 10 a.m. The Lion’s Gate Hotel at McClellan is also providing a hospitality suite for arriving flyers.

Saturday, May 30, Mather Airport (MHR) The California Capital Airshow will hold the 2026 Positive Altitude event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hangar Six. The free event is designed to give students of all ages an introduction to careers in aviation and related fields. Activities include interactive STEM demonstrations, lunch, and a presentation by a NASA keynote speaker. Aircraft will be open for students to get an up-close look and ask questions. Positive Altitude is open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required.

Saturday, May 30, Nut Tree Airport (VCB) The Rowland Freedom Center is celebrating 250 years of independence in the United States with a formal gala, Heros Through History. Julie Clark is scheduled to be the guest speaker with Rowland Freedom Center Benefactor Herm Rowland as the guest of honor. Individual tickets are $200 and individual VIP tickets are $250. A dinner, live music, and presentations are scheduled as part of the event that is scheduled to run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with early VIP entry at 5:30 p.m., The Rowland Freedom Center is at 300 County Airport Rd. C4, Vacaville, California.

Events are subject to change with weather and other factors. Wingman encourages readers to confirm information with event organizers before attending. New events will be added here as details become available. These events are listed as a service to the community and do not constitute endorsement by Wingman Aviation News.