Residents of Rancho Cordova and the greater Sacramento area can expect to see increased military and civilian aircraft in the skies overhead as arrivals start coming in for this weekend’s California Capital Airshow.

An airshow spokesperson told Wingman that most performers are scheduled to arrive throughout the day on Thursday, Oct. 8, with a dress rehearsal on Friday.

“Many of our performers and exhibitors begin arriving at Mather Airport on Thursday, so we encourage everyone to keep their eyes on the skies over the next few days,” the spokesperson said. “Residents may see the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and everything from vintage warbirds to large military cargo aircraft flying into Mather and rehearsing their performances. If you hear jets overhead or see aircraft flying in formation, that’s our performers getting ready for the weekend. It’s a great preview before people see them up close at the Airshow on Saturday and Sunday.”

The FAA has issued a temporary flight restriction for the California Capital Airshow covering a 7-nautical-mile radius around Mather Airport. The TFR is in effect from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8; noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9; and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11, local daylight savings time.

The airshow will not accommodate fly-in aircraft this year, according to the airshow’s website. 

This year’s lineup includes a U-2 Dragon Lady and T-38 Talons from Beale Air Force Base, the U.S. Navy Super Hornet demonstration team, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and the final U.S. demonstration from the Canadian Snowbirds in their iconic CT-114.

“This year’s show is a milestone celebration that offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Darcy Brewer, CEO of California Capital Airshow. “We’re bringing the Thunderbirds and Snowbirds to Sacramento to celebrate our 20th anniversary and the nation’s 250th, with a night show and fireworks finale to match.” 

The 2026 California Capital Airshow offers rare evening and nighttime flight demonstrations, according to a press release by the organization. Aircraft will be “lighting up the night sky with pyrotechnics, walls of fire, spectacular fireworks and hundreds of drones,” the release said.

Tickets are not available at the gate this year, and organizers say the event could sell out. Saturday Premium Cabin and Photo Tour tickets were already sold out, and fewer than five Saturday Main Cabin tickets remained, according to an Oct. 2 email from the airshow. Saturday Business Class and First Class tickets were still available.

Parking gates will open at noon on Saturday and Sunday, with performances starting at 3:30 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m. The last vehicle entry is at 5 p.m., according to the airshow schedule.