Santa Maria’s Premier Airshow Featuring Military Aircraft, Warbirds & Aerobatics
If you are looking for an exciting airshow on California's Central Coast, the Central Coast AirFest in Santa Maria is an event worth putting on your calendar. Held at Santa Maria Airport, the annual airshow brings military aircraft, historic warbirds, aerobatic performers, static aircraft displays and aviation fans together for a full weekend of entertainment.
The Central Coast AirFest has become a popular aviation event for Santa Maria Valley residents as well as visitors traveling to the Central Coast. The combination of historic airplanes, modern military aircraft and high-energy aerobatic performances makes the event appealing to aviation enthusiasts, families, photographers and anyone looking for something different to do in Santa Maria.
The official Central Coast AirFest website currently lists the 2026 event for September 12 and 13 at Santa Maria Airport. The event is presented under the direction of Planes of Fame Air Museum.
When Is the Central Coast AirFest?
The 2026 Central Coast AirFest is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, 2026. According to the official event information, the AirFest opens at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 5:00 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. The airshow itself is scheduled to finish earlier in the afternoon, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the aircraft displays, food vendors and other activities surrounding the flying performances. Because airshow schedules can change because of weather, aircraft availability and operational considerations, visitors should check the official Central Coast AirFest website before heading to Santa Maria.
Where Is the Central Coast AirFest?
The Central Coast AirFest takes place at Santa Maria Airport, located at: Santa Maria Airport 3217 Terminal Drive Santa Maria, CA 93455 Santa Maria Airport is located in the Santa Maria Valley in northern Santa Barbara County. Its location makes the AirFest accessible to residents throughout the Central Coast, including visitors from Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura and surrounding communities. For anyone traveling to the event, it is a good idea to allow additional time for traffic, parking and entry procedures, particularly during the busiest portions of the weekend.
What Can You See at the Central Coast AirFest?
One of the biggest attractions of the Central Coast AirFest is its mix of aircraft. Rather than focusing on just one era of aviation, the event combines historic warbirds, military aircraft and civilian aerobatic performers. The 2026 lineup announced by AirFest includes an impressive selection of aircraft and performers.
Military Aircraft and Demonstrations
Military aviation is an important part of the Central Coast AirFest experience. The 2026 lineup includes an Osprey demonstration as well as military static displays featuring aircraft such as the F-15, T-38, UH-60 Black Hawk and F-5. Static aircraft displays give visitors an opportunity to see aircraft on the ground while learning more about their history, design and role in aviation. For families and younger visitors, seeing these aircraft up close can be one of the highlights of the weekend.
Historic Warbirds
The Central Coast AirFest also puts a major emphasis on historic military aircraft. The 2026 warbird lineup listed by the event includes P-51 Mustangs, F4U Corsairs, a TBM Avenger, P-40 Warhawks, an SBD Dauntless, P-47 Thunderbolt, F8F Bearcat, B-25 Mitchells, P-63 King Cobra, P-38 Lightning, F6F Hellcat, Sea Furies and T-6 aircraft. For aviation history enthusiasts, this collection provides a rare opportunity to see multiple generations of military aircraft represented at the same event.
Aerobatic Performances
The flying demonstrations are another major reason people attend the Central Coast AirFest. The 2026 aerobatic performer list includes the Acemaker T-33, Benzing Aerosports with a Stearman, Aaron Deliu in an Extra 330, High Alpha Airshows with a MiG-17, Sanders Aeronautics with a Sea Fury and Bernie Vasquez flying a P-47 Thunderbolt. These performances combine precision flying, speed and aerobatic maneuvers to create some of the most exciting moments of the airshow.
Central Coast AirFest for Families
The Central Coast AirFest is more than a series of aircraft flying overhead. The event is designed as a family-friendly aviation experience with opportunities to explore aircraft, watch demonstrations and spend the day at Santa Maria Airport. General admission includes access to the food and beverage areas, event restrooms, merchandise vendors, a kids zone and static aircraft displays. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own folding chairs for general admission viewing. For families with children who are interested in airplanes, the AirFest can be an entertaining way to introduce them to aviation and aerospace.
Planes of Fame and the Central Coast AirFest
The Central Coast AirFest is now under the direction of Planes of Fame Air Museum, an organization known for preserving and displaying historic aircraft. Planes of Fame's involvement adds a strong aviation-history component to the event, particularly through the large collection of vintage warbirds featured in the AirFest lineup. The relationship between the airshow and Santa Maria Airport also has a longer history. Santa Maria Airport records document the first Central Coast AirFest in 2018, with the event returning in 2019. The airshow was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic before returning in 2022. The airport has described the event as an opportunity to promote aviation, provide a community event and showcase the airport and its operations.
Aviation Education at the Central Coast AirFest
The AirFest also has an educational component that extends beyond the weekend airshow. In 2026, the event's Skyward Bound STEM education program is scheduled for September 9. The program is designed to introduce high school students and other young people to aviation, science and aerospace-related careers through hands-on demonstrations and educational activities. Programs like Skyward Bound demonstrate how an airshow can be about more than entertainment. Events like the Central Coast AirFest can help introduce the next generation to aviation careers, aircraft technology and the history of flight.
Central Coast AirFest Tickets
General admission tickets are available for the Central Coast AirFest. For the 2026 event, the official ticket information lists general admission at $40 at the gate, plus applicable taxes and fees. Visitors can also purchase upgrades that include grandstand seating. Grandstand seating provides elevated views along the flight line and is an upgrade to general admission rather than a replacement for an admission ticket. Premium VIP options are also available for visitors looking for a more comfortable airshow experience. The VIP experience includes shaded areas, premium food and drinks, VIP restroom access and viewing near show center. Ticket prices and availability can change, so visitors should check the official AirFest ticket page before purchasing.
What to Expect at the Santa Maria Airshow
An airshow is an outdoor event, and visitors should plan accordingly. Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, hearing protection and plenty of water can make the experience more enjoyable. Airshows can also be loud, particularly during military jet demonstrations and other high-performance aircraft displays. Hearing protection is especially useful for young children and anyone sensitive to loud noises. General admission visitors may want to bring a folding chair for viewing. The official ticket information specifically recommends bringing your own chair for general admission. Visitors should also expect that weather can affect the schedule. Santa Maria is known for morning marine influence and fog, and the AirFest's own flying information notes that weather can affect aircraft operations and the timing of the show.
Flying to Santa Maria for the AirFest
The Central Coast AirFest also accommodates visitors who arrive by private aircraft. For the 2026 event, transient aircraft parking is available on the north side of Santa Maria Airport between Taxiways P and Q. A free shuttle is scheduled to transport pilots and their guests between the transient parking area and the airshow entrance on Saturday and Sunday. Pilots planning to fly to Santa Maria for AirFest should carefully review the event's current arrival procedures, Temporary Flight Restrictions and NOTAM information before departing. Airshow flight restrictions can affect when aircraft may arrive and depart.
Why Visit the Central Coast AirFest?
For Central Coast residents, the Central Coast AirFest offers a chance to experience a major aviation event without traveling to Southern California or Northern California for an airshow. Santa Maria provides a natural Central Coast setting for the event, with visitors able to combine an AirFest weekend with other attractions throughout the Santa Maria Valley and nearby communities. For aviation fans, the appeal is obvious. The event brings together modern military aircraft, historic warbirds and aerobatic performers in one location. For families, the aircraft displays, kids activities and educational opportunities provide plenty to see and do throughout the day. For photographers, the variety of historic aircraft and flying performances creates numerous opportunities for aviation photography. The event also offers specialized photography opportunities, including a Sunrise Photo Tour.
Planning Your Visit to the Central Coast AirFest
If you are planning to attend the Santa Maria airshow, check the official Central Coast AirFest website before your visit for the latest schedule, performer information, ticket availability, parking details and event policies. The 2026 Central Coast AirFest is scheduled for September 12-13, 2026, at Santa Maria Airport. With military aircraft, vintage warbirds, aerobatic performances and family activities, it is one of the Central Coast's most exciting aviation weekends.
Central Coast AirFest in Santa Maria FAQs
When is the Central Coast AirFest?
The 2026 Central Coast AirFest is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, 2026. The event is scheduled to be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
Where is the Central Coast AirFest held?
The Central Coast AirFest is held at Santa Maria Airport at 3217 Terminal Drive in Santa Maria, California.
Is the Central Coast AirFest an annual event?
Yes. The Central Coast AirFest is an annual aviation event at Santa Maria Airport. The airport has hosted the event in various years since its inaugural 2018 airshow, with interruptions during 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What aircraft will be at the 2026 Central Coast AirFest?
The 2026 lineup includes military aircraft, historic warbirds and aerobatic aircraft. Announced aircraft include P-51 Mustangs, F4U Corsairs, P-40 Warhawks, B-25 Mitchells, P-38 Lightning, F-15s, T-38s, a UH-60 Black Hawk, an F-5 and an Osprey demonstration.
Are there vintage warbirds at the Central Coast AirFest?
Yes. Vintage warbirds are a major part of the Central Coast AirFest. The 2026 lineup includes aircraft from World War II and other eras of military aviation, including P-51 Mustangs, Corsairs, Warhawks, Avengers, Thunderbolts, Mitchells and other historic aircraft.
Is the Central Coast AirFest family friendly?
Yes. General admission includes access to a kids zone, static aircraft displays, food and beverage areas, restrooms and merchandise vendors.
How much are Central Coast AirFest tickets?
For the 2026 event, the official website lists general admission at $40 at the gate, plus applicable taxes and fees. Grandstand seating and VIP options are available for an additional cost. Ticket prices and availability can change.
Can I bring a chair to the Central Coast AirFest?
Yes. General admission visitors are encouraged to bring their own folding chair for viewing the airshow. Grandstand seating is also available as an upgrade for visitors who prefer elevated seating along the flight line.
Is parking available at the Central Coast AirFest?
Visitors should check the official AirFest website for the most current parking instructions before attending, as event traffic and airport operations can affect access and parking procedures.
Can pilots fly their own aircraft to the Central Coast AirFest?
Yes. The 2026 AirFest provides transient aircraft parking for visiting pilots. Free transient parking and shuttle service are available under the event's published procedures, but pilots must follow the applicable airshow arrival procedures, flight restrictions and NOTAM requirements.
What is the Skyward Bound program?
Skyward Bound is a STEM education program associated with the Central Coast AirFest. The 2026 program is designed to introduce young people to aviation, aerospace and science-related careers through educational activities and demonstrations.
Where can I find the latest Central Coast AirFest information?
The best source for current dates, schedules, performers, ticket information and event updates is the official Central Coast AirFest website.
Experience One of the Central Coast's Biggest Aviation Events
The Central Coast AirFest gives Santa Maria and the surrounding Central Coast community a chance to experience military aviation, historic aircraft and aerobatic performances in one exciting weekend. Whether you are a lifelong aviation enthusiast, a family looking for a memorable weekend activity or a visitor exploring Santa Maria and the Central Coast, the AirFest is an event that puts aviation history and modern flight on display in a uniquely local setting. With its combination of warbirds, military aircraft, aerobatics, educational programs and family activities, the Central Coast AirFest continues to make Santa Maria Airport a destination for aviation fans from throughout California.
About Santa Maria, California
Located in northern Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria is a Central Coast community known for its agricultural heritage, mild coastal climate and distinctive Santa Maria-style barbecue. The city sits in the Santa Maria Valley, making it a convenient destination for visitors traveling between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. With its regional airport, nearby wineries, outdoor recreation and growing collection of local attractions, Santa Maria offers plenty to explore before or after attending the Central Coast AirFest. For visitors coming to Santa Maria for the airshow, the Central Coast AirFest is an opportunity to experience one of the city's major aviation events while discovering more of the surrounding Santa Maria Valley. From local restaurants and wineries to parks, shopping and other Central Coast attractions, there are plenty of ways to turn an AirFest visit into a full Santa Maria weekend.
Event dates, times, admission prices, performers, and other details are subject to change without notice. Please visit the event promoter’s official website for the latest and most accurate information before attending.
Published September 12, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)