Things to know ahead of Thunder Over Michigan Air Show 2026

Thunder Over Michigan Air Show 2026 is preparing to welcome rare aerial visitors despite current air quality advisories, with practice formations held Thursday at Willow Run Airport. The annual air show in the Ypsilanti area is themed “Stars, Stripes, and 250 Years,” and it includes a festival with close-up exhibits featuring both new and historic warplanes. Organizers say attendees can tailgate near the control tower, dine with fresh barbecue, or buy rides in a B-25 Bomber and a UH-1H Huey Greyhound helicopter. The playbill highlights the Royal Air Force Red Arrows arriving for their first U.S. tour since 2019, plus the F-16 Viper demo team and other U.S. performers. Ticketing is available through the event website for weekend viewing.