Get ready to enjoy a fantastic aviation display at the largest ground aviation airshow North America has ever seen. Featuring some of the best planes and pilots on the continent, you will surely be counting down until show time arrives.
The State Capitol region will gather to commemorate Mather Airport’s 100 years of service to communities and the nation. Fans will enjoy two days of non-stop action leading up to a show-stopping airshow that’s headlined by the USAF Thunderbirds along with a lineup of world-class performers including the Canadian Force F-18, US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, and more.
Fans will enjoy non-stop action at the Mather Airport Centennial Bash, with incredible performances by Air Force Heritage Flight featuring a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, and a C-130 Hercules’ “Wall of Fire”, miles of amazing aircraft displays and interactive activities. This one-day event will also include Thunderbird wingsuit demonstrations and a ‘Wonder Bread 5’ concert to make this birthday bash truly unforgettable!
From September 30th – October 2nd, Rancho Cordova’s Mather Airport is hosting the annual California Capital Airshow. This airshow has become one of the nation’s largest and most highly respected events, featuring some of the largest and most interesting aircraft to grace our skies with their presence. Whether you’re a newbie when it comes to aviation or have never experienced an airshow firsthand, we promise you that this will be one event you won’t want to miss! We’ve listed 4 reasons why there isn’t another event like it in the entire country – so get ready for lift-off!
What’s coming ahead?
In 2022 the Airshow festival will host a multilateral air force exhibition to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force! The United States Air Force show is planning to include a lot of new and exciting things for the exhibit fans such as different pilots flying different aircraft, demonstrations on the runway, and interactive displays that simply will blow you away.
Drive-In Airshow & Tailgate Party
The Friday night amazing Drive-In Airshow & Tailgate Party has headed back to the 2022 Airshow again this year! It’s a tailgate event where you can see planes fly – but with somewhat of a twist. Longtime attendees of the show will also remember that when it began, it was set on a Saturday night and there was dinner served at each booth. Now, they’ve migrated towards having an entire day dedicated to the enjoyment of the festivities… and plane watching. Located on the west cargo ramp at Mather Airport, on September 30th, gates will open at 2 pm, opening ceremonies will start at 3:30 PM, and planes will fly until around 7 PM.
On the day of the event, we will not be performing any ground displays on the ramp, but you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind airshow up in the sky! Airshow tickets will include admission to both days of the event as well as to the Night Glow. Tickets may be purchased for up to 6 people per car. They’re going fast so be sure to get yours before they all sell out!
USAF F-22 RAPTOR DEMO TEAM
The F-22 Raptor is the world’s only publicly demonstrated fifth-generation fighter aircraft, and it has a longer development history than ANY other fighter jet precision flight demonstration team. Because of its small fleet size (in comparison to most other teammates) the USAF performs fewer overall demonstrations each season, but it can be seen year-round at air shows around the United States and bases overseas as part of regularly scheduled Air Force Heritage Flight events. The F-22’s allure to audiences comes from its multimission’ design abilities that many domestic and international demo teams aren’t readily able to match.
EA-18G GROWLER LEGACY TEAM
Two of the premier tactical electronic warfare aircraft in the world will soar over Mather Airport before getting in close formation with a legendary naval plane, leading to a spine-tingling three-ship salute and a celebration of U.S. Naval Aviation tradition.
The carrier-based EA-18G Growler, a version of the combat-proven Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet, provides international partners and US armed forces with tactical jamming and electronic protection. For many years to come, the US Navy continues to invest in improved Growler capabilities to safeguard all strike aircraft on missions that pose a high risk.
The Growlers are members of the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island-based Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129), which is headquartered in Oak Harbor, Washington. There are only 150 Growlers in use at the moment so this will be an amazing opportunity to experience them up close!
CANADIAN CF-18 HORNETS
The Canadian CF-18 Hornets perform a highly distinctive display in style with a one-of-a-kind paint job. With its dynamic grey color scheme, this year’s paint job pays tribute to the Canadian Forces’ “Fighter Operations at Home and Abroad.” The CF-18’s geometric design is a nod to the hornet, after which the aircraft gets its name.
The supersonic CF-188 Hornet, or CF-18 as it is more commonly named, is a flexible, elite fighter jet that can engage both ground and airborne targets. Its dual engines can propel 24 full-size pick-up trucks off the ground with their push alone! The upgraded CF-18 serves as the primary multi-role fighter for the RCAF and is utilized for training, aerobatic displays, air superiority, air defense, and aerospace research and evaluation.
Due to their battle-hardened nature and the current capabilities of the CF-18s, RCAF personnel and aircraft have more than demonstrated their ability to serve alongside fighter aircraft operated by its NATO Allies.
DISPLAY AIRCRAFT
Back again in 2022, you’ll have the chance to explore grounded planes, meet pilots and interact with crew members. This is your chance to get up close if you love aviation. Nothing is more fascinating than touring vintage military planes, especially when they flew back in World War II.
INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS FOR KIDS & TEENS
The Airshow is also family-friendly, and your kids will love visiting the interactive exhibits. Teens and young kids can watch demonstrations, participate in games and fly simulators! If your kids love playing video games, they can see how games and technology intersect with real-world applications. With stunning performances, surprise flyovers, and exhibits, the 2022 California Capital Airshow will be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Tickets are selling out fast so get yours while supplies last!
Purchase your discounted tickets at California Capital Airshow Tickets
