Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show (Offutt AFB)

Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, home of U.S. Strategic Command, has opened its gates to the public for air shows since 1972. Today the Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show is held every other year, with the next show expected in 2028.

The 2026 show had an America 250 theme and featured the F-35 demonstration team, the Tora Tora Tora Pearl Harbor reenactment with pyrotechnics, a P-51 Mustang flyover and the Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue parachute team jumping from a vintage C-47. Static aircraft displays let visitors get close to military planes on the flight line.

The show took a long break after the 2019 Missouri River flooding damaged the base and returned in 2024. In 2026 public parking on base came back for the first time in years, with organizers planning for roughly 12,000 cars and more than 1,000 volunteers.

It is one of the largest single-weekend crowds in the metro, so plan ahead for traffic, heat and security screening.

Highlights

• Military jet demonstrations
• Warbirds and WWII reenactments with pyrotechnics
• Parachute jump team
• Static aircraft displays on the flight line
• Free admission with a base pass

Tips for going

• Admission is free, but a free advance base pass is required and it assigns your parking area and gate.
• Expect airport-style security; check the list of prohibited items before you go.
• Bring hearing protection for kids, sunscreen, hats and water; the flight line has little shade.
• Arrive early to beat traffic on Highway 75 and Kennedy Freeway.
• Book lodging early for show weekend in Bellevue and south Omaha.