FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We hope that you enjoy the Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show on August 8 & 9, 2026!. Please review our list of Frequently Asked Questions to ensure a more enjoyable experience.
A Free Base Pass is required to attend Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show. ALL vehicles arriving at the air show will be required to have a Free Base Pass. One Base Pass per vehicle, not per person.
NOTE: Flight Line Club™ and Aviators Choice™ Premium Box Seat tickets include one base pass per order, which is valid for one vehicle. If you are purchasing upgraded seating, the required base pass will be included with your order.
Handicap parking is available with the appropriate handicap parking tags/placards.
This event is cashless. All approved vendors will accept credit or debit cards.
Tickets and base passes are sold online only. Walk-up ticket sales will not be available.
GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION
The 2026 Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show will take place on:
- Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Sunday, August 9, 2026
Admission to the event is completely free. However, please note that a base/parking pass is strictly required for every vehicle entering Offutt Air Force Base during the event weekend. Please visit our website for details on how to request your base/parking pass.
Premium seating options will be available for purchase. These upgraded tickets include additional perks and amenities not included with general admission.
Premium seating purchase options can be found on our TICKETS page.
No. Re-entry to Offutt Air Force Base will not be permitted once your vehicle exits the installation. Guests are highly encouraged to plan their day and pack essential items accordingly before entering.
Put the address 1106 Peacekeeper Dr, Offutt AFB, NE 68113 in your GPS to get to the show. Once you arrive, attendants will direct you to the appropriate parking area.
No. This is a strictly cashless event. All authorized on-site vendors, including food, beverage, and merchandise stalls, will accept debit and credit cards only.
In the event of severe weather, guests may be required to temporarily evacuate the flightline and seek shelter until event officials determine whether the show can safely resume.
All premium ticket sales are final, there are no refunds for weather issues to include cancellation of any performers or the headliner.
Gates open at 8:30 a.m. and close immediately following the show, after all attendees have been directed off-site for both Saturday and Sunday.
Gates open at 8:30AM. Static displays, vendors and exhibits will open at 8:30AM. The show begins at approximately 11:00AM. We suggest arriving in plenty of time before the performances are scheduled to begin.
A base/parking pass is required for every single vehicle entering Offutt Air Force Base during the event. This requirement applies to all attendees, including Department of Defense (DoD) ID cardholders.
Yes, guests may return to their car and re-enter the air show. Guests will be required to go through security and bag check to re-enter.
Printing tickets is recommended but not required. If you do not print your tickets make sure to screen shot or download ALL tickets prior to arriving for the show as cell data service can be limited at the event.
There are no walk-up sales. All tickets and free Base Passes must be purchased online only.
SECURITY & GUEST POLICIES
Yes. All guests, vehicles, bags, and personal belongings entering Offutt Air Force Base are strictly subject to security screening. Security Forces personnel reserve the right to inspect all persons and property entering the installation. Please allow additional travel time upon arrival to accommodate these vital safety procedures.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please review the authorize and prohibited items list before packing:
Authorized/Permitted Items:
- Clear bags
- Reusable water bottles
- Folding lawn chairs
- Strollers and wagons for children
- Cameras and photography equipment (tripods are not allowed within the seats or aisles of the premium seating areas)
- Sunscreen
- Essential medical items
- Baby formula, breast milk, and baby supplies
Prohibited Items (Strictly Forbidden)
- Firearms of any kind (including replica/toy weapons)
- Ammunition or explosives
- Fireworks, firecrackers, bottle rockets
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Pepper spray or mace
- Pocket knives, switchblades, butterfly knives, machetes
- Brass/iron knuckles, clubs, chains, modified bats
- Tasers or stun guns
- Pop-up tents, tents, canopy umbrellas
- Outside alcohol, food, and beverages
- Hard coolers (soft-sided coolers allowed)
- Glass containers
- Drones or remote-controlled aircraft
- Laser pointers
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Skateboards, bicycles, rollerblades, and recreational motorized devices are strictly prohibited on the flightline. Any weapons confiscated by security personnel will not be returned. Tripods are not allowed within the seats or aisles of the premium seating areas, but may be used in the standing area behind the last row of seats.
No. Outside food, drinks, and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on the installation. Exceptions are made only for baby formula, breast milk, and medically necessary items.
Only documented service animals are permitted. Emotional support animals and family pets are not authorized. Pets must never be left unattended in vehicles during the event. Because of the festival setting with food and drink vendors, the Health Department prohibits animals, other than legally allowed guide and service animals. The air show takes place entirely outdoors on an active flightline. Pavement and concrete surfaces can reach extreme temperatures, and shade or animal relief accommodations will be highly limited. Guests attending with service animals must plan ahead to ensure the safety, hydration, and comfort of their animal throughout the event.
Hard coolers are strictly prohibited.
Medically necessary medication, baby formula, and breast milk may be brought in a soft-sided cooler only. Please note the following requirements:
- Hard-sided coolers of any size remain strictly prohibited.
- Medication must be accompanied by a valid doctor’s note confirming medical necessity.
Yes, but with strict limitations. Medically necessary medication, baby formula, and breast milk may be brought in a soft-sided cooler only. Please note the following requirements:
- Hard-sided coolers of any size remain strictly prohibited
- Medication must be accompanied by a valid doctor's note confirming medical necessity.
Yes. Strollers and wagons are allowed and are subject to security checks.
Due to safety regulations, trollers and wagons are not permitted in the aisles in the Flight Line Club™ and Premium Box Seats™. Stroller parking is available in Flight Line Club™ and Premium Box Seats™. The event is not responsible for items left behind.
Guests may use personal umbrellas in General Admission.
Umbrellas are not permitted within the Flight Line Club™ or Premium Box Seats™ so that guests views are not blocked.
Tents and pop-up tents are not permitted.
Yes. Camera bags will be searched.
Skateboards, bicycles, rollerblades, and recreational motorized devices are strictly prohibited on the flightline.
No. This is a strictly cashless event. All authorized on-site vendors, including food, beverage, and merchandise stalls, will accept debit and credit cards only.
Clear bags are required for entry to the show.
- Clear Plastic Bags: Bags made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC are allowed.
- Small Clutch Bags: Small clutch bags or purses, with or without a handle, that are not larger than (e.g., 4.5" x 6.5") are permitted.
- Exceptions: Diaper bags, medical bags, and other necessary bags are permitted.
Bags are subject to security checks.
ACCESS & ID REQUIREMENTS
Yes. A base/parking pass is required for every single vehicle entering Offutt Air Force Base during the event. This requirement applies to all attendees, including Department of Defense (DoD) ID cardholders.
Detailed parking information for general admission guests will be included on your base pass.
Yes. Security Forces require proper identification for installation entry. Please refer to the table below to ensure you bring acceptable identification:
DoD ID Cardholders:
- DoD Common Access Card (CAC)
- Military Retiree ID Card
- Military Dependent ID Card
- State/Federal Law Enforcement (on official business only)
- Sponsored Guests (DBIDS card holders)
General Public (Ages 18+):
- REAL ID-compliant identification
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- DD Form 1173
- DD Form 2 Series
- Birth certificate with raised seal AND social security card
Parking is free, however a Free Base Pass is required for each vehicle attending the air show. If purchasing Aviators Choice™ Premium Box Seats or Flight Line Club™ tickets, your order will include one Free Base Pass.
Yes. Designated accessible parking will be available for guests possessing valid ADA placards or ADA license plates. These spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive early to ensure a parking spot.
Yes. Personal medically required electric mobility cooters are permitted on the flightline, but remain subject to standard security screening upon entry. Please be aware that the crowds may be heavy, maneuvering may be difficult, and that there is no place at the show to plug in and recharge.
PREMIUM SEATING OPTIONS
Tickets are non-transferable to different days. Your ticket is only valid for the day it is purchased for.
Yes. Both Aviators Choice™ Premium Box Seats and the Flight Line Club™ are located on the flight line.
Kids 3 and under may attend for free, but they must be lapbound. If you would like your child to have their own seat, an additional ticket must be purchased.
Please note that for safety reasons, strollers are not permitted in the aisles. Stroller parking is available within the Aviators Choice™ Premium Box Seats and the Flight Line Club™. The event is not responsible for the patron's belongings.
Yes, the Aviators Choice™ Premium Box Seats provide assigned seats for guests. The chairs have backs on them.
The Flight Line Club™ provides assigned tables with chairs with backs on them.
Aircraft / Performers
Yes, however the schedule is subject to change.
We list our acts, but cannot give a specific schedule since schedules are finalized much closer to the air show. Schedule depends on availability and various conditions.
*All acts are subject to change/cancellation without notice. There are no refunds due to performer cancellations, to include the headliner.
No! Be mindful of scammers. Anyone claiming to livestream is trying to scam you and not connected to the event in any way
WEATHER
Unless the weather is severe, we will fly as much of the show as is safe and possible. Due to FAA permit restrictions and performer commitments, it is not possible to reschedule the air show for another weekend. In the event of severe weather, guests may be required to temporarily evacuate the flightline and seek shelter until event officials determine whether the show can safely resume.
All premium ticket sales are final, there are no refunds for weather issues to include cancellation of any performers or the headliner.
