The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be in town soon to fly over the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation. It’s always a treat to see the F-16 Fighting Falcons of the elite flight demonstration team. And it’s a very Colorado Springs scene to see them practicing and performing overhead each spring. The U.S. Air Force Graduation is a stirring and patriotic experience of its own — especially when those jets roar overhead at just the precise moment of the ceremony as the cadets throw their caps skyward.
The big question is when will the Thunderbirds be flying over Colorado Springs? Here’s all the info we know so far about the Thunderbirds practice, the Air Force Academy graduation on May 29, 2025, and a collection of local watch parties for prime flyover viewing.
When Will the Air Force Thunderbirds Be Flying in Colorado Springs?
That’s always the million-dollar question, as schedules are dependent on the Thunderbirds. Here’s what we know:
The Thunderbirds are scheduled to fly for a 30-minute performance on graduation day between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. The exact time can vary depending on the ceremony length, but the Thunderbirds make their appearance beginning with the cadet hat toss.
The jets also usually conduct practice flights over Falcon Stadium in the day or two before graduation. This year the Thunderbirds will arrive in Colorado Springs on Tuesday, May 27, and conduct a short survey flyover of the Air Force Academy as they come into town before landing at Peterson Space Force Base. Watch for them in the skies between noon and 2:30 p.m.
The Thunderbirds also will conduct practice flights above Colorado Springs this year on Wednesday, May 28. From 11 a.m. to noon, they will practice flyovers of Falcon Stadium. And from 2 to 4 p.m. they will practice their air show.
Road closures will be in effect on the Air Force Academy on Wednesday and Thursday.
U.S. Air Force Academy Graduation 2025
Here are the details for the U.S. Air Force Academy Graduation 2025.
When
The May 29 graduation ceremony begins at 9 a.m., and Falcon Stadium gates open at 6 a.m. Due to increased security and traffic deviations, early arrival is highly suggested. Stadium entry will not be permitted after the ceremony begins.
Where
Falcon Stadium
Speaker
Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink will deliver the commencement address to the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2025.
Tickets
3,000 free tickets were made available to the public as of May 19. A maximum of four tickets are available to each adult on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets cannot be mailed, and there is no will-call at the stadium. Lost tickets cannot be replaced. In the event that graduation ceremonies relocate indoors for any reason, these publicly held tickets will not be honored.
Tickets may be picked up at:
• The Visit Colorado Springs office downtown at 515 S. Cascade Ave.
• The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development and Visitor Center, at 166 Second St. in Monument.
Livestream
The ceremony will be livestreamed at usafa.edu/graduation.
Air Force Academy Access
Attendees without a Department of Defense ID card will need to register for base access using this Graduation Week link.
More Info and Details
Find updates and details such as permitted items at usafa.edu/graduation.
Where to Watch the Thunderbirds Fly
If you can’t make it into Falcon Stadium, there are lots of great spots for Thunderbirds viewing. One of the best is the scenic overlook on southbound I-25 between Interquest Parkway and Briargate Parkway. But plan to arrive very early to get a parking place at this popular spot, and don’t even think about stopping or parking along I-25. Law enforcement will be abundant, and you will be ticketed.
Many north and even Westside Colorado Springs businesses are hosting watch parties. Here are some of the standouts:
Hotel Polaris
The new Hotel Polaris is the closest you can get outside of Falcon Stadium for front-row viewing of the Thunderbirds. With its aviation theme and flight simulators, you can have your own bird’s-eye view and entire flight experience even without a pilot’s license. Here’s what’s available during graduation week.
Happy Hour Daily May 26-28: From 4-5:30 p.m., enjoy Happy Hour specials at the Thunderbird Lobby Bar. Indulge in specialty food items such as Pamela’s Grilled Steak Burger & Beer, Fried Chicken Sandwich and Pimento Cheese Dip. Drink specials start at $5 for domestic and craft beer.
Reserved Seating for Graduation Day Thunderbird Performance: Reserve a spot on the Flat Iron Plaza to witness the Thunderbirds perform on May 29. Enjoy a lunch buffet featuring burgers, hot dogs, salads and more from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Graduation at Aviator Bar: Throughout graduation day May 29, the Aviator Bar will offer a lunch buffet and special aviation-themed cocktails. The bar opens at 11:00 a.m. on graduation day.
For reservations or more information, visit thehotelpolaris.com or call 833-311-5581.
Picnic and Planes
May 29, 9 a.m.
Western Museum of Mining and Industry
Bring a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy the air show from the Western Museum of Mining and Industry campus across I-25 from the Academy. Admission is $5 per car; it does not include museum admission.
Thunderbirds Watch Party
May 29, 11 a.m.
Scheels
Everything about Scheels is big, including its parking lot. Show up here for a free family-friendly event, featuring food, games, entertainment and chances to win prizes.
Flyover Watch Party on the Patio
May 29, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers
Celebrate the Air Force grads and watch the Thunderbirds flyover on the Northgate patio at Phil Long Music Hall. Admission is free. Tim Glenn will perform live music. Food and drinks will be available to purchase.
Thunderbirds Watch Party
May 29, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Red Leg Brewing
Grab your crew. Bring a blanket or chair, and raise a pint to the newest class of USAFA grads! Red Leg’s rooftop and lawn offer excellent views as the Thunderbirds line up their flight path to the stadium. Along with great craft beer, you’ll find a lot of pride and excitement at the veteran-owned, military-friendly brewery.
