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 Academy 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 28, 2026, and a collection of local watch parties for prime flyover viewing. Watch for updates as official info is released.
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 Air Force Academy has announced that the Thunderbirds will conduct practice flights and flyovers of Falcon Stadium this year on Wednesday, May 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
On Graduation Day, May 28, the Thunderbirds will fly their signature flyover timed with the cadet cap toss. The exact time can vary depending on the ceremony length, but watch for it around 11 a.m. The Thunderbirds will perform their aerial maneuvers for about 30 minutes following.
Note that during the Thunderbirds practice flights, Falcon Stadium and surrounding parking lots will be restricted. Drivers are not allowed to stop along I-25 or Academy roadways. Road closures will be in effect on the Air Force Academy on Wednesday and Thursday.
U.S. Air Force Academy Graduation 2026
Here are the details for the U.S. Air Force Academy Graduation 2026.
When
The May 28 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, and visitors must remain in the stadium until the final pass by the Thunderbirds.
Where
Falcon Stadium
Commencement Speaker
Vice President JD Vance will serve as the speaker for the Academy’s 68th commencement ceremony where more than 900 cadets will commission as officers in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force.
Vice President Vance was sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2025. He previously served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio and is a Marine Corps veteran who served on active duty from 2003 to 2007.
Tickets
Free tickets are available to the public beginning May 20. 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 Avenue beginning at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, May 21.
• The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development and Visitor Center, at 166 Second Street in Monument beginning at 9 a.m., Wednesday, May 20.
Air Force Academy Access
Base access has changed due to heightened security measures, so visitors without a Department of Defense ID card will need to request base access. Be sure to check all the details here.
Livestream
The ceremony will be livestreamed at usafa.edu/graduation and on the Academy’s official YouTube channel.
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 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.
Throughout the week of May 24, dining on Pamela’s terrace provides the perfect viewing spot to watch the Thunderbirds practice their flyovers. On graduation day, May 28, the hotel’s Flatiron Plaza will offer a limited number of reserved seats for viewing the Thunderbirds air show, paired with convenient grab‑and‑go lunch offerings. For those seeking an elevated vantage point, The Aviator will host a special Graduation Viewing Lunch, offering a buffet menu and access to the rooftop patio with expansive views of the Academy grounds and the iconic flyover.
For reservations or more information, visit thehotelpolaris.com.
Picnic and Planes
May 28, 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 28, 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.
Don’t Miss the New Hosmer Visitor Center
Whether it’s during Graduation Week or just sometime soon, be sure to stop in and see the Academy’s new Hosmer Visitor Center. You can check out our preview here.
