Abbotsford Airshow Fighter Jet Static Display

Taking place on a weekend in August and featuring all kinds of vintage planes and military aircraft, the Abbotsford International Airshow is amazing.

Other events to check out in the Fraser Valley in the same month include Symphony in the Park, Ribfest Langley and Bands on the Beach (all of which are free or with admission by donation).

See Vancouver’s August Festivals & Events Calendar to learn about the above and other events happening on the same weekend as the airshow. Continue reading to learn about the Abbotsford Airshow.

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Click on any of the above links to jump to specific information, or continue reading to learn all about the Abbotsford International Airshow.

The Abbotsford Airshow in 2026

The Abbotsford International Airshow celebrates its 64th anniversary in 2026. The airshow runs on August 7th, 8th and 9th at its usual Abbotsford Airport (YXX) venue at 1595 Townline Road in Abbotsford.

The event has been taking place each summer for over 60 years and typically draws over 125,000 people, making it Western Canada’s largest airshow.

Performers this year included the CF-18 Hornet, a Mig-17F demo, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, and others.

About the Abbotsford Airshow

The three-day event draws aircraft and spectators from around the world. Most years, highlights include appearances by Canada’s Snowbirds, entries from the Canadian Museum of Flight and demonstrations by Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornets. Foreign air forces participate as well.

The Abbotsford Airshow is definitely one of Metro Vancouver’s top annual events, especially for people who like airplanes. Even for those who aren’t airplane fanatics, the spectacle can be very entertaining.

In 2013 the event was listed as one of the world’s top 10 airshows by USA Today. Of the other nine, six were from the US, two from the UK and one in Germany.

FREE AIRSHOW IN CHILLIWACK!

Another airplane-related event is Chilliwack Flight Fest. It usually takes place a week after the Abbotsford Airshow. Whereas the Abbotsford event costs about $40 for adults per day at the gate, the Chilliwack event is free (although it’s also much smaller). In 2026, Flight Fest is on August 15th.

A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo — A-10 Thunderbolt II

Airshow Details

The Abbotsford International Airshow happens over a three-day weekend in early August. Hours on the Friday are from 2:30 pm until 10:00 pm, and then from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm on the Saturday and Sunday.

The show features lots of amazing aerobatic performances and demonstrations. Other things to check out include a large Static Aircraft Display, a Friday Twilight Show with fireworks and drones, and over 14 acres of interactive exhibits and attractions.

There’s also a S.T.E.M. Activity Zone with flight simulators, a Kids Zone with inflatable games and crafts and an autograph booth where you can meet the pilots. Food options include more than 40 food trucks and licensed beer tents for guests ages 19 and above. Souvenir vendors are also on-site with airshow merchandise and more to see.

Geoff Latter in Nanchang CJ-6A Stunt Plane — Geoff Latter in a Nanchang CJ-6A

Click Video with Geoff Latter Airshows for a video of airshow stunts from inside a 1958 Nanchang CJ-6A that often performs at the event.

Airshow Highlights and Performers

Below is information about what to expect at the airshow.

A major highlight of the event is the Twilight Show. It happens on the Friday evening. On that day there are plenty of great flying displays, a drone light show, and more.

Airshow Schedule

The 2026 schedule of events is below. (Note: Exact times and details are subject to change.)

Friday, August 7th, 2026 (Twilight Show)

2:30 pm – Gates open
5:00 pm – Canadian Forces Skyhawks
6:00 pm – Canadian Forces Snowbirds
7:00 pm – Red Bull Air Force
7:30 pm – E/A-18 Growler demo
8:00 pm – CF-18 Hornet TAC demo
8:30 pm – Mig-17 Fresco demo
9:30 pm – LED Drone show
10:00 pm – Gates close

Abbotsford Airshow Fireworks — Fireworks Night at the Abbotsford Airshow

Saturday, August 8th, 2026

9:30 am – Gates open
11:30 am – Canadian Forces Skyhawks
1:00 pm – Canadian Forces Snowbirds
2:00 pm – Mig-17 Fresco demo
3:00 pm – Red Bull Air Force
3:30 pm – E/A-18 Growler demo
4:00 pm – CF-18 Hornet TAC demo
5:00 pm – Gates close

Sunday August 9th, 2026

9:30 am – Gates open
11:30 am – Canadian Forces Skyhawks
1:00 pm – Mig-17 Fresco demo
2:00 pm – CF-18 Hornet Tac demo
2:30 pm – Red Bull Air Force
3:00 pm – E/A-18 Growler demo
4:00 pm – Snowbirds
5:00 pm – Gates close

Fighter Jet Display at Abbotsford Airshow — A Fighter Jet in the Static Display

2026 Performers

Featured performers in 2026 include the following:

Canadian Forces Search and Rescue Demo – demonstrating the Cyclone, a ship-borne helicopter.
Canadian Forces Snowbirds – Canada’s famous flight demonstration squadron.
CF-18 Hornet – a Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft.
E/A-18 Growler – an aircraft that is designed to jam and otherwise mess with enemy radar systems.
Mig-17F – a dogfighting plane developed by the Soviet Union in the 1950s.
Pete McLeod – first Canadian racer and youngest pilot in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.
Melissa Burns – marvel at the aerobatics maneuvers of Melissa Burns who became the youngest female member of the United States Unlimited Aerobatic Team in history at 22 years of age.
Tom Larkin – MiniJet pilot that puts on fast-paced shows.

Taking a Look at a Fighter Display

Airshow Admission Prices

Tickets for the airshow are usually cheapest when purchased online and prior to August. Children under 5 years of age are free admission. Youth ages 6 to 17 are about half the regular adult price. General admission tickets are valid on one of the three airshow days.

Below are the advance and regular online rates for the 2026 Abbotsford International Airshow.

Walk-in General Admission

Adults (ages 18+) – $39.99 advance; $60 regular per day
Youth (ages 6 to 17) – $19.99 advance; $30 regular per day
Parking Pass Near Site for One Vehicle – $16.99 advance; $25 regular per day
Children (under 5 years of age) – Free

General Admission with On-site Parking

Car Pass for One Vehicle (maximum eight people ages 6 and over) – $109.99 advance; $130 regular

Abbotsford Airshow Grounds and Grandstand — General Seating with the Grandstand in the Distance

Premium Seating Options

In addition to the above costs for general admission, once inside the venue visitors have the option to pay extra for premium seating.

There is Runway Seating (for between $12.99 and $15 extra), Family Garden Seating and Flight Club Seating (for between $24.99 and $99.99 extra). There is also Photo Pit (for between $119.99 and $150 extra for one day) and the Altitude Chalet (single for between $214.99 and $245, or a reserved table for six for between $1,499.99 and $1,700). Prices for each of these sections (except for the Photo Pit and Altitude Chalet premium options) are in addition to the regular cost of gate admission.

Runway Seating gets you a chair near the runaway. Family Garden Seating includes patio seating and two non-alcoholic beverages. The Flight Club Zone is for folks ages 19+ and includes patio-style seating, a barbecue lunch and a couple of complimentary beverages. The Photo Pit includes admission to the airshow and on-site parking, as well as a centre spot to take photos. The Altitude Chalet option includes VIP admission to the airshow plus on-site parking, as well as catered meals.

Canadian Snowbird Planes at Abbotsford — Snowbirds at the Abbotsford Airshow

Abbotsford Airshow Video

Check out the video below for an idea of what to expect at the Abbotsford Airshow. The video was filmed on the ground in 2022. Of course, there’s always lots happening in the sky too!

(Note: The music in this video is Cherry Stone Rock by meak363 from Pixabay.)

Tips & Advice

Below are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to the airshow.

TIP #1: It can get hot in August in Abbotsford. Be sure to bring plenty to drink, or plan to buy refreshments there.

TIP #2: Bring a lawn chair, blanket or something else to sit on, plus a hat to wear as there is little or no shade.

TIP #3: Admission for both active members of the military and veterans is usually free. Make sure to take your ID as proof of service to qualify.

TIP #4: If attending the Friday night fireworks, try to get to your car at the end as soon as you can. Be prepared for lots of traffic and have patience!

TIP #5: If you can’t make the Abbotsford Airshow but absolutely love planes, then check out the Canadian Museum of Flight. Located in Hangar #3 at 5333 216th Street in Langley, it’s a small to medium-sized museum with both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

TIP #6: The Abbotsford Airshow can be a great event for the entire family. For young kids, though (or anyone with very sensitive ears), it’s recommended to bring along a set of ear plugs for the especially noisy jets.

Other Things to Do

TIP #7: If you like airplanes, then also check out Sky’s No Limit: Girls Fly Too. It’s a free event where you can climb aboard and explore a variety of aircraft. Women and girls who have never been in a plane before can also get free flights. The event takes place in October at the Abbotsford Airport.

TIP #8: If you like airplanes and aerial stunts, another great event is Chilliwack Flight Fest. It happens in mid-August. The Chilliwack event is nowhere near as big as the airshow in Abbotsford, but it’s far less crowded and admission to it is free. The Boundary Bay Airshow is also really good, and free to attend. It takes place a month earlier though, in mid-July.

Abbotsford Airshow