EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The 354th Fighter Wing will host the 2026 Arctic Lighting Airshow on Aug. 1-2, 2026. The event is free and open to the public.
Gates will open to the public at 10 a.m. each day, with aerial demonstrations scheduled to begin at noon. For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, entry gates will close at 3 p.m. The final performance is scheduled to conclude at approximately 4 p.m.
Prior to the public airshow weekend, a Department of Defense identification card (ID) holder-only day will take place on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Entry and Logistics
Visitors traveling to the airshow will exit the Richardson Highway and enter Eielson AFB through Hursey Gate. Attendees will then proceed to designated parking areas. A detailed parking and entry map will be released closer to the event date.
Security Guidelines
To ensure a safe environment for all guests, security forces personnel will conduct an ID check for all visitors age 16 and older to enter the airshow viewing area.
A complete list of approved and prohibited items will be available on the Eielson AFB website. Visitors are encouraged to review the list before arriving. All attendees are subject to security screening and searches, if deemed necessary by security forces personnel.
Media RSVP Information
Media Day will be held on July 31, 2026. Media representatives interested in covering the airshow during Media Day or the public event Aug. 1-2, must RSVP no later than July 21, 2026.
To RSVP, contact the 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office at (907) 377-2116 or email 354fw.pa.publicaffairs@us.af.mil.
For additional information on the 2026 Arctic Lightning Airshow please visit: https://www.eielson.af.mil/Arctic-Lightning-Open-House/.
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