The skies over Southwest Louisiana are about to shake.
Thunder Over Louisiana Presented by Kia of Lake Charles will take over Chennault International Airport on August 29 and 30, 2026, bringing two days of military aviation, precision aerobatics and high-speed performances to Lake Charles.
The inaugural air show will be headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, with an expanding lineup of military, civilian and specialty performers joining them in the sky and on the runway.
THUNDER OVER LOUISIANA AT A GLANCE
Dates: August 29–30, 2026
Location: Chennault International Airport
Gates Open: 9 a.m.
Flying Begins: Noon
Flying Ends: 4 p.m.
Gates Close: 5 p.m.
All announced performers are scheduled to fly both Saturday and Sunday. A timed performer schedule will not be released.
The Blue Angels Headline the Show
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will bring their signature blue and gold F/A-18 Super Hornets to Chennault for a demonstration built around speed, precision and teamwork.
The team is known for flying formations as close as 18 inches apart while reaching speeds of up to 700 miles per hour. Their appearance will give Southwest Louisiana a chance to experience one of the world’s most recognized military aviation demonstrations close to home.
A Lineup Built for Speed and Spectacle
The Blue Angels will be joined by a broader lineup of aviation performers throughout the weekend.
The announced lineup brings together military aviation, historic aircraft, precision formation flying and ground-shaking specialty acts.
- F-100F Super Sabre: A powerful military jet performance that will bring classic aviation speed and sound to the Chennault flight line.
- Titan Aerobatic Team: Three AT-6 Texan aircraft flying in synchronized formation with smoke trails stretching across the sky.
- Kevin Coleman: High-energy aerobatics in an Extra 300, featuring sharp turns, rolls and aggressive climbs.
- Smoke-n-Thunder: A jet-powered truck that brings flames, noise and extreme speed directly to the runway.
More performers are expected to be announced as air show weekend approaches. All acts remain subject to change.
The Action Continues on the Ground
Thunder Over Louisiana will also feature ground displays that allow visitors to see military aircraft up close, take photos and experience aviation from a new perspective.
The current ground display lineup includes:
- B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base
- T-38 Talon from Langley Air Force Base
More ground displays are expected to be added before the show.
Get Your Tickets and Plan Ahead
Tickets are on sale now, with options ranging from General Admission and reserved box seating to premium hospitality areas.
General Admission tickets are required for guests ages 16 and older. Children 15 and under receive free General Admission and do not need their own ticket. Tickets are limited each day, and advance prices will rise as more tickets are sold.
All tickets must be purchased online before arriving. Tickets will not be available at the gate.
Parking also requires advance planning:
- Every vehicle entering an air show parking lot must have a parking pass.
- General Admission, Premium Box Seat, Warhawk Club and Aces Club purchases include a remote parking pass.
- Shuttles will carry guests from the remote lot to the air show entrance.
- Premium Parking is located within walking distance of the main entrance and must be purchased in advance.
- Parking passes will not be sold at the show.
- Accessible spaces will be available on a first-come basis for vehicles with the appropriate pass and placard or license plate.
PLAN BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Purchase admission and secure the correct parking pass before air show weekend. Once all available parking passes are reserved, no additional passes will be released.
Air Show Weekend Is Almost Here
For two days, Chennault International Airport will become the center of aviation excitement in Southwest Louisiana.
From the Blue Angels flying overhead to massive military aircraft waiting on the ground, Thunder Over Louisiana is building a weekend packed with speed, precision and unforgettable aviation power.
On August 29 and 30, all eyes will be on Chennault.