Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Smith, commander of the 62nd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, treats Luke Days Open House and Air Show like his baby — and he’s been nurturing it for a year.

“It’s a humongous event,” says Lt. Col. Tyler Smith, who’s also the show’s director. “We expect close to 400,000 people [total] on base. It’s our chance to connect with the community, give back and show them what the Air Force really does. People know we fly airplanes, but they don’t always see the full scope. This is their chance to feel it — and hear the noise.”

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Luke Days returns Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22, 2026. This year’s event coincides with Luke Air Force Base’s 85th anniversary in 2026, marking its founding in 1941 and more than eight decades of pilot training, innovation and service to the nation. Admission to Luke Days is free, though on- and off-base parking is fee-based. Guests must bring ID. (See accompanying story.) The event is held every other year.

Smith promises a lineup that spans the full spectrum of Air Force aviation — static aircraft, vintage Warbirds and frontline fighters.

“The whole range is represented,” he says.

Visitors can walk through massive cargo planes, peek into cockpits and talk with airmen about the equipment. Pilots will display their gear and demonstrate how bombs and missiles are loaded onto jets.

The marquee act: the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, delivering a precision F-16 demonstration that Smith calls unmatched.

“They’re the best in the world. It’s an incredible show — about an hour — and they close out the day.”

Crowd favorites return as well, including Tora, Tora, Tora, the World War II Warbirds’ reenactment of Pearl Harbor, complete with pyrotechnics, explosions and a mock aerial battle.

Smith’s personal highlight is the F-35 combat demo.

“We’ll have F-16s from across Arizona and F-35s showing what a real operation looks like up close,” he says.

By the end of the weekend, he says, the public will walk away with a deeper understanding of their Air Force.

Luke Air Force Base’s 7,000 personnel already fuel the local economy, frequenting shops, restaurants, gas stations and barber shops. But Luke Days also opens the door for local businesses to sponsor the show and boost their visibility.

“Working with off-base partners is what makes an event like this possible,” Smith says. “We’re in close coordination with all the surrounding cities to keep traffic moving and ensure a safe, smooth experience.”

Luke Days 2026

Luke Days are set for Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22, on the base at 14185 Falcon St., Luke AFB. Admission is free for the Luke Days open house and air show. Parking passes are required for patrons driving their own cars. 

Ride-sharing is strongly recommended, as parking is limited.

Experience the show

VIP: On-base parking is included with the premium box seat or Flight Line Club seating purchase. One on-base parking pass is included per order. Parking does not need to be purchased separately.

Premium box seats — Saturday and Sunday: $82.50 per day. Reserved seats located directly on the flight line. One parking pass per order. 

Flight Line Club — Saturday and Sunday: The “ultimate viewing experience” is $429 per day and includes a reserved table for two, catered buffet, private premium restrooms and one parking pass per order.

Flight Line Club — Table for Four Saturday: The “ultimate viewing experience” is $858 per day and includes a reserved table for four, a catered buffet, private premium restrooms and one parking pass per order.

ADA-accessible parking: ADA-accessible parking is available in the on-base parking area and is included with premium seating purchases. A state-issued handicap plate or tag is required. Additional parking pass registration for accessible parking is not required.

Performers

Performers include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds; Tora Tora Tora; Folds of Honor Biplane; Aarron Dileu; Third Strike Wingwalker; Smoke-n-Thunder; The Pink Jet; Huey and AH1 Cobra Demo; Ace Maker T-33; and a C-17 demo.

Entrance

Upon entry, guests will be screened. REAL IDs are preferred. Other forms of identification are: 

For U.S. citizens:

• State-issued REAL ID driver’s license 

• U.S. passport card

• U.S. passport

• U.S. State Department Driver’s License

• Military dependent ID card

• Veteran ID card

– Military retiree ID card

• Common Access Card (CAC)

For foreign nationals:

• Passports are the only ID accepted for non-U.S. citizens. Allow additional time for screening.