AIRWAY HEIGHTS — Fairchild Air Force Base is preparing to host its annual Skyfest airshow this weekend, featuring impressive aerial demonstrations and opportunities for visitors to meet the crews who fly the jets.
The free event will showcase 11 different performers ranging from fighter jets to precision aerobatics teams. Organizers expect tens of thousands of visitors over the two-day event.
Gates open at 9 a.m. on both show days, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. Final performances will end around 3:30 p.m. All visitors over 18 must bring valid photo identification to enter the base.
“We are very excited, we have almost all the aircrafts here,” said Major Karianne Ernisse, airshow director. “We are just ready to open the gates up.”
The event will feature static displays of aircraft alongside the aerial performances. This year’s Skyfest will also showcase more local business vendors than in previous years.
Ground maps, parking information, gate routing details and shuttle service will be available for attendees. Base officials recommend arriving early due to the large crowds that are expected.
Captain Jesse Reeves, Ground Operations Director, emphasized the community connection of the event.
“We are here to celebrate freedom 250, as well as the anniversary of D-Day, and we are here to thank our community,” Reeves said. “We couldn’t do this without Spokane and the city of Airway Heights.”
Featured performers include the F-16 demonstration team, Red Bull aerobatics and the Patriots team, whose pilots are former Blue Angels and Thunderbirds aviators.
“It is important for our base. We have so many events that happen in Spokane and I am just glad that we can repay this and have this event on for them so we can contribute to the community,” Reeves said.
You can find more details about the show here.
© 2026 KAYU FOX 28. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted without written permission.
