This FREE and OPEN-TO-THE-PUBLIC Air Show is scheduled for May 18, 2019. NO tickets are required. Team Kirtland looks forward to providing a spectacular show. Come out and join the fun!
Gates are scheduled to open at 9 a.m. A series of ground demonstrations and flying acts will take place, including the USAF Thunderbirds. The order and number of acts are SUBJECT TO CHANGE due to cancellation, weather, maintenance, or other unforeseen situations.
Kirtland Air Force Base, located in the high desert of north-central New Mexico, occupies a majority of southeast Albuquerque. The base and its various mission partners employ about 20,000 active duty, civilians, Guard and Reserve personnel. The 2019 Kirtland Air & Space Fiesta is a great opportunity for the community to get close to the aircraft and talk to the people who make our Air Force the world's best. So come on out May 18 and #crossintotheBlue!
Frequently Asked Questions
All acts are subject to change. - U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds - USAFA Wings of Blue (Parachute & Sailplane/Glider Demo) - 58th Special Operations Wing Capabilities Demo (HC/MC-130J, HH-60, UH-1, CV-22) - Chili Flight Vans RV Experimental Aircraft - Greg Shelton Wing Walk - Smoke n Thunder Jet Truck - Vertigo Airshows - Keith Davis - Jacque B - Vampire Aerobatics - Warbird Aerial Review (TBM Avenger, A-26, B-17, B-25, T-6) More to come
All statics are subject to change - C-17 Globemaster III - CV-22 Osprey - F-35 Lightning II - HH-60G Pave Hawk - HC/MC-130J Combat King II/Commando II - KC-135 Stratotanker - T-38 Talon - TH-1 - Civil Air Patrol Glider and Search & Rescue Aircraft - UH-1N Huey
To purchase upgraded seating for the Air and Space Fiesta, click on the below link:
Upgraded ticket options
On-base parking lots will be used for our FREE, OPEN-TO-THE-PUBLIC Air Show May 18. Shuttle bus service from these parking lots will run continuously from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to the Air Show entrance (entry for the Air Show through base gates will stop at 2 p.m.). Guests without a base (DoD/DOE) ID card must enter through the Eubank Gate. There will also be parking spots south of the VA/Kirtland hospital near Bullhead Park. No shuttle bus service TO the event after 2:30 p.m. Return shuttle bus service available all day. Show ends at 4:40 p.m.
People with handicap parking placards may enter through the Kirtland Gate, where they will be directed to handicap parking near the airfield. NOTE: Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates are not considered handicap parking placards.
REMEMBER, all items/persons will be searched before boarding the buses to the event. All items will be subject to random search once you are on base. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
Ridesharing services, including Uber and Lyft, will take riders directly to the Air Show event site. People can also be picked up in the same area when they are ready to depart.
DoD/DOE ID card holders (ONLY) may enter through the Truman Gate. Upon entry, drivers will be directed to the designated parking area.
Gibson Gate will be open for normal operations--non-Air Show base access.
30-second Public Service Announcement about the 2019 Kirtland Air and Space Fiesta: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/663637/2019-kirtland-air-and-space-fiesta 15-second Public Service Announcement about the 2019 Kirtland Air and Space Fiesta: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/663636/2019-kirtland-air-and-space-fiesta
Air Show frequently asked questions:
Q. What time do gates open? A. Gates will be under normal operation hours with the exception of the gates available for Air Show entry which will be the Eubank gate for general public and the Kirtland/Contractor gate for Handicap placards—these gates will be open for Air Show traffic starting at 9 a.m.
Q. When do the shuttles start running? A. Buses from parking to the event entrance on base start running at 9 a.m.
Q. When will the first shuttle buses leave from Air Show parking? A. Shuttle bus service will run continuously from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. No shuttle bus service TO the event after 2:30 p.m. Return shuttle bus service available all day.
Q. When does the show begin? A. Opening Ceremony begins at 10:35 a.m. Buses stop taking guests to the event at 2:30 p.m. Event gates close (for entry) at 2:30 p.m.
Q. What is the parking situation? A. On-base parking lots will be used for our FREE, OPEN-TO-THE-PUBLIC Air Show May 18. Shuttle bus service from these parking lots will run continuously from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to the Air Show entrance.
Q. What time are flying demos starting? A. Flying demos are scheduled to start at approximately 10 a.m.
Q. What about parking if I have base access as a DOD/DOE ID card holder? A. DoD/DOE ID card holders (ONLY) may enter through the Truman Gate. Upon entry, drivers will be directed to the designated parking area.
Q. What if I am a member of Team Kirtland and need to access the base for non-Air Show purposes? A. Gibson Gate will be open for normal operations--non-Air Show base access.
Q. Where do I enter? A. Guests without a base (DoD/DOE) ID card will enter through the Eubank Gate. There will also be limited parking south of the VA/Kirtland hospital near Bullhead Park. Shuttle bus service from parking to the event site will stop at 2:30 p.m. Return shuttle bus service will be available all day. People with handicap parking placards may enter through the Kirtland (Contractor) Gate, where they will be directed to handicap parking near the airfield. NOTE: Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates are not considered handicap parking placards.
Q. Will we be security screened before we enter base? Before we get on the shuttle? A. Yes REMEMBER, all items/persons will be searched before boarding the buses to the event. All items will be subject to random search once you are on base. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. Please see the list of prohibited and allowed items.
Q. What can we expect at the security checkpoint? A. People and personal items are subject to searches. For the security of all attending, metal detectors and K-9 units will assist with security screening. ALL ITEMS will be searched BEFORE boarding the shuttle buses to the Air Show. All items will be subject to random search at a second screening location at the flight line entrance. Q. What happens once I’m inside and I remember I have a prohibited item? A. REMEMBER, all items/persons will be searched before boarding the buses to the event. All items will be subject to random search once you are on base. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. People with prohibited items will be asked to take them off base before returning to park and board the shuttles.
Q. What if I don’t want to drive and park? A. Ridesharing services, including Uber and Lyft, will take riders directly to and from the Air Show event site. Pickup will be in the same location whenever people are ready to depart. People may also walk in and/or bike to parking/shuttle pickup areas (via Eubank Gate or the VA lots for general public; or Truman Gate for DOD/DOE ID card holders).
Q. Can I walk/bike to the Air Show? What gate do I use? A. Yes, people can walk onto the installation for the event. Since every gate will not be open, the two gates for pedestrian access are the Eubank Gate and VA parking areas. Those who enter through the Eubank Gate or VA Gate will be able to get picked up by our shuttle service just inside the gate at one of our designated pickup locations. Base personnel will direct them to those locations upon entry.
Q. Where do I enter base if I am not attending the Airshow? A. Gibson Gate will be open for normal operations--non-Air Show base access.
Q. Can I get a ride to the event? A. Ridesharing services, including Uber and Lyft, will take riders directly to the Air Show event site. People can also be picked up in the same area when they are ready to depart.
Q. Are large strollers/wagons/wheelchairs able to get on the shuttles? A. Yes strollers, double strollers, and wagons will be allowed on the shuttles. Help loading and un-loading may not be available so we ask that you plan accordingly when bringing items. The shuttle buses will not be wheelchair accessible.
Q. Can I bring my own shade canopy? A. No, due to security measures and possible wind gusts large items including canopies, large duffels, locked suitcases etc. will not be allowed onto the base.
Q. Who is participating? A. Aerial Demonstrations include: U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds USAFA Wings of Blue (Parachute & Sailplane/Glider Demo) 58 Special Operations Wing Capabilities Demo (HC/MC-130J, HH-60, UH-1, CV-22) Chili Flight – Vans RV Experimental Aircraft Greg Shelton Wing Walk Smoke n Thunder Jet Truck Vertigo Airshows – Sonex Demo Keith Davis – Pitts Aerobatics Jacquie B Vampire Aerobatics Warbird Aerial Review (TBM Avenger, A-26, B-17, B-25, T-6) B. Static displays include: A-10/C Thunderbolt "The Warthog" AC-130W Stinger II B-52 Stratofortress C-17 Globemaster III F-35 Lightning II HH-60G Pave Hawk HC/MC-130J Combat King II / Commando II CV-22 Osprey UH-1N Huey T-38 Talon TH-1 Civil Air Patrol Glider and Search & Rescue Aircraft
Q. What maneuvers will be performed by the Thunderbirds? A. For information about what to expect from a Thunderbird performance, visit: http://afthunderbirds.com/site/show-season/
Q. Will the PJ’s combat search and rescue demonstration be a part of the show? A. While the PJ’s will not be participating this year, the 58 SOW will be demonstrating their combat search and rescue capabilities as part of the airshow.
Q. What methods of payment are available at the show? A. Please remember to bring CASH if you plan to shop at our vendors. ATMs will be available but long lines are to be expected.
Q. Will smoking be allowed? A. NO SMOKING is allowed at the Air Show in any location—this is prohibited by regulation on all flight lines across the Air Force. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
Q. Can I bring a chair, blanket and or umbrella? A. Chairs, blankets, and small inspectable personal comfort items will be permitted. Small umbrellas are fine to bring (the small ones that fit in a purse), but large golf umbrellas or shade umbrellas are banned as they may block the view of spectators behind you.
Q. Are there any on base pick up locations for base residents? A. Shuttles will pick up and drop off at the Arts and Crafts Center parking lot at the corner of Frost and Wyoming beginning at 9 a.m. Please walk to the shuttle as parking in the area is very limited and street traffic should be used primarily for bus routes. Traffic and access to the west side of Kirtland will be limited during the Air Show.
Q. Are 10X10 Canopy tents allowed? Wagons? A. Tents are not permitted; however, you can bring a wagon. We recommend using an umbrella/sun hat/sunscreen as well as tents provided for shade.
Q. Are large cameras, lenses, bags and tripods allowed, or cell phone? A. Yes. There are no security restrictions on these items. However, large camera bags are not permitted. Bring only necessary camera equipment, leaving extra attachments at home. A small fanny pack or vest is useful for carrying small lenses. Keep in mind that everything is subject to search.
Q. I have small children. Can I bring a stroller, diaper bag, or change of clothes?
A. Yes. Stroller and diaper bags will be hand-searched at the security checkpoint. Also please consider bringing hearing protection for small children.
Q. Can I bring food?
A. Small snacks are fine as long as they are not in glass containers. In addition, no ice chests or coolers (except small coolers for medical supplies or infant formula purposes,) nor bags larger than a small purse, fanny pack, or backpack will be allowed. All items are subject to approval by security personnel and are hand-searched at security checkpoint.
Q. Will there be any food or souvenirs available?
A. Yes. There will be concessions at the Air Show for food, drinks, and souvenirs. Please remember that sales are cash only.
Q. Can I leave and re-enter the Air & Space Fiesta?
A. Yes. You may leave and re-enter as many times as needed. However, anyone re-entering will have to go through the shuttle bus line and security checkpoints again.
Q. Is tailgating allowed?
A. No.
Q. Are alcoholic beverages allowed?
A. You can purchase them at concessions, but you cannot bring them onto base.
Q. Do I need a military ID?
A. No, this event is open to the public.
Q. Will restroom facilities be easily accessible?
A. Yes. Portable restrooms will be located throughout the Air Show grounds.
Q. Can I take pictures or get autographs?
A. Yes. Many of the performers make themselves available for autographs and pictures during the show.
Q. Will it be necessary to have hearing protection?
A. Due to the nature of the event, it is highly encouraged you bring hearing protection – especially for children. There will be a number of aircraft taking off, landing, and performing, which will be extremely loud.
Q. Will there be shade?
A. There are limited areas of shade available throughout the flight line. You can take a walk through one of our larger static displays to get a break from the sun, as well as the STEM and Space pavilion. Shade tents will also be available.
Q. What happens if it rains?
A. In the event of rain, some flying demonstrations may be delayed. However, unless the weather poses a serious threat to the safety of the visitors and participants, the show will proceed as scheduled with some modifications. In the event of an Air Show cancellation, announcements will be coordinated with local news agencies as well as Kirtland Public Affairs pushing through the app and social media channels as information becomes available.
Q. What type of medical services will be available?
A. First aid only will be provided such as treatment for mild dehydration, treatment for minor cuts and bruises, and application of emergency medications (ex. Epi-pens). Medical personnel will stabilize and coordinate transportation to higher level care for all other injuries/illnesses as determined by a medical professional.
Q. Is there a preferred seating area? A. Yes, this year there is an option for paid seating near show center. Information can be found at www.kirtlandforcesupport.com.
Q. What children’s activities are available? A. There will be a free kid’s zone that features bouncy castles and activities. New this year is the STEM and Space pavilion with displays from NASA, Space X, Air Force Space Command and many other agencies.
Q. I’m a food vendor, is there an opportunity to participate? A. A master concessionaire has been selected and no other food or merchandise vendors are being accepted.
Q. Who can I call for additional information?
A. For more information, call the 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office at 505-846-5991 or email 377ABW.PA@us.af.mil.
Drivers: You can bring riders to and from the Kirtland Air and Space Fiesta starting at 9 a.m. May 18, via Kirtland’s Truman Gate. Drivers will then be directed by Air Show staff to the ridesharing waiting area at the event site (a distance of an additional 1.1 miles from the gate; see map on the reverse side). When entering via the Truman Gate, drivers should show their App and their driver’s license to the gate guards and air show staff as necessary. Drivers are advised to queue at the drop-off/pick-up point in the afternoon as large numbers of attendees will be departing at once, especially after 3:30 p.m.
Ridesharing map