If flying fascinates you and aviation amps you up, take off for an incredible free air show Sept. 12–13, 2026. You’ll have a chance to marvel at military aircraft from decades past and catch captivating aeronautic performances and daredevil displays.
By Peg Cameron Gill
The 2026 Show Me State Air Show takes off on Saturday Sept. 12 at the Jefferson City Memorial Airport. Gates open at 9 AM with aerial demonstrations and performances starting at 11 AM.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Show Me State Air Show exists to provide an exciting family-fun event to Central Missouri to celebrate our current and former military members, involve community, offer educational STEM experiences for youth, and to promote aviation and associated organizations found within the Show Me State.
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Celebrating our veterans and military members is the show’s focus. Various veteran help organizations will be on hand to educate individuals on what resources are available to them, and to assist them with the process. Veterans will also have their own shaded seating area to enjoy the show. A portion of the air show’s proceeds will also be donated to the Missouri Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Several recruiting branches will be on hand, too, offering individuals the opportunity to discuss options.
This year’s air show line-up will feature the REMAX Skydiving Team, several warbirds, military aircraft, aerobatics, and so much more. Some rare and beautiful warbirds will also be on display; as well as, various memorabilia from Vietnam, WW I & II, etc.
Among the ace aviators who await attendees is Stephen Covington, piloting the B-25 MITCHELL “Show Me.” He started flying 23+ years ago and has his commercial rating. Covington owns and operates SRC airshows.
Be sure up visit the Missouri Wing Commemorative Air Force Booth to purchase your ticket to ride in the “Show Me” B-25! Or call Joe Martinez at (636) 699-0127.
Covington also amazes everyone with his aerobatic performances in his highly modified Pitts s2s named the ”Raptor,” and performs a couple of formation/dual acts; one with Jason Newburg in his Viper Pitts.
You’ll be amazed at these two tearing up the skies in their jaw-dropping twin Pitts act.
Another sky-based must-see is the new Immortal Red Barron act, where the WWI German pilot comes to the airshow and has a real life dog fight with the Raptor. In this show you will get to hear and see authentic machine guns shoot at the airplanes, and even FROM the airplanes. This new act received the ICAS Gold award in 2018 for best new act.
In addition to high-flying fun and thrills, you can check out various food and beverage vendors, as well as merchandise vendors. Plus, you can browse military memorabilia and photos belonging to veterans.
Don’t miss this wonderful free opportunity to watch incredible in-the-air action, and show your support for our current and former military members.
For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.
