The Thunderbirds are coming back to the Hudson Valley. County Executive Steve Neuhaus has announced that the New York Air Show will return to Orange County Airport in Montgomery for a two day run on Aug. 1–2, 2026, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlining the weekend. Organizers say the lineup will also feature the World War II B‑25J Mitchell “Panchito” and the West Point Parachute Team, with shows scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days and a field full of vendors, reserved lawn boxes and a VIP Flight Line Club.
Neuhaus is pitching the show as both a Hudson Valley summer staple and a tie in to America’s 250th anniversary. “We’re excited to welcome everyone for a fun and memorable weekend,” he said, while Amanda Dana, director of Orange County Tourism & Film, underscored the family friendly draw of the event, according to I LOVE NY.
Who’s flying
Organizers list the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as the main attraction, with a mix of modern military demos, historic warbirds and parachute teams rounding out the program. The Air Dot Show’s New York event page includes the Thunderbirds, the West Point Parachute Team, UH‑72 Lakota helicopter demos and a B‑25J Mitchell among performers, with all acts subject to change, according to Air Dot Show. The Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation, which operates the B‑25J “Panchito,” also lists the bomber for the Aug. 1–2 stop, confirming the warbird’s planned appearance.
Tickets & viewing options
The announcement lists starting ticket prices at $32.25 for adults and $21.50 for children, and general admission purchases come with a parking pass. For those who want to be closer to the action, premium viewing like reserved lawn boxes and the Flight Line Club are also on sale. Organizers are steering buyers to their ticket storefront and interactive seating map for the best advance pricing, according to I LOVE NY.
Getting there & safety
The air show will unfold on the field at Orange County Airport, 500 Dunn Road in Montgomery, and officials are warning visitors to expect heavy traffic and tight on site parking. Pilots and other aviators get their own caution sign, since a temporary flight restriction goes into effect shortly before the show kicks off each morning and stays active until the day’s flying wraps up. Maps, parking plans and on field rules are posted on the county’s event page, according to Orange County Government.
Local impact & history
County leaders have leaned on the New York Air Show as a summertime tourism magnet for the Hudson Valley, and past editions have drawn sizable crowds. Local coverage and county statements have previously pegged daily attendance in the low to mid tens of thousands, a turnout that organizers say gives a boost to nearby hotels and small businesses across the weekend, according to Hudson Valley Country.
Plan ahead
Organizers are urging would be spectators to buy tickets early, arrive ahead of showtime and stick to the official parking plan to dodge the worst backups. Visitors looking to stretch the trip into a full Hudson Valley weekend can find lodging options, dining picks and a free travel guide through Orange County Tourism & Film’s Pick OCNY portal, per Pick OCNY, while the Air Dot Show storefront carries the latest lineup details and seating map before you go.
