Wings Over Houston Airshow

The 2026 show is October 31 and November 1 at Ellington Airport, and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds are the confirmed headline act. Thunderbird years draw the largest crowds the show gets, which changes how you should plan the day.

Ellington is southeast of the city toward Clear Lake, well outside the loop, and an airfield has exactly one way in and out. The traffic, not the flying, is what people complain about afterwards. Arrive early enough that you are parked before the first demonstration rather than listening to it from the car.

The headline jet team flies late in the afternoon, so the schedule rewards staying rather than arriving for it. The hours before are propeller warbirds and aerobatic acts, and they are the part most people are surprised to enjoy.

It is a flight line in open sun with very little shade. Hats, sunscreen and hearing protection for small children matter more here than at any other event on this calendar. Check their site for gate times, ticket prices and what you are allowed to carry in, all of which change year to year.