If you're looking for a reason to make Branson your Labor Day Weekend destination, look up. The skies above the Ozarks are about to become the stage for one of the most spectacular celebrations of aviation, patriotism and American ingenuity as the 2026 Branson Wings of Pride Air Show presented by CoxHealth takes flight September 5–7 at Branson Airport.
And this year, the celebration comes with some serious horsepower. Headlining the three-day aviation extravaganza are the legendary U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, bringing their six-ship F-16 demonstration team and the kind of precision flying that has made them one of America's most recognizable symbols of military aviation. But just when you thought the lineup couldn't get any bigger, Branson has added another reason to keep your eyes on the sky.
ENTER THE WARTHOG: Two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from Whiteman Air Force Base are joining the weekend lineup.
One A-10 is scheduled to roar across the skies during the show, while another will be featured on the ground, giving aviation enthusiasts a rare opportunity to get close to the legendary aircraft and meet its pilot.
Known affectionately as the "Warthog," the A-10 has earned an almost cult-like following among aviation fans for its distinctive appearance, unmistakable sound and reputation as one of the world's most formidable close-air-support aircraft.
Branson Wings of Pride Air Show | September 5–7, 2026 | Branson Airport
Gates: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily | Tickets & information: BransonWingsofPride.com
And Branson is giving the Warthog an entrance worthy of a Hollywood action sequence As the A-10 flies overhead, the Wall of Fire, performed locally by Firework Greg and Explosive Contractors, will erupt along the flight line—combining the thunder of the aircraft with a spectacular burst of flame. It's the kind of moment that isn't simply watched, it's felt.
THE THUNDERBIRDS TAKE CENTER STAGE: Of course, the weekend's biggest stars remain the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds! Their precision F-16 performance is expected to be one of the defining moments of the weekend, as the team executes breathtaking formations, high-speed passes and aerial maneuvers just above the Branson Airport flight line. Joining them is an equally impressive military lineup featuring the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the U.S. Air Force C-17 Demonstration Team.
Together, the military performers bring something for virtually every aviation enthusiast—from the raw power of fighter aircraft to the extraordinary precision of parachute and transport-aircraft demonstrations. "This is truly one of the most complete and exciting lineups we've ever assembled," said Kerry Floyd, Branson Wings of Pride Air Show Director. "The Thunderbirds are an incredible experience that everyone should see in person, and adding the A-10s gives aviation fans even more to look forward to. From military power to world-class aerobatics, this is going to be a very special Labor Day Weekend in Branson."
FIVE HOURS. THREE DAYS. ONE VERY LOUD WEEKEND! The military demonstrations are only part of the show. With approximately five hours of flying entertainment each day, the Wings of Pride lineup brings together some of the biggest names in civilian airshow performance. Among them:
Kirby Chambliss — Two-Time Red Bull Air Race World Champion
Aarron Deliu — International Aerobatic Champion
Tom Larkin — Mini Jet Airshows
Bob Carlton — Jet-Powered Sailplane
Jeff Shetterly — RADIAL RUMBLE SNJ
Joe Shetterly — Rifle Airshows
Greg Shetterly — Airshow Legend
Matt Younkin — Twin Beech 18 Aerobatics
Erik Edgren — T-Clips Precision Aerobatic & Comedy Performer
And that's only part of the lineup! The result is an aviation weekend that moves from military might to precision aerobatics, parachute demonstrations, specialty acts and aircraft displays—while keeping families entertained on the ground between performances.
THE PARTY STARTS BEFORE THE PLANES FLY: Branson isn't waiting until Saturday morning to start the celebration. On Friday, September 4, CoxHealth will host a special Children's Miracle Network Family Experience, welcoming participating families to an exclusive rehearsal-day experience at the air show. Then, Friday evening, the celebration moves to Branson Landing for A Musical Salute to Our Armed Forces.
The free community event will feature live music from the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America, appearances by air show performers, a military swearing-in ceremony, performer introductions and a drone show and fireworks finale. In other words, the Labor Day Weekend celebration begins before the first F-16 ever leaves the runway.
A LABOR DAY WEEKEND WITH A BIGGER MEANING: There's something particularly fitting about celebrating Labor Day with an event centered around American service, innovation and achievement. This year's Wings of Pride Air Show also arrives during the nation's 250th anniversary year, giving the weekend an added layer of significance. Against the backdrop of the Ozarks, the event offers a very Branson-style celebration of America: music, family, entertainment, military heritage and spectacle—all brought together under one enormous sky.
For some visitors, it will be about the Thunderbirds. For others, it'll be the A-10. For aviation fans, it may be the aircraft displays and performers. For families, it may simply be the thrill of watching a jet scream overhead while the sky erupts information and fire, but for everyone, it's an opportunity to pause for a moment and look upward.
The Branson Wings of Pride Air Show presented by CoxHealth takes place Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7. Flying times are subject to change. The event takes place at Branson Airport, 4000 Branson Airport Blvd., Hollister, Missouri. Tickets and required parking passes are limited, and advance purchase is strongly encouraged.