(This article by Colorado-based writer Judy Christie originally appeared in the June 2025 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

For a heart-pounding patriotic celebration in 2026, head to Florida and catch a spectacular air show featuring the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds.

“They are the best in the world,” said Capt. Steve Cusick, USN (Ret), president of the Cape Canaveral Chapter of MOAA, a former Navy pilot, and a co-author of a commercial aviation safety textbook.

Get an early start on the birthday celebration at one of the biggest shows in the country: Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, taking place April 14-19, 2026, with the Thunderbirds to perform and scads of other activities.

While there, pop over to the Florida Air Museum, with aircraft, exhibits, and interactive displays. Need more? See the Blue Angels at the Kennedy Space Center (April 11-12) before you head to Lakeland.

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The Pensacola Beach Air Show will be July 18-19, 2026. On Veterans Day weekend that year, Nov. 6-7, the Blue Angels close the official touring season with another Pensacola show. Get to town early, and you might catch a practice. And don’t miss Pensacola’s world-class National Naval Aviation Museum.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, or Thunderbirds, performs 75 shows each year. The Blue Angels, representing the Navy and Marine Corps, perform at least 60 shows each year. Check out a schedule of upcoming air shows.

For a community Fourth of July party, Brevard County, on the Atlantic Coast, already has a dozen events planned — inspired by its 77,000 veteran residents and 16,000 active duty and DoD contract personnel. On the calendar is a parade on Merritt Island as well as fireworks shows in Cocoa Beach, Cocoa, Titusville, and Melbourne. To help you stay informed, former Army Capt. Donn Weaver, head of the Cape Canaveral Chapter’s Good Deeds Foundation, tracks Brevard veteran events.

“The first veterans were the people who risked everything to create the most dramatic experiment in government the world has ever known. It’s lasted 250 years,” said Weaver, a Gold Star father who lost his son in Afghanistan. “I do all I can to remind Americans the price of freedom.”

Something Extra: Explore Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, with a theme park atmosphere and opportunities to interact with astronauts.