Everything you need to know for the Beale Air & Space Expo this weekend

  • Published
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing
BEALE AIR FORCE, Calif --  

After a seven-year hiatus, Beale AFB is hosting its first airshow this weekend, celebrating the past, present and future of American airpower.

Slated for Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8, the event will showcase an impressive lineup of military and civilian performers, including the elite precision of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, renowned aerobatic pilot Vicky Benzing, and international performer Aarron Deliu. Attendees can also expect to explore cutting-edge aircraft, interactive STEM exhibits, and displays that highlight Beale’s legacy of reconnaissance. For those avionic enthusiasts interested in getting a first-hand look at the new Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), the expo is the place to be.

Air Show Guests: There are two requirements to enter the base. A valid ID as well as a physical copy of your parking pass.

  • Gates open for inbound airshow traffic only from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m..
  • After 1:30 p.m., they will switch to exit-only. These gates are for airshow pass holders only and will not permit entry to residents using a standard military ID.

ID Requirements

All visitors 18 and over must present a valid federal or state-issued Real ID. (Temporary paper confirmation printout for real ID is acceptable). Non-U.S. ID holders may present acceptable immigration documents (Forms I-766, I-551, I-94, or I-797 approval notices). DoD CACs are also valid. Keep IDs accessible at all times—random ID checks may occur throughout the event.

Parking Pass Requirements

A physical copy of your parking pass must be presented at the gate. Standard admission is free, but you must reserve a complimentary parking pass at www.bealeairshow.com and print your pass. There will be no passes available day-of, and parking is limited.

Base Residents:
If you live on base and plan to attend the expo on Saturday or Sunday, park at the Commissary and Base Exchange lot and take the shuttle to the airshow entrance. This is the only way to access the show from within the base. Otherwise, you must secure a parking pass online and enter through Wheatland, Schneider, or Doolittle gates.

Road Closures & Traffic Flow for safe efficient traffic:

  • Wheatland, Schneider, and Doolittle gates will be open to inbound traffic from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., then switch to exit-only until the end of the event. These gates are for airshow traffic only—they will not provide access to main base or housing areas.
  • There are no alternative routes through closed areas. Residents and mission partners needing base access during the airshow should use the Vassar Lake Gate.
  • Emergency vehicles will have priority routes; non-emergency medical needs can exit via Doolittle at any time.

DoD Cardholders:

A special DoD Day will be held on Friday, June 6, for all Department of Defense ID cardholders and family.

  • There are no parking pass requirements for DoD Day.
  • Trusted Traveler Program guidelines apply to gain access to base.
  • All gates will be open with normal flow of traffic.
  • Flightline gates open at 11:00 a.m. for entry.
  • Parking will be at the flight line; no shuttles will be provided.


With thrilling performances, hands-on STEM experiences, the latest innovative aircraft, and an unforgettable lineup of aerial acts, the Beale Air & Space Expo is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see America’s airpower up close!

For passes and more details, visit: https://www.bealeairshow.com