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Find out how you can watch the Kirtland Air Force Base Air Fiesta
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They’re ready to go into the wild blue yonder.
Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) is hosting a free Air Fiesta show on Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1, for the first time in six years. The base is inviting the public to watch as planes take to the skies in displays of skill.
As Air Fiesta director, Lt. Col. Andrew Freitag has been preparing for the big weekend since November 2023. He said while planning has taken a lot of work, he is excited to show the public everything Kirtland has to offer.
Attendees can look forward to a line-up including the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, who will be performing jumps out of planes with smoke trails for the first time in Albuquerque, and the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team from Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. There will also be a comprehensive showcase by the 58th Special Operations Wing, including the MC-130, AC-130, HC-130, HH-60, Huey and CV-22.
“The flying demonstrations will be up and visibly flying around doing all of the precision maneuvering that we are taking so much pride in with this show,” Freitag said.
KAFB and Albuquerque International Sunport share a runway and ramps, so guests can expect to see travelers coming home in between high speed flying demonstrations. Because of this, the air show will run longer than is typical.
Freitag said while all the activities are worthwhile, folks may want to get a good spot to watch the F-35 fighter jet, a fifth generation stealth plane that Freitag said he is looking forward to seeing.
The show will have live demonstrations as well as “static demonstrations,” where guests will be able to walk up and even into the large military aircraft to see them up close.
There is more than just aircraft at KAFB. In one of the base hangars, more than 40 science and technology based exhibits will be on display with hands on demonstrations for children and adults alike to show the community what KAFB can do.
The Air Fiesta gives the community the opportunity to learn more about KAFB.
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“The base can be a mystery to some folks who never get to experience it,” Freitag said. “The idea is that the Air Fiesta allows us to put on an open house and show off our aircrafts, pilots, and who we are as individuals and as a unit here in your community.”
Attendees will have various options for food, including gyros and hot dogs, corn dogs and chips and beer. Guests are welcome to bring sealed water bottles, small folding chairs, sealed food and other items to enjoy the air show.
Items like large umbrellas, drones and megaphones will not be permitted.
For a full list of allowed and prohibited items, visit www.kirtland.af.mil.
