Reno Air Show is a multi-day event, held at the Reno-Stead Airport (Stead Field) in October. Reno is one of the few venues where you can see this type of spectacle. It features only the best and the most talented pilots in the aviation space. Your heart will be pounding as you witness the roaring planes speed through the sky, performing aerobatic maneuvers. Although the Reno-Stead Airport hosted mainly air races before, the Reno Air Show is sure to leave the spectators in awe.
Air Show Program
Reno Air Show offers a unique chance to see the world's best planes in one place. Expect to witness in action the legendary flight demonstration squads, like the US Navy Blue Angels, USAF F-16 Viper Team, and the Canadian Snowbirds. As a welcome addition and a tribute to all veterans, there is also a Smoke 'n Thunder Jet Car performance, ready to blow your mind with speeds an average Chevy pickup can achieve. Tuckers Air Patrol will also perform heart-stopping aerobatics and demonstrate perfect landing in an emergency situation.
Additionally, you'll behold military displays, demonstrations by the airshow pilots, stunning aerobatics, and various aviation exhibits—the event has it all to please cheering crowds. To top it all off, this year's show also gives attendees a chance to book a ride on an iconic aircraft.
Reno Air Show Schedule & Tickets
The venue opens its doors to all visitors at 4 pm on October 4th and at 9 am on October 5th and 6th. The opening day promises never-before-seen evening flight demonstrations against the dark sky backdrop, a Twilight/Night Show, from 6 pm to 8 pm. If you're a fan of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, unfortunately, they won't be flying during the evening spectacle. On the following days of the show, the planes start taking off from 10 am until 4 pm.
Tickets & Admission
The Reno Air Show offers various admission options and packages, covering everything from simple entry and parking to a luxurious experience in the Aces Club Chalet. A regular ticket costs $50-60, depending on the day of the festival. Reserved grandstand seating costs $60-70 or you can purchase a 3-day pass for $180. Other options include Founder's Club, Premium Box seats, Chairman's Club, and Checkered Flag Club. Children under 12 can enter for free with adult supervision.
Location
The Reno-Stead Airport sits just 11 miles (17 km) north of Reno, Nevada and 41 miles (66 km) north of Carson City, the capital city of Nevada. Both of these cities offer a wide range of housing accommodations and restaurants, so you can stay there or elsewhere nearby.
Reno Air Races
The year 2024 marks the first year of the air show at Reno-Stead Airport. Prior to that, the venue hosted mainly air races, a legendary spectacle dating back to 1964. The races were first organized by Bill Stead, a World War II veteran. Since then, the non-profit Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) has maintained the championship, but unfortunately, the Air Races will no longer take place in Reno-Stead Airport.
Future of the Races
The last Reno National Championship Air Races were held in 2023, and the show was sent off with a bang—thousands of fans came to the Reno-Stead Airport to celebrate the tradition and future to come. Organizers are currently exploring other venue options and have announced that the next National Championship Air Races will take place in 2025.
