Every spring, Colorado pilots start pulling out their calendars. Fly-ins, airshows, conferences — the season runs from April straight through October, and there's more on the schedule for 2026 than we've seen in years. Whether you're looking for a cross-country excuse, a chance to see the Blue Angels, or a networking day for airport industry folks, here's what's coming up and why it's worth your time.
April 18 — Pueblo Wings & Wheels, Pueblo Memorial Airport
The season kicks off in Pueblo at the annual Wings & Wheels event at Pueblo Memorial Airport (KPUB). This is one of those events that earns its reputation year after year: a genuine mix of general aviation aircraft on static display alongside classic and custom cars, all in the flat-light setting of southern Colorado. KPUB sits at 4,726 feet MSL and is one of the more pilot-friendly airports on the Front Range — long runways, plenty of ramp space, and a crew that likes GA traffic. If you've never flown into Pueblo, this is a great reason to make the trip. The drive from Denver is about two hours; the flight is considerably shorter and significantly more enjoyable.
April 25 — CPA Fly-In at Akron, CO (KAKO)
The Colorado Pilots Association fly-in to Akron (KAKO) is an easy call for anyone within range of the eastern plains. The CPA has a knack for picking destinations with real aviation substance, and Akron delivers: the tour of Redline Propeller's shop is genuinely interesting if you've ever been curious about what actually happens when a constant-speed prop comes in for overhaul. They'll walk you through the entire process, from incoming inspection to dynamic balancing. Lunch is included, the airport is friendly, and the eastern plains flying is smooth and visual on a good spring morning. A $100 hamburger with propeller shop access is a hard deal to beat.
KAKO sits at 4,655 feet and is uncontrolled, so standard self-announce procedures apply. The ramp has enough room for a decent-sized group, but if you're flying something larger, worth a quick call ahead to confirm.
May 28 — USAFA Graduation Thunderbirds Flyover, Colorado Springs
Every year, the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation at Falcon Stadium ends with a Thunderbirds flyover — and every year, it's worth watching. The 2026 ceremony is May 28. If you're planning to be in the Colorado Springs area, coordinate your airspace awareness carefully: the USAFA commencement routinely generates a large TFR over the Academy grounds and surrounding area. Check NOTAMs well in advance if you're flying in the region that day. For those on the ground, the flyover typically happens mid-morning after the diploma ceremony wraps, and it's as close as most of us will get to watching the Thunderbirds from directly below their formation. Colorado Springs Airport (KCOS) is about 10 miles from the Academy — a reasonable fly-drive option if you want to be there in person.
June 10–12 — CAOA Spring Conference, Pueblo
If you work in the airport industry — airport management, planning, operations, or policy — the Colorado Airport Operators Association (CAOA) Spring Conference is the most useful three days you'll spend in 2026. This year it's at the Pueblo Convention Center with field sessions at Pueblo Memorial Airport (KPUB). The conference covers the full spectrum of Colorado airport issues: state grant funding, noise compatibility studies, runway safety, and the regulatory environment that every public-use airport is navigating right now. The networking alone is worth the registration fee — CDOT Aeronautics staff, airport directors from across the state, and FAA regional personnel all show up in Pueblo for this one. If you're a pilot who wants to understand the infrastructure decisions being made at your home airport, this conference gives you that window. Check the CAOA website for registration details.
September 19–20 — Pikes Peak Regional Airshow with Blue Angels, Colorado Springs
This is the headliner. The Pikes Peak Regional Airshow returns to Colorado Springs Airport (KCOS) on September 19–20, 2026, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as the featured demonstration team. If you haven't seen the Blues perform against the backdrop of Pikes Peak, put it on your list — the geography makes the show unlike any other stop on the tour. The airshow also typically features civilian aerobatics, warbird formations, and a large static display. KCOS is a commercial service airport, which means airspace coordination for the show is handled professionally and the ground operation runs smoothly. Driving from Denver is about 75 minutes on I-25; flying in is possible on non-show days. Check the Pikes Peak Airshow site for current ticket pricing and reserved seating availability.
October 3–4 — Grand Junction Air Show, Grand Junction Regional Airport
The western slope gets its turn in October. The Grand Junction Air Show at Grand Junction Regional Airport (KGJT) has been building its lineup over the past few years and has become a legitimate destination event for western Colorado pilots. KGJT sits at 4,858 feet MSL on the valley floor, surrounded by mesa country, with the Colorado National Monument visible to the southwest on approach. The show typically draws a mix of military and civilian performers alongside a strong static display. If you're flying in from the Front Range, it's a solid cross-country — either direct over the mountains (check your oxygen situation) or via the southern route through Gunnison. The drive from Denver is roughly four hours; flying cuts that to under two. The Grand Junction Air Show is worth watching for performer announcements closer to the season.
How to Stay Current on Colorado Events
The Colorado Pilots Association maintains the most comprehensive calendar of Colorado fly-ins and group events, updated regularly as new events confirm. Their events page is worth bookmarking alongside your local weather sources. For airshows, the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) directory lists confirmed performers and dates once contracts are finalized, typically by late winter. And as always, pull NOTAMs before flying to any of these events — large gatherings generate TFRs, temporary taxiway changes, and all the airspace complexity that comes with a full ramp of transient traffic.
Colorado's GA season is short by the calendar but dense with good flying. Get these dates in your schedule now, before the good seats and the good campsites are gone.