Air show to return to Fort Smith in May 2027

It’s going to be loud in early May of 2027. There will be thousands of motorcycles rolling in and around Fort Smith for the Steel Horse Rally, and modern fighter jets and older warbirds will roar above the city thanks to a return of an air show to the city.

The Lightning Over the Fort Air Show, managed in part by the Fort Smith Patriot Association, is set for May 7-8, 2027, at the Fort Smith Regional Airport and Ebbing Air National Guard Base. The Steel Horse Rally, which attracts about 250,000 to the region, according to organizers, will be held the same days.

According to a press release from the association, the air show will include military and civilian aircraft “for a weekend celebrating the spirit of flight, military service, and American patriotism.” Organizers do not have a list of aircraft that will be in the air or on exhibit, but the F-35A Lightning fighter jet will be part of the event.

Ebbing was selected in March 2023 by the U.S. Air Force to be the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program pilot training center supporting F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Poland, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Czechia, Greece, and Romania. Planes from Poland and Finland were the first to train at Ebbing, with German pilots expected to arrive in late 2026.

“Hosted by the Fort Smith Patriot Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring military service and strengthening community support for America’s armed forces, the event will showcase the remarkable capabilities of military aviation while highlighting the vital role of Ebbing Air National Guard Base and the Fort Smith region in supporting national defense and international military partnerships,” noted the press release. “The show is also in cooperation with the Fort Smith Regional Airport and the 188th Fighter Wing.”

In addition to the F-35, other acts will include F-16 fighter demonstrations, jet car, microjets, UH 60 helicopter skydiving teams, and past military aircraft. There will also be hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) exhibits available for regional students on May 7, according to the association. The event is also expected to include a demonstration of Air Combat Command capabilities.

Command of the pilot training center is expected to transfer from the Air Education Training Command to the Air Combat Command on July 10. The shift, according to the U.S. Air Force, “is designed to further strengthen our collective defense by integrating the latest tactics, techniques, and procedures into the training pipeline, enabling international military students to transition seamlessly from foundational skills to combat-ready capabilities tailored to their nation’s requirements.”

In addition to the featured performers, the event is expected to include a demonstration highlighting the capabilities of Air Combat Command, along with local military jets and close air support, that will showcase the mission and readiness of the aircraft and personnel serving at Ebbing Air National Guard Base. Additional performer announcements, aircraft displays, and program details will be released as they are confirmed leading up to the event.

“Lightning Over the Fort is an opportunity to celebrate our nation’s aviation heritage, recognize the service and sacrifice of our military personnel, and inspire future generations through the excitement of flight,” said Eddie Lee Herndon, Patriot Association board member. “The Fort Smith Patriot Association is honored to bring this world-class event back to our community.”

The association said more information about performers, ticket sales, parking, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, and event schedules will be released as details become available.

The last air show was held in 2011, and was discontinued as the 188th began the process to shift from a manned mission with the A-10 Thunderbolt to an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission connected to unmanned aerial vehicles. That mission continues.

The 188th has about 1,000 military members, active and guard, and civilians supporting the ISR mission, according to its website. Prior to the ongoing mission, the Ebbing-based 188th was home to various manned aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom, F-16 Falcon, and the A-10 Thunderbolt.

The Fort Smith Patriot Association is a nonprofit formed to support military members, veterans and families “while promoting patriotism and civic engagement throughout the Fort Smith region.”