YQF NEWS

Red Deer, AB — The Red Deer Regional Airshow has concluded a record setting weekend, welcoming more than 26,000 spectators over three unforgettable days at Red Deer Regional Airport. From July 24–26, aviation enthusiasts, families, and visitors from across North America gathered for a weekend filled with world-class flying, community celebration, and unforgettable memories.

This year’s event was especially significant as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds returned to Central Alberta during the farewell season of their iconic CT-114 Tutor aircraft fleet. Thousands lined the flight line to witness one of the final opportunities to see Canada’s legendary military aerobatic team perform in the region, making the 2026 airshow a truly historic occasion.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us to make this year’s Red Deer Regional Airshow such a tremendous success,” said Nancy Paish, CEO of Red Deer Regional Airport. “Welcoming more than 26,000 guests over three days is a testament to the passion our community has for aviation and the incredible support we’ve received from volunteers, sponsors, performers, partners, and attendees. Sharing the Snowbirds’ farewell tour with Central Alberta made this year’s event especially meaningful, and we’re proud to have created an experience that will be remembered for years to come.”

The weekend kicked off Friday evening with the inaugural Glow Night & Flight Suit Disco, where guests enjoyed glowing hot air balloons, performer meet-and-greets, static aircraft displays, local market vendors, food trucks, beer gardens, live music, DJ entertainment, and a community Ice Cream Social.

Saturday and Sunday delivered spectacular flying demonstrations from the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Canadian Forces Parachute Demonstration Team SkyHawks, the CF-18 Demonstration Team, and an exceptional lineup of military and civilian performers. Visitors also explored static aircraft displays, aviation STEM programming, family-friendly attractions, community exhibits, local vendors, premium hospitality experiences, and interactive activities that showcased the excitement and future of aviation.

The Red Deer Regional Airshow would not have been possible without the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, airport staff, emergency services personnel, performers, sponsors, vendors, and community partners whose commitment ensured a safe, successful, and memorable event.

To stay up to date on future events, airshow announcements, and airport news, visit flyreddeer.com or follow Red Deer Regional Airport on social media. To see our 2026 Wrap Up Video visit: Red Deer Regional Airshow 2026

Media Contact:
Ashley Reierson – Director, Business Development & Communications
Red Deer Regional Airport
403.877.3289
a.reierson@flyreddeer.com

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About Red Deer Regional Airport: Red Deer Regional Airport (YQF) is a strategic aviation and logistics hub serving Central Alberta, located between Calgary and Edmonton. The airport supports regional connectivity, economic development, tourism, business aviation, air service growth, and land development opportunities.

With a focus on aviation, logistics, investment attraction, and regional partnerships, Red Deer Regional Airport plays an important role in strengthening Central Alberta’s transportation network and supporting long-term economic diversification.

Red Deer Regional Airport is located in Springbrook, Alberta, on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands.

For more information, visit: flyreddeer.com | LinkedIn | facebook | instagram