THUNDER & LIGHTNING OVER ARIZONA 2025

Welcome to the Thunder & Lightning Over Arizona Air Show!

On the weekend of March 22-23, we are opening the gates and inviting everyone to enjoy a free, weekend-long event packed full of entertainment. Come out and see dynamic aerial displays, memorable planes, and SO much more!

 

 

 

2025 Performers and Displays

UPDATE: Air Show March 23

Please arrive early, bring water and sunscreen, do not dump your water in line at the entry control point, please have your ID out and ready when you reach the entry control point, Swan Gate is ALSO open.

Lost and Found pickup area will be at the Lost Child tent. Starting Monday, any missing items from the weekend can be picked up at the Visitor Control Center.

Questions/ Concerns: 355th Wing Public Affairs, 355wgpa@us.af.mil


Event Order Beginning at 11:00 am

Opening Ceremonies, Streamer Drop from 3000 feet

Air Force Academy Wings of Blue

Air Force Academy Glider Team

KC-135 Stratotanker / HC-130J Combat King II Pass

KC-135 Stratotanker Demo

Brad Wursten - MX-2

Jon Melby - S-1-11B

Smoke N' Thunder Jet Car

EA-18G Growler Demo Team / Legacy Flight

CSAR Launch

Tom Larkin - MiniJet

DM CSAR Demonstration

Vicky Benzing - P-51

Ace Maker T-33 (2)

F-35A Demo Team / Heritage Flight

Kirby Chambliss - Edge 540

Intermission

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

Gates available for base access Saturday and Sunday

General Public

Craycroft Gate - 8:00 am to 2:00 pm (Inbound only) / After 2:00 pm (Outbound only)

Swan Gate - 8:00 am to 2:00 pm (Inbound only) / After 2:00 pm (Outbound only)

Base Residents

N. Wilmot - Beginning at 5:30 am on Saturday, open 24hr until Monday March 24, 2025

Craycroft Gate - 8:00 am to 2:00 pm (Inbound only) / After 2:00 pm (Outbound only)

Swan Gate - 8:00 am to 2:00 pm (Inbound only) / After 2:00 pm (Outbound only)

Shuttle pick-up and drop-off locations

Shuttles are available to base residents ONLY

355th LRS Bus service begins at 9:30 am Friday and 8:30 am Saturday & Sunday

Expect wait times of approx. 20 minutes.

1.  Base Exchange

2.  Heritage Park

3.  Community Center

4.  Sonoran Science Academy

5.  Bus Stop Near Borman K-8 School

6.  355th Medical Group

7. Military and Families Day event (Friday only)

8. “Plane on a Stick” at Phoenix & 3rd St. (Sat & Sun only)

Traffic and Parking Maps

What Should I Bring?

Small Items
Empty bottles to fill with water, snacks in non-glass containers, small purses, and umbrellas (please avoid using umbrellas in reserved or VIP seating areas)

Larger Items
Wheelchairs and other medical devices.

For Viewing
Cameras, video recorders, binoculars, tripods (must be able to demonstrate all items are operable)

For Food/Vendor Purchases
Credit Cards / Mobile Payment / Cash (ATM's are available on site)

For Children
Strollers, wagons for toddlers, diaper bags, hearing protection.

For Medical Needs
Portable coolers for medicines and medical equipment are allowed; all items are subject to screening.

Suggestions to Pack
Comfortable shoes, hearing protection, sunscreen, cameras, clear plastic water bottles, pen for autographs, hat with a visor, sunglasses, cash (ATMs on site), sufficient gas in your vehicle's tank to wait in congested traffic.

Prohibited Items

Weapons of any kind
Including: pocketknives, pocket tools, scissors, box cutters, nunchucks, Billy clubs, large/heavy chain-linked jewelry or belts, mace/pepper spray, firearms.

Alcohol, illegal drugs

Toys that resemble firearms

Marijuana/CBD oil
Possession and use of marijuana or CBD oil is illegal on all federal installations.

Flammable Items/Fireworks

Large Portable Sun Protection
Tents or canopies of any kind.

Walking sticks
(not to include medical canes or walkers)

Spray paint/Silly string

Wheeled recreational devices
Golf carts, bicycles, scooters, go-karts, skateboards, heelies, roller skates, rollerblades.

Containers
Containers for water must be plastic and empty to get through checkpoints. There will be water stations available for attendees to refill water bottles.

Cooking Equipment
Including grills.

Coolers

Camelbacks

Large Bags
Rucksacks, backpacks, duffle bags, large camera bags, and large purses.

Walkie-talkies, HAM radios, scanners

Balloons

Military uniforms worn by non-military members

Gang or motorcycle club affiliated colors or clothing/items

Drones or radio-controlled aircraft

Animals or Pets
(service animals permitted in accordance with ADA rules)

UMBRELLAS in seating areas
Small umbrellas are allowed in pedestrian/walking areas. Please avoid using umbrellas in reserved or VIP seating areas, as this will obstruct the view for other spectators.

Entry and Exit FAQs

Are tickets and parking passes free?
The show is completely free to the general public. General Admission parking is free. However, premium tickets are available for purchase, and VIP Parking is available on a limited basis to Platinum ticket holders. Information can be found on the 355th Force Support Squadron's website. 

When do the gates open?
The Craycroft and Swan gates will be open for general public entry to the Open House.

The Craycroft gate will be open for inbound (3 lanes) and outbound (1 lane) Open House traffic only, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am until 2pm. The Craycroft gate will be open for outbound traffic only, Saturday and Sunday from 3pm to 5pm.

The Swan gate will be open for inbound Open House traffic, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am until 2pm. The Swan Gate will be open for outbound Open House traffic only, Saturday and Sunday from 3pm until 5pm.

Will there be handicapped parking available?
Yes, there will be designated portions of the parking lots for properly marked handicapped vehicles.

Is tailgating allowed?
No, parking lots are reserved for transiting to and from the show only.

What documentation is required?
Air show visitors should come with a form of government issued photo identification, e.g., driver’s licenses, passports, passport cards, military IDs, Tribal cards, or permanent resident cards.

Do I need a military ID?
No, this event is open to the public.

Will I be able to leave and return from the show?
Yes, however you will have to process through the security checkpoint again.

 

 

GENERAL EVENT FAQs

Will there be food and drinks available for purchase?
Yes, there will be food, drinks, alcoholic drinks (we I.D.), and souvenirs available throughout the show area.

Is the show the same both days?
Yes! Performances, static displays, activities, and concessions are the same each day.

Are alcoholic beverages allowed?
Alcoholic beverages may be purchased at the event, with proper I.D. You may NOT bring alcoholic beverages into the Air Show.

Are camping/folding chairs allowed?
Lawn chairs are permitted. Please note there is a lengthy walk from the parking lot to the general admission seating area.

Are there upgraded seating tickets?
Premium tickets are available for purchase prior to the event.

Do the food and souvenir vendors take cards?
Most of the vendors will accept major credit cards, but there will be ATMs on-site.