In Upstate New York, the days are getting longer, the grass a little greener, and the temperatures creep up a few degrees each week. A long, cold, snow-filled winter is now in the rear-view mirror, and the volunteers at the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo continue to dial in the details of their next airshow on Saturday, July 11th, and Sunday, July 12th, 2026. Though winter in New York may have been grey and dull, the planning for the 2026 show was anything but. We all know that “time flies,” especially when one is having fun. Time is relative, of course, depending on age and lived experience. However, 26 years seems to have slipped by without so much as a warning. The year 2000, when the world was ushered into the new millennium, happens to be the last time that the Commemorative Air Force’s B-17G Flying Fortress Sentimental Journey attended the Geneseo Airshow. Prior to this, the CAF’s B-17 attended the grass-strip’s gathering in 1997, and on numerous occasions at the late 1980s Wings of Eagles Airshow “Bomber Gatherings.” In both ’97 and ’00, the CAF flew in the then-operating, and now dearly missed, Heinkel He 111 (CASA 2.111) alongside the B-17.
The 2026 Geneseo Airshow will see the triumphant return of Sentimental Journey to D52, alongside the CAF’s B-25J Mitchell Maid in the Shade. Geneseo’s shows are known for their reputation as a heavy-bomber stomping ground, particularly for the Flying Fortress. Given the National Warplane Museum’s history with Fuddy Duddy and Memphis Belle (the movie), having a B-17 flying from the grass runway during airshow weekend will be a most welcome addition. 2019 was the last time a Fort flew in the show, and for the folks of the National Warplane Museum, that is far too long. Not only will the CAF’s B-17 and B-25 participate in the show, but they will also sell flight experiences, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
In keeping with the warbird theme, the 2026 Geneseo Airshow is excited to host a plethora of WWII aircraft of note. The Jack Aces will once again participate with their 3-ship P-51 formation aerobatic demonstration. Included in the Jack Aces fleet are TF-51D Mad Max (flown by Lou Hoschel), TF-51D Little Witch (flown by Ariel Luedi), and P-51D Cheryl Lynn (flown by Marco Rusconi). Thom Richard will be flying in the show with the American Airpower Museum’s P-40M Jacky C, while Lou Horschel will augment his P-51 flying with a demonstration of his FG-1D Corsair.
The B-17 and B-25 Maid in the Shade are only the beginning of bombers to attend the 2026 Geneseo Airshow. Two additional Mitchells will be on hand: Panchito (Delaware Aviation Museum) and Take-Off Time (Tom Duffy). The Commemorative Air Force will once again be bringing in their Curtiss SB2C Helldiver for the weekend, while the Savages will be on hand with their TBM Avenger. Alongside the Jack Aces’ P-51 demonstration, warbird aerobatics will be provided by John Skipper Hyle in the Harvard J’s Bird and Boeing Stearman PT-17 Matt’s Batt. Rick Volker will round out the warbird demos with his SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 – “the last piston fighter.”
What’s an airshow without a little noise and adrenaline? The National Warplane Museum is thankful that the United States Air Force’s F-22 Raptor demo team will once again provide both amusing kids and kids at heart alike. New to Geneseo this year is the Full Throttle Airshows Vans RV formation demo team. An argument could be made that they are the Blue Angels, only with 12 RVs. They fly precise and coordinated profiles throughout the duration of their performance. Trevor Rafferty will be on hand to “wow” the crowds with a demonstration in the Christen Eagle.
Rounding out the 2026 Airshow will be the “Greatest Hits of Geneseo,” those aircraft that make the Upstate NY airshow what it is today. Aside from the B-17, B-25, P-40, P-51s, and Corsair, Geneseo is known for hosting trainers of all shapes and sizes. This theme will once again prove true, with a selection of AT-6s and PT-17s planned to be on the field in July. The National Warplane Museum’s own aircraft will also be highlighted, including the recently acquired Fairchild PT-26 and “on-track to once again fly” Beech C-45.
The 2026 Geneseo Airshow takes place on Saturday, July 11th, and Sunday, July 12th, with a special “Member’s Only” Arrival Day on Friday, July 10th. This year’s show is shaping up to be a great experience for aviation and history enthusiasts of all ages. For more information, follow the links below. 2026 Geneseo Airshow: nationalwarplanemuseum.com/airshow CAF Rides Booking: www.azcaf.org/fly-with-us NWM Rides Booking: nationalwarplanemuseum.com/flights
