California Capital Airshow (also referred to as Capital Airshow Group, LLC) is a nonprofit organization located in Sacramento, California that organizes year-round events and programs to encourage K-12 students to consider careers in STEM, aviation, and aerospace.
California Capital Airshow is most known for its annual airshow at Sacramento County's Mather Airport. The 2023 event had 105,000 attendees over two days and the event is estimated to have a $7.1 million impact on the Sacramento region's economy.
California Capital Airshow
Founded in 2004, California Capital Airshow is an annual multi-day air show that takes place at Mather Airport. The family-friendly festival offers multiple days of static (non-flying) displays and professionally choreographed and narrated aerial performances. The event features aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, United States Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, as well as civilian and historic military aircraft.
There are also vendor booths from commercial businesses, recruiting displays from U.S. military and local government agencies. The event also has food vendors and live music.
The event offers various ticketing options with upgraded seating and amenities.
Location California Capital Airshow takes place at Mather Airport (MHR), which is located partially in unincorporated Sacramento County and partially in the city of Rancho Cordova. Mather Airport is 12 miles east of Downtown Sacramento, on the south side of U.S. Route 50.
Mather Airport originated as a U.S. Army Air Corp training facility in World War I and was decommissioned as an Air Force base in 1993. It reopened in 1995 as Mather Airport. Sacramento County notes that the airport's runway of 11,301 feet is among the longest and most capable in California.
Attendance
CCA estimated attendance of 105,000 at its 2023 Airshow. Attendance in 2022 was estimated to be 85,000. The event is All Ages. Children 15 and under attend for free, with an adult.
Static Displays and Aerial Performers The show features approximately 100 static (non-flying) civilian and military aircraft. Displayed aircraft include select cargo aircraft from Travis Air Force Base, reconnaissance aircraft from Beale Air Force Base, and historic aircraft including “War Birds,” a Lockheed P-38 Lightning, and a restored Lockheed C-121 Constellation.
Each year's Airshow has a theme, which is supported through featured aircraft and educational exhibits. In 2023, the Airshow's theme was “Cold War Legacy”.
The Airshow features daily performances from civilian and military performers.
Past military headliners
A-10 Thunderbolt II U.S. Navy Blue Angels C-5M Super Galaxy C-17 Globemaster C-121A F-15 Eagle F-18 Super Hornet F-22 Raptor P-38 Lightning Patrouille de France Royal Canadian Air Force “Snowbirds” U-2 Dragon Lady U.S. Air Force “Thunderbirds”
Past civilian performers
Bill Stein Edge 540 Boeing B-29 Superfortress Curtiss P-40 Warhawk Jim Peitz Lockheed P-38 Lightning North American P-51 Mustang Patriots Jet Team Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Steve Hinton Tucker's Air Patrol
Annual themes
2023: 70th Anniversary of Thunderbirds Jet Team & Cold War Legacy Tribute 2022: 75th Anniversary of the United States Air Force 2021: Introducing The Drive-In Airshow 2019: Return of the Blue Angels and Blues & Brews 2018: Mather Airport's 100 Years of Service 2017: Saluting Bold Stripes, Bright Stars & Brave Hearts 2016: Paint the Town Blue & Gold 2015: Celebrating Partnerships (US & Canada) & CCA's 10th Anniversary 2014: The Raptor Returns 2013: 65th Anniversary of The Berlin Airlift 2012: Return of the USAF Thunderbirds 2011: Tribute to the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor/10th Anniversary of 9/11 2010: The Year of the Raptor and the “Lightning Strike” 2009: Air Force Week
Event volunteers Over 1,000 individuals volunteer for the annual event. Local nonprofit organizations run event concessions and parking, as part of a profit-sharing program.
History California Capital Airshow was founded in 2004 by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and Airport Director, Sacramento County in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova. It was founded under the parent company Capital Airshow Group, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation that oversees the staging of the California Capital Airshow.
Economic impact Sacramento County Government reports that the annual economic impact stemming from the Airshow to benefit the Sacramento Region totals $7.1 million.
The event generates an average of 1,300 room nights in the Sacramento region annually and generates $1.60 in economic activity for every $1 in CCA related direct spending.
Youth programs
California Capital Airshow organizes several events and programs year-round to encourage K-12 students to consider careers in STEM, aviation, and aerospace. Including:
Annual STEM Expo - California Capital Airshow invites STEM professionals throughout the U.S. to Mather Airport, to meet with local high school students. Girls In Aviation Day - Organized by Women in Aviation International, California Capital Airshow hosts a Girls In Aviation Day event at Mather Airport for the Sacramento region's K-12 female students. Annual “Positive Altitude” Expo - K-12 students from the Sacramento region are invited to Mather Airport for hands-on STEM demonstrations and exhibits Explore the Drone Zone – Students from throughout the Sacramento region participated in hands-on instruction, activities and demonstrations from leaders in the drone industry.
Scholarship awards California Capital Airshow awards scholarships to high school seniors interested in pursuing higher education in the STEM, aviation, and aerospace fields. In 2023, CCA awarded 18 scholarships for high school students in Placer, Sacramento, Sutter and Yolo counties, totaling $75,000.
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