Lightning Over the Fort Air Show

The Fort Smith Patriot Association, in cooperation with the 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas Air National Guard), has confirmed Lightning Over the Fort for May 7-8, 2027 — the city’s first air show since October 2011, when the prior event drew over 255,000 attendees. Planned acts include F-35A and F-16 fighter demonstrations, a jet car, microjets, and a UH-60 helicopter skydiving team, alongside historic aircraft and STEM exhibits. The event is free to the public, with a follow-up show already being planned for 2028.