What do you get when you combine the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026 and the 52nd anniversary of Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo?
If all goes as planned, there should be a sea of red, white, and blue aircraft and American flags on display at the next Sun ’n Fun (SNF). To encourage more aircraft owners with patriotic paint schemes to make the show, SNF officials are offering them complimentary weekly admission for the 2026 on April 14-19 in Lakeland, Florida.
To take advantage of the offer, email a photo of the aircraft in a red, white, and blue livery to snf.ace.marketing@gmail.com. A confirmation email will be sent after receipt of the image.
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“We’re accepting submissions until March 31,” said SNF marketing director Melissa Goodson, who has been part of the event for over 20 years and is always impressed by the number of aircraft that sport American patriotic liveries, such as flags on the fuselage.
Goodson notes visitors are still welcome to come if their aircraft has a paint scheme other than red, white, and blue, and are invited to display an American flag.
“Fly it on your aircraft. Fly it on your camper. Fly it on your tent or booth,” Goodson said. “We want everyone to celebrate.”
It’s suggested that flags be no larger than 3 feet by 5 feet and properly secured.
There are a few changes to the event for 2026. But there will be a fly-in-early package that allows pilots to arrive on Saturday, April 11, and receive three days of camping for free.
Once you get to SNF, you’ll find it easier to get around Lakeland. The new Sun ’n Fun Express shuttle is running daily routes to local shopping and dining spots, including downtown Lakeland.
SNF has grown over the decades from a fly-in and airshow to a combination educational expo with seminars and hands-on learning and aircraft demonstrations with the ambiance of spring break for pilots.
