NASA will host the 'Salute to America 250 Air Show' at Kennedy Space Center's Launch and Landing Facility in November, according to Space Coast tourism officials. The event, which will coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence, is anticipated to be one of the largest air shows ever held in Brevard County. The air show will take place at the former shuttle landing strip, a venue that has not hosted such a major event in recent years.
Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Peter Cranis said during a July 22 meeting that NASA officials have already booked a significant number of hotel rooms for the event. 'We've been told it's going to be one of the biggest air shows ever,' Cranis said, noting that the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are expected to perform during the two-day event on Nov. 7-8. The Thunderbirds' updated 2026 season schedule, posted on social media, confirms the air show as part of their planned appearances.
Local hotel managers are preparing for a surge in visitors. Wayne Soard, general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center and a member of the Brevard County Tourist Development Council, said an email from NASA requested 8,000 hotel rooms for the week of the event. 'The federal government's celebrating the 250 in different times of year, and NASA's doing it this particular week for that time of year,' Soard said during the July meeting. He added that the timing aligns with the broader 250th anniversary commemorations.
NASA has scheduled a press conference for Aug. 14 at KSC to provide more details about the air show. The event is part of a larger effort by the federal government to mark the 250th anniversary, with NASA's celebration focused on the Space Coast. The Tourist Development Council voted in July to recommend the air show for inclusion in local tourism promotions, though details about the event remain limited.
The air show is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the Space Coast, with the Thunderbirds' performance a major draw. Tourism officials said the event could boost local businesses and highlight KSC's role in both space exploration and national celebrations.