Blue Angels Return to Cherry Festival, Air Shows Planned for 2026 and 2027

Traverse City and Grand Traverse County will again host high profile military flight demonstrations, festival leaders announced at the International Council of Air Shows conference. The U S Navy Blue Angels are slated to return for performances in northern Michigan on July 3 and 4, 2027. Ahead of that milestone, the 100th National Cherry Festival will feature the Air Combat Command F 16 Viper Demo Team on July 4 and 5, 2026, and will include a night air show with illuminated aerial performers.

Cherry Festival Executive Director Kat Paye described the Blue Angels appearance as a highlight for the event, saying "The Blue Angels’ return is a major highlight for the festival." The teams bring national attention and draw large crowds, an outcome organizers have pursued as part of efforts to secure top tier aerial performers for the festival’s centennial celebration.

The Blue Angels have a long history with the festival that dates back to 1988. That legacy includes periods of public enthusiasm as well as past tensions about how large air demonstrations affect airport operations and local infrastructure. The new schedule will require coordination among festival organizers, county officials, the regional airport, and public safety agencies to manage airspace, ground traffic, emergency services, and crowd safety.

For local residents the announcements carry both potential economic benefit and public health implications. Large influxes of visitors can boost hospitality and retail revenues, while increased noise, traffic congestion, and strain on emergency resources can affect quality of life. Sensory and mobility impacts may fall disproportionally on older adults, people with disabilities, and neighborhoods closest to the airport, underscoring the need for inclusive planning and clear communication about viewing areas, transit options, and safety measures.

As organizers continue to finalize schedules and logistical plans, community leaders and public health officials will need to work together to mitigate harms and ensure equitable access to the festival experience. The return of top tier aerial performers offers a high profile moment for the region, but also a reminder that large public events require deliberate planning to protect health, safety, and community well being.