Barksdale Air Show to Feature USAF Thunderbirds, Heritage Bombers, and First-Ever KC-46 Demo

  • Published
  • By 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  

The Defenders of Liberty Air Show returns to Barksdale Air Force Base, March 29-30, 2025, for a weekend of action-packed, family-friendly fun!

“Putting on an air show of this scale takes an enormous team effort, and we’re excited to share everything we've worked on with the community,” said Capt. Miller Trant, 2025 Defenders of Liberty Air Show director. “This year's show will include world-class performers, a new shuttle service from BPCC, and multiple attractions showcasing our bomber heritage. There will be something for everyone.”

Gates will open at 9 a.m., with flying scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission and parking are free, however, carpooling is highly encouraged to maximize parking for attendees. New to the air show this year, guests can park at Bossier Parish Community College and ride a shuttle bus to the event at no cost. Buses will operate on 15-minute rotations starting at 8:45 a.m. for the duration of the air show.

Visitors can look forward to performances from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, Red Bull Air Force, Sky Soldiers Flying Museum, Randy Ball’s MiG-17s, Titan Aerobatic Team, and Smoke N’ Thunder Jet Truck. The event will also include an array of static aircraft displays, STEM exhibits, and booths with food, drink, and activities for all ages.

A new addition to the performer lineup: the B-29 Superfortress “Doc”. The B-29 will fly alongside a B-25 and a B-52 Stratofortress for a bomber heritage flight, paying tribute to the history and legacy of bomber aircraft in the U.S. Air Force.

“Barksdale’s legacy is built on the foundation of bomber aviation, and this air show is our way of honoring that history while looking toward the future,” said Col. Michael D. Maginness, 2nd Bomb Wing commander.  “Seeing ‘Doc’ fly alongside a B-52 is more than just a visual spectacle—it’s a tribute to the generations of Airmen who have defended our nation and the community that has supported them.”

Food and drink options will be available to purchase from on-base vendors.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, guests should review the list of permitted and prohibited items on our website before arriving. Guests are also encouraged to bring clear, soft-sided water bottles and lotion sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected throughout the event.

For updates, follow Defenders of Liberty Air Show on Facebook and Instagram. For additional information including parking details and a list of prohibited and permitted items, visit https://www.barksdale.af.mil/Information/Defenders-of-Liberty-Air-Show/.