Aviation enthusiasts will have to wait a bit longer to see the U.S. Navy Blue Angels pierce the skies over the Susquehanna Valley.
Event organizers announced the opening day of the Air Dot Show Central PA, originally scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, has been officially canceled due to an unfavorable weather forecast.
According to tournament and event officials, forecasted periods of heavy rain, low visibility, and potential thunderstorms forced the cancellation of Saturday’s lineup at the Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) in Middletown.
“Our priority is delivering the incredible experience our guests expect while ensuring the comfort and safety of attendees, performers, and crew,” Chris Dirato, Director of Public Relations for Air Dot Show Central PA, said in a statement. “With the current forecast calling for cold temperatures, rain, and challenging conditions throughout the day, we felt rescheduling was the right decision for everyone involved.”
Because precision aerial demonstrations—like those performed by the headlining Blue Angels and the USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team—rely on strict visibility and cloud-ceiling minimums for safety, the decision was made ahead of time to give traveling spectators advance notice.
Organizers emphasized that while Saturday’s events are grounded, the entire weekend isn’t lost. The Air Dot Show is actively working to accommodate Saturday ticket holders, with plans to automatically roll over or transfer Saturday admission to the remaining show days.
As of right now, performances for Sunday, May 24, and Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, are still scheduled to proceed as planned, weather permitting.
The cancellation comes as a disappointment to thousands of local fans. The 2026 Air Dot Show is a cornerstone event for Central Pennsylvania’s Memorial Day weekend, especially during this year’s America250 milestone celebrations.
In addition to the Blue Angels, the event’s lineup includes:
The USAF Heritage of America Band
The West Point Parachute Team
The Red, White & Blue F-16 Viper Demo Team
