DES MOINES, IA (December 9, 2025) - Des Moines has been selected as a stop on the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ 2027 national schedule, marking the return of a major air show to Central Iowa for the first time since 1991. The Iowa Air Show: Fields of Thunder will take place May 8 and 9, 2027, at the Iowa Air National Guard base at the Des Moines International Airport.
The Blue Angels, the Navy’s premiere flight demonstration team and the world’s oldest active military formation team, will headline both days. The event will also feature a lineup of aviation programming that will be announced at a later date. Similar air shows in the Midwest have drawn crowds of up to 50,000 people per day.
The show is being presented by a nonprofit group formed to bring large-scale aviation events back to Central Iowa. Greg Edwards, former CEO of Catch Des Moines and Vice President of the Iowa Air Show Committee, said the region is well positioned to host a marquee spectator experience.
“This event is going to be an unforgettable experience for families. Air shows have a way of igniting a lifelong passion for aviation, and like the NCAA Tournament and the Dew Tour before it, this kind of high energy spectacle helps put Des Moines on the map. We expect to welcome visitors from across the country who are eager to be part of something special,” said Edwards.
Col. Travis Crawmer, 132d Wing Commander of the Iowa Air National Guard, emphasized the significance of the Blue Angels choosing Des Moines.
“The Blue Angels represent the Navy at the highest level. They are some of the greatest pilots in the world, so having them perform here is a tremendous honor for the region. Our team looks forward to hosting them and the many aircraft expected for our Open House in May 2027,” said Crawmer.
Catch Des Moines CEO Trina Flack highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in securing an event of this scale.
“This is a new and exciting category of event for Greater Des Moines. We have not hosted large scale aviation programming in decades, and bringing the Blue Angels here opens the door for even more possibilities. It also highlights the spirit of collaboration and impact of our Catch Champions; the community partners who work alongside us to pursue and secure world class events for the region,” said Flack.
More information will be released as planning progresses, including details on parking, ticketing, food and beverage, sponsorship opportunities, and additional performers. Ticket sales are expected to begin in fall 2026. Updates will be shared at IowaAirShow.com.
Download Blue Angels Photos and B-roll: Access a curated selection of high-quality Blue Angels media assets here: Iowa Air Show 2027 Media Assets - Google Drive
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ben Handfelt, Catch Des Moines
Director of Creative and Communications
630-399-0654 (cell)
ben@catchdesmoines.com
Sarah Hoodjer, Des Moines Airport Authority
Communications Manager
515-256-5108 (office); 515-256-5370 (cell)
shoodjer@flydsm.com
Jackie Schmillen
Director of Public Affairs, Iowa National Guard
641-414-2302
Jackie.l.schmillen.civ@army.mil
Michael Kelly, Iowa Air National Guard
Public Affairs Superintendent
515-261-8290 (office); 515-661-2575 (cell)
michael.kelly.51@us.af.mil
About the Des Moines Airport Authority
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is Iowa’s busiest airport, serving over 3 million passengers annually with 35 nonstop destinations. DSM is dedicated to connecting travelers to the world with exceptional service and a focus on the future. The airport’s new terminal, set to open in 2027, will enhance the travel experience with expanded capacity and modern amenities. For more information, visit www.flydsm.com and follow @dsmairport on X and DSM International Airport on Facebook.
About Catch Des Moines
Catch Des Moines is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 15 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.