A Huge Change Was Just Made to the Idaho Gunfighter Skies Air Show This Weekend

I have to admit that I may have been living under a rock since I just heard about the air show happening in Mountain Home next week. When the Blue Angels came to Twin Falls last year, I didn’t get any work done for the week they were practicing. Every time a jet flew over the office, I ran outside to see it.

Even after watching them practice in the week leading up to the show, I still went to the airport to watch them perform. There is an excitement that comes with seeing these jets that gets me every time. So, now that I know another airshow is happening in Southern Idaho, this time with the USAF F-16 Thunderbirds, and it’s just a few days away, I’m working out my schedule so I can go, and you should too.

When is the 2026 Mountain Home Air Force Base Gunfighter Skies Air Show

Since the show is next week, you don’t have a lot of time to plan, but that’s OK. There will be a block party the day before the airshow begins, and then there will be shows on Saturday and Sunday, May 16th and 17th. The Thunderbirds are the headliners, but there is a full list of other performers and static displays to enjoy.

Since the air show is at the Mountain Home Air Force Base, an active air force base, there are special requirements for entry to the show and regarding the items you can bring with you. You can’t just walk into the show, even though admission is free.

Mountain Home Gunfighter Skies Air Show Makes Huge Change To Admission Requirements

This is where the huge change has happened: initially, a Real ID was going to be required for anyone over the age of 18. But an update was just posted stating that the Real ID is no longer required. Instead, any valid state or government ID will work.

That entry update is a game-changer since it will allow more people to attend the show. All visitors will be subject to a search by a metal detector and the search of hand-carried items and small bags. Large bags and coolers are prohibited, as are bikes, scooters, roller blades, skateboards, glass bottles, weapons of any kind, alcohol, and any other item deemed unsafe at entry by security personnel.

The air show website has maps to help visitors know where to park and an itinerary to know when events are scheduled to happen. The flying portion of the airshow should start at 11 AM on Saturday and Sunday, and end at 4 PM. Gates open at 9 AM and close at 5 PM each day, and no entry will be allowed on either day after 3 PM.

VIP parking and event passes are also available on the event website.

Are you excited for the air show? I loved the Blue Angels when they came to the Magic Valley, and was blown away (almost literally because it’s a powerhouse) by the F-35A show. Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be a plan for any F-35 presentation in Mountain Home.