45 Years of Sky-High Legacy: The California International Airshow Salinas

If you’re planning to attend the 45th California International Airshow Salinas on September 26–27, 2026, you’ll want more than just ticket info — you’ll want a smart plan for parking, food, and getting there without stress. Here’s your complete guide, including why Steinbeck Lodge is the perfect home base for the weekend.

Event Basics

• Dates: Saturday & Sunday, September 26–27, 2026
• Gates Open: 9:00 AM
• Flying Starts: Approximately 11:30 AM
• Location: Salinas Municipal Airport, 30 Mortensen Ave, Salinas, CA 93905
• Headliner: U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

Getting There from Steinbeck Lodge

Distance: Steinbeck Lodge to Salinas Municipal Airport is roughly 3 miles — about a 10-minute drive via US 101 and John St

Driving Directions:

• From Steinbeck Lodge (109 John St), head south on John St.
• Turn right onto E. Alisal St.
• Follow “Airshow Parking” signs to the airport lots

Alternative Transport:

• Rideshare: Uber/Lyft are viable options, especially if you want to avoid parking fees
• Shuttle: Check the airshow’s official site for any community shuttle services announced closer to the event .
• Walking/Biking: Not recommended — the airport is not pedestrian-friendly from downtown

Parking Info

• Official Airshow Parking: $20–$30 per day, payable at entrances on Skyway Blvd and Airport Blvd
• Handicapped Parking: Available near admission gates with valid placard/plate
• Free Parking Options: Some attendees park on nearby side streets or pullouts on Harris Rd/Abbott St, but expect a walk and limited availability

Pro Tip: Arrive by 8:30 AM to secure closer parking and beat the gate rush.

Food & Drink Options

At the Airshow:

• Multiple food vendors on-site offer classic fair fare: burgers, tacos, fries, ice cream, and beverages.business
• No coolers allowed — plan to purchase food inside or eat before/after

Before or After the Show (Near Steinbeck Lodge):

• Michael’s Grill & Taqueria – Local favorite for breakfast or lunch
• Mangia – Italian dining, great for a relaxed dinner
• Heirloom Pizza – Casual, family-friendly option
• El Colibri Restaurant & Deli – Quick bites and Latin flavors

All are within 5–10 minutes of Steinbeck Lodge, making it easy to grab a meal before heading to the show or unwind afterward.

Suggested Weekend Itinerary

Friday, September 25

• Evening: Arrive in Salinas, check into Steinbeck Lodge
• Dinner: Try Mangia or Heirloom Pizza near the hotel
• Optional: Attend Maverick’s Lounge (Friday night pre-show party with music and food)

Saturday, September 26

• 7:30 AM: Breakfast at Michael’s Grill or grab coffee at the lodge
• 8:15 AM: Drive to the airshow (10 mins)
• 9:00 AM: Gates open — explore static displays, Kids’ Zone, and STEM exhibits
• 11:30 AM: Flying performances begin — Thunderbirds headline
• 2:00 PM: Lunch at on-site vendors
• 4:30 PM: Wrap up and return to lodge for a rest
• 7:00 PM: Dinner at El Colibri or Mangia

Sunday, September 27

• 8:00 AM: Early breakfast at the lodge or nearby café
• 8:30 AM: Head back to the airshow for Day 2
• 11:30 AM: Catch any performances you missed Saturday
• 3:00 PM: Final show wrap-up
• 4:00 PM: Return to lodge, pack, and relax or explore downtown Salinas before departure

Why Stay at Steinbeck Lodge?

• Proximity: Just 3 miles from the airshow — no long commutes
• Free Parking: No extra fees for overnight parking at the hotel
• Comfort: Clean, family-friendly rooms with free Wi-Fi and breakfast options
• Value: Avoid Monterey’s premium pricing while staying minutes from the action

Every September, tens of thousands of eyes turn skyward over Salinas Municipal Airport for one of the Central Coast’s most beloved traditions: the California International Airshow Salinas. Now celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2026, this two-day spectacle is more than just planes and pyrotechnics — it’s a community institution that has raised nearly $9 million for local charities since its founding in 1981.

A Legacy Born in Unlikely Soil

The airshow’s origins are humble. In the early 1980s, a promoter looking for an airfield to host a show landed — literally — in Salinas. What began as a one-off event quickly grew into an annual tradition, fueled by volunteer passion and a mission that stayed clear and simple: produce a world-class, community-based airshow that benefits local organizations.



Over 45 years, the California International Airshow has become what many call the most successful airshow organized to support charities in North America. Each year, crowds of up to 50,000 gather to watch headliners like the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, legendary aerobatic pilots, and military demo teams — and when the bills are paid, an average of $300,000+ goes directly to Monterey County nonprofits.