CLEARFIELD — The Warriors Over The Wasatch air show is set to return on May 1 and 2, 2027, according to organizers. The biennial event was originally slated for June 2024 but was canceled last April. Hill Air Force Base command stated at the time that the cancellation was necessary to prioritize base resources for critical ongoing operations. The new dates mean the Air Force Thunderbirds, a major draw, will be able to perform, according to Kevin Ireland, executive director at the Utah Air Show Foundation.
Ireland emphasized the significance of securing the Thunderbirds, noting that their schedules are typically set two years in advance. He described it as "a tough deal to have a show without a team," highlighting the challenge involved in rescheduling. Initially, organizers had considered moving forward without the Thunderbirds. Beyond the headlining act, the foundation reported that nearly all other air show performers, who also plan their appearances two years in advance, were able to accommodate the new May 2027 dates. Only one act was unable to adjust its schedule, making the widespread commitment to the rescheduled show all the more notable.
The air show is a major economic driver for the surrounding Davis County area. It is estimated to infuse approximately $50 million into the local economy. The event draws a significant number of visitors, with roughly a quarter of a million people attending each day from across the United States. This substantial influx of tourism and spending makes the show a vital economic event for the region.
The announcement of the show’s return has been met with enthusiasm from local businesses that have come to rely on the crowds and activity the event generates every other year. Jeff VanDyke, general manager at Rooster's Brewing Company in Layton, expressed his support, stating, "We love the air show." He added that it brings "a lot of cool people" for them to meet and helps "bring the community together." Carson Walker, an employee at Moe's Southwest Grill, shared similar excitement, noting that the show "always brings in a great amount of business to us." Walker mentioned seeing attendees from as far away as North Carolina and Florida, underscoring the event's broad appeal.
The Warriors Over The Wasatch air show is slated to continue its tradition of running on odd-numbered years, with the 2027 dates marking its return to this schedule. The last time the show faced a cancellation was in 2020 due to the pandemic, but it successfully resumed two years later. For those interested in attending, Ireland stated that VIP tickets for the 2027 event are expected to go on sale in November.
