Military jets, World War II-era planes, helicopters and other flying machines will not be on display or in flight for a regional show at the Davenport Municipal Airport this summer.
That’s because there will be no Quad City Air Show in 2026.
This year’s show has been canceled as event organizers are “reimagining the future” of the event, according to a letter posted on the show’s website a few days ago. Go here to see the letter.
“Our executive team is exploring community interest in both expanding our vision, as well as forming an Advisory Board of Directors that will both fund the air show in the future as well as provide the community with an aviation-focused organization that connects people to careers in aviation and inspiring future generations,” according to that letter.
The Quad City Air Show is a premier annual aviation event held at the Davenport Municipal Airport, often featuring world-class aerobatic performances, military jet demonstrations, and static aircraft displays. As a major regional event, it has featured headline acts like the USAF Thunderbirds and the Army Golden Knights, aimed at celebrating aviation and supporting military appreciation.
However, the show is taking a break this year to plan for the future, according to the letter posted by Kenneth W. Hopper, the show’s founder and chairman.
“A succession plan is underway to ensure the Quad City Air Show remains a premier event for years to come. This important work takes time, attention and is made possible in part through funding support from the Regional Development Authority,” the letter states.
Show officials are also forming an advisory board to help fund future shows “and provide guidance in directing our future.”
“Together, we will build on the almost four decades of extraordinary aviation events the Quad City Air Show has held and build something special for the community and help develop the next generation of aviation leaders,” the letter states.
To learn more about the show, people can email [email protected].
