Drivers Urged to Plan Ahead for Traffic Changes
BELLEVUE, Neb. — Thousands of visitors are expected to head to Offutt Air Force Base this weekend as the 2026 Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show returns on Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9, bringing the return of on-base public parking for the first time since flooding forced organizers to move parking off the installation.
The free air show will feature military aircraft, aerial demonstrations and static displays while also serving as part of the nation’s America 250 celebration.
Free Base Pass Required
Although admission to the event is free, every vehicle entering Offutt Air Force Base must have a free Base Pass, including vehicles driven by Department of Defense ID cardholders.
The Base Pass is not a ticket. Instead, it is used to assign parking areas, direct traffic and route visitors to a designated entry gate.
Each pass includes a QR code directing drivers to one of three entry points:
- Flag Gate
- Meyer Gate
- STRATCOM Gate
Organizers are asking attendees to use only the gate assigned on their Base Pass to reduce congestion and keep traffic flowing efficiently.
Gates Open at 8:30 a.m.
Visitors can begin entering the installation at 8:30 a.m., with aerial performances scheduled from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day.
Parking lots are divided into Red, Blue and Orange sections. After parking, attendees are encouraged to note both the lot color and number or save their vehicle’s location using their smartphone.
ADA parking will be available within each parking section for vehicles displaying valid disability permits, although some guests should still expect to walk up to approximately one-half mile to the air show entrance.
NDOT: Expect Significant Traffic Delays
The Nebraska Department of Transportation is warning motorists to expect heavy traffic around Offutt throughout the weekend.
Beginning Aug. 8, several traffic restrictions will be in place:
- Southbound U.S. Highway 75 between Cornhusker Road and Nebraska Highway 370 will be reduced to one lane.
- The southbound Capehart Road entrance ramp to U.S. 75 will be closed.
- Fort Crook Road will be closed between Harlan Drive and the Capehart interchange during the event.
- Southbound Fort Crook Road south of the Capehart interchange will also be closed.
Temporary traffic control devices will direct motorists through the area.
NDOT reminds drivers to slow down in work zones, buckle up and avoid using cell phones while driving.
What You Can Bring
Organizers encourage visitors to travel light. Permitted items include:
- Clear bags
- Reusable water bottles
- Folding lawn chairs
- Strollers and children’s wagons
- Cameras and photography equipment
- Sunscreen
- Essential medical items
- Baby formula, breast milk and baby supplies
Prohibited Items
All bags are subject to screening. Items not allowed include:
- Firearms, including replica or toy weapons
- Ammunition or explosives
- Fireworks
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Pepper spray or mace
- Pocket knives, switchblades, butterfly knives and machetes
- Brass knuckles, clubs, chains and modified bats
- Tasers or stun guns
- Tents, pop-up canopies and canopy umbrellas
- Outside alcohol, food and beverages (water is allowed)
- Hard-sided coolers (soft-sided coolers are permitted)
- Glass containers
- Drones
- Laser pointers
Skateboards, bicycles, rollerblades and similar recreational equipment are also prohibited on the flightline.
A Milestone for Offutt
The return of public parking on the installation marks another milestone in Offutt’s long recovery from the devastating 2019 Missouri River flood.
When announcing the event earlier this summer, Col. Aaron Gray, commander of Offutt Air Force Base, said bringing visitors back onto the base reflects years of rebuilding efforts while allowing Team Offutt to thank the Bellevue-area community for its continued support.
“This gives us the opportunity to welcome our community back to Offutt Air Force Base in a meaningful way and thank them for the support they continue to provide our Airmen, civilians and families,” Gray said when the event was announced.
The 2026 Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show also serves as part of the national America 250 commemoration, highlighting the military’s role in defending the nation and celebrating nearly 250 years of American service.
Residents planning to attend are encouraged to download their Base Pass before arriving, allow extra travel time because of expected highway congestion, and follow the parking and gate assignment listed on their pass.
| Featured Image courtesy of Phil Davidson, 2024 Ofutt Air & Space Show |
