Thunder Over the Sound air show canceled due to government shutdown

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.— The 81st Training Wing has canceled the Thunder Over the Sound Air Show, originally scheduled for Nov. 1–2, 2025, due to ongoing lapse in appropriations due to the government shutdown.

The funding lapse prevents Keesler Air Force Base from executing the contracts, safety requirements, and logistical support needed to host the large-scale public event safely and effectively.

“Our community, vendors, sponsors and air show teams have been flexible and patient in an effort to keep the show moving forward,” said Col. Christopher Robinson, 81st Training Wing commander. “We’ve reached a point where we cannot move forward without funding in place. This was not an easy decision, but it was the responsible one.”

The early decision allows the base and its community partners to avoid unrecoverable costs while giving guests time to adjust travel and lodging plans.

The partnership between Keesler Air Force Base and the Gulf Coast community remains strong, and planning will begin soon for the next Thunder Over the Sound in 2027.

“We know how much this show means to the Gulf Coast community,” said Robinson, “we remain deeply committed to this community and look forward to bringing Thunder Over the Sound back in 2027, stronger than ever.”

For future updates on the 2027 air show, follow Keesler Air Force Base on official social media channels and visit www.keesler.af.mil.