Abbotsford International Airshow 2026 Twilight Show & Attractions 

May 19, 2025

The Abbotsford Airshow 2026, one of the Fraser Valley’s most highly anticipated annual events happening on August 7, 8 & 9, invites you to experience a breathtaking and unforgettable evening during their Twilight Show. As the sun sets on Friday, prepare to be mesmerized by a unique combination of cutting-edge drone displays, stunning night aerobatics from Melissa Burns and the MiniJet, and the raw power of the MiG-17, all part of an unforgettable lineup on the Canadian Airshow schedule.

drone show airshow

North Star Drone Show Lights Up the Night Sky

The Twilight Show on Friday features a cutting-edge drone light show from North Star Drone Shows, taking the art of aerial displays to new heights. North Star’s fleet of 200 IFO drones, equipped with carbon fiber structures and brilliant 840-lumen lights, paint the night sky with more than 16 million vibrant colours in stunning synchronized formations.

These modern marvels rely on computer programs to convert graphic designs into flight commands, which are then communicated to the drones. Design teams create detailed storyboards to guide the drones’ movements, while soundtracks are composed to enhance the overall experience. Ground control stations operated by skilled pilots ensure the drones execute their commands flawlessly, bringing the storyboard to life in the night sky.

What makes North Star truly special goes beyond the spectacle. With over 30 years of pyrotechnic performance experience on the team, and a show that’s free from air pollution, noise pollution, and fire hazards, this display is the perfect fusion of innovation and responsibility, a true standout among 2026 aviation events.

Melissa Burns: Aerobatic Brilliance After Dark

When the sun goes down at the Abbotsford Airshow 2026, Melissa Burns takes the Twilight Show to a whole new level. A world-class aerobatic pilot, Burns became the youngest female member of the United States Unlimited Aerobatic Team in history at just 22 years old, and she has been pushing the boundaries of aviation ever since.

Flying her Edge 540 airplane, a high-performance aerobatic aircraft known for its exceptional capabilities, Burns delivers a dynamic combination of precision and flair that captivates audiences worldwide. With a roll rate of 420 degrees per second and a climb rate of 3,700 feet per minute, her Edge 540 is built for jaw-dropping manoeuvres.

Burns is also a Wingsuit World Champion, having earned the Women’s World Championship title at Extreme Sports Week in Voss, Norway. Her night routine at the Abbotsford Airshow 2026 Twilight Show is one you will not want to miss.

twilight show abbotsford airshow 2026

MiniJet Twilight: A Fire-Breathing Spectacle

The excitement doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. During Abbotsford Airshow’s Friday Night Twilight Show, the MiniJet transforms from a sleek racer into a jaw-dropping pyrotechnic marvel.

Equipped with specialized lighting and wing-tip pyrotechnics, Tom Larkin slices through the darkness, trailing showers of sparks and brilliant flames. This night routine is an absolute fan favourite, turning the MiniJet into a glowing comet that lights up the Abbotsford sky.

Flying the SubSonex JSX-2, Larkin brings a high-energy aerobatic display that proves you don’t need a massive airframe to make a huge impact. His Twilight performance combines speed, skill, and pyrotechnics into one of the most thrilling acts on the 2026 airshow circuit.

MiG-17: Cold War Thunder in the Twilight Sky

Few aircraft command attention like the MiG-17. Made famous over the skies of Vietnam, where it squared off against American fighters like the F-4 Phantom II, the MiG-17F was one of the tightest-turning fighters of its era. Now, this Cold War legend takes to the Abbotsford sky as part of the 2026 Twilight Show, brought to life by Fighterjets Inc.

From the moment the afterburner kicks in on takeoff, to high-speed passes with a trailing afterburner flame lighting up the darkness, the MiG-17F delivers a visceral, ground-shaking experience unlike anything else on the airshow circuit.

The MiG-17F is one of only a handful of vintage jets flying the North American airshow circuit. It can sustain 8G turns, reach speeds approaching 715 mph, and carries an authentic paint scheme that pays tribute to the aircraft’s operational history. When production started in the 1950s, its VK-1F engine made it one of the first production jet fighters in the world with an afterburner, and that raw power is on full display during the Twilight Show.

Don’t Delay in Getting Your Tickets

The Twilight Show at the Abbotsford International Airshow is one of the most anticipated British Columbia airshows of the year. From the synchronized beauty of the North Star Drone Show to the night aerobatics of Melissa Burns, the MiniJet’s fire-breathing pyrotechnics, and the thundering afterburner of the MiG-17, it’s a highlight of the Abbotsford Airshow 2026. So, gather your friends and family, and join the celebration at the Abbotsford Airport this year.  Get your tickets now!