The Big Parking Change Coming to Grand Junction’s Air Show

Everyone is excited about the Blue Angels returning to Grand Junction this October, but getting to the 2026 Air Show will feel very different. Spread the word: General-admission visitors can not park at Grand Junction Regional Airport this year.

Spectators with General-admission tickets will need to park at designated off-site lots and take an air-show shuttle to the airport. VIP ticket holders will have access to designated airport parking with the required hang tag. Here’s a closer look at how this will work.

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Why Organizers Are Moving General Admission Parking Off Airport Property

Grand Junction Air Show Parking Has a New Plan for 2026 — Google Street

Who remembers the traffic nightmare at the 2023 air show? The new parking plan is designed to keep general-admission traffic away from the airport and separate from event traffic. To pull this off, organizers will move general-admission parking away from the airport.

A recent report from Grand Junction Regional Airport says the facility has about 1,200 public parking spaces, which is far fewer than the number of guests expected at this year's event. So, change was inevitable to avoid turning Horizon Drive into its own kind of parking lot.

Where Are You Supposed to Park for the 2026 Air Show?

Heads up: parking for the airshow will require a little homework this year. Do you want general admission parking or VIP? Different designated shuttle lots will be available, but they will change depending on the day you attend. Click here to see official Air Show parking details.

Saturday locations include St. Mary’s Intermountain Health, the Mesa County Workforce Center, Fellowship Church, Canyon View Vineyard Church, the Justice Center, and an ADA lot at Northeast Christian Church.
Sunday adds Grand Junction High School and Caprock Academy, while the Justice Center and other locations remain available. The Sports Commission says parking reservations are required, so visitors should select their lot before arriving.

How the Shuttle System Will Actually Work

If you are looking for General Admission parking, the plan is simple. Park off-site, leave your car, and take an event shuttle to the GJ airport. The off-site lots will open at 7 a.m., and the first shuttles will arrive at 8 a.m. The Grand Junction Sports Commission is coordinating the parking, and only one reservation is needed per vehicle. Check out the video below for a full breakdown.

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