Thunder Over the Sound: The Keesler Air & Space Show

Thunder Over the Sound returns to the Mississippi Gulf Coast on November 1–2, 2025, hosted at Keesler Air Force Base and Biloxi Beach.

The event is free to attend, with premium seating available for purchase. Parking is free, with registration handled through the event parking app. Gates will open one hour before the show each day and close one hour after the final performance.

 

Daily Schedule (Both Days)

0800 – Ramp setup complete / Air Boss briefing

0800 – Parking lots open

0900 – Air Show grounds and STEM exhibits open

1000 – Wings of Blue parachute jump & National Anthem

1020–1300 – Air Show acts on Keesler Showbox

1300–1450 – Transition to Beach Showbox

1400 – Thunder Over the Sound broadcast begins

1450 – Golden Knights parachute jump (with National Anthem option)

1515–1700 – Air Show performers, including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

1700 – Show ends

 

Featured Performers

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team
U.S. Air Force Wings of Blue Parachute Team
C-17 Globemaster III Demo
F-35A Lightning II Heritage Flight
P-51 Mustang “Red Tail”
Titan Aerobatic Airshow (4-ship)
CH-47 Chinook (2-ship) Demo
Red Thunder Yak-50 (2-ship)
T-6 Texan (2-ship)
REDLINE Air Shows (2-ship)
Dogfight sequence
Smoke-n-Thunder JetCar
Erik Edgren’s “Hobie Washburn”
Greg Koontz’s Super Decathlon
Steen Skybolt Solo Aerobatic

All acts are subject to change.

 

Thunder Over the Sound: A Legacy of Air Force Innovation

Thunder Over the Sound is Keesler Air Force Base’s signature air and space show, a free event that opens our gates to the Mississippi Gulf Coast community. Visitors experience the best of Air Force innovation, past, present, and future, through aerial demonstrations, STEM exhibits, and the chance to meet the Airmen who carry out the mission every day.

 

A Legacy That Connects Keesler and the Gulf Coast

For more than 84 years, Keesler Air Force Base has stood as a cornerstone of training and innovation. Named after 2nd Lt. Samuel Keesler, Jr. of Greenwood, Mississippi, who gave his life in World War I, Keesler was established in 1941 at the request of Biloxi officials to support the WWII training buildup. Since then, the base has forged enduring partnerships with Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Gulfport, and the greater Gulf Coast.

Today, the region is home to nearly 150,000 people, including more than 10,000 veterans. With 21 percent of residents under 18 and 11 Mississippi colleges offering Air Force ROTC programs, the Gulf Coast is not only a supportive community but also a pipeline for the next generation of Airmen. Thunder Over the Sound is our way of honoring those connections, showcasing Air Force heritage, and inspiring future service.

 

Focused Training

Keesler is shaping the future of the Air Force by giving our instructors the tools and resources they need to excel. Innovative methods, modernized curriculum, and state-of-the-art facilities ensure today’s Airmen are ready for tomorrow’s fight.

 

The airshow brings that training to life. From the precision of the Wings of Blue parachute team to the technical skill of aerobatic performers, visitors see firsthand the discipline and capability that training produces. It is more than a performance; it is a glimpse of how Keesler prepares warriors for the conditions they will face on the forward edge of operations.

 

Installation Excellence

Keesler’s strength lies not only in our mission but also in the community that surrounds us. Modernizing infrastructure, investing in quality of life, and sustaining strong partnerships with local leaders are priorities that keep Keesler ready and resilient.

Thunder Over the Sound reflects that partnership. The event brings together tens of thousands of residents, local businesses, and civic leaders in celebration of a shared heritage. By welcoming the community onto the base and out to the beach, the airshow strengthens the bond that has defined Keesler and the Gulf Coast for more than eight decades.

 

Ready Airmen

Readiness is the foundation of mission success. At Keesler, Airmen sharpen fundamental skills, train through large-scale exercises, and ensure they are prepared to respond at a moment’s notice.

The airshow is a public display of that readiness. Demonstrations like the C-17 Globemaster III, CH-47 Chinook, and F-35A Lightning II Heritage Flight highlight the speed, precision, and resilience that define modern airpower. These acts are not just entertainment; they showcase the capabilities Airmen must master to protect our nation.

 

Empowered Airmen

Keesler thrives on innovation and initiative. Airmen are encouraged to bring forward new ideas, adapt quickly, and continuously improve. That spirit is woven into every aspect of the airshow, from STEM exhibits that inspire future problem-solvers to the teamwork required to execute a large-scale event.

Every Airman plays a role in making Thunder Over the Sound possible. Their creativity and professionalism demonstrate how empowered Airmen contribute not only to mission success but also to the culture of excellence that defines Keesler.

 

Why We Share Thunder Over the Sound

More than just an airshow, Thunder Over the Sound is a thank you to the Gulf Coast community and a showcase of Air Force excellence. By opening our gates and skies, we connect our mission to the public we serve, honor the support given to our Airmen and their families, and inspire the next generation to aim higher.

Whether you are an Airman, a family member, or a first-time visitor, Thunder Over the Sound celebrates training, readiness, and community; the foundation of everything we do at Keesler Air Force Base!

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