Date: Saturday, Oct 3, 2026 | 5:00PM to 9:00PM
Location: Air & Space Museum
Categories: Special Events
Join Wings Over the Rockies for an unforgettable evening celebrating America’s premier flight demonstration team, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds!
The 2026 Spreading Wings Gala brings together aviation enthusiasts, community leaders, veterans, and business executives for one of Colorado’s premier events. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening featuring remarkable stories, exclusive experiences, and the highly anticipated unveiling of our fully restored Thunderbird F-16D.
The evening will feature a special conversation with our guest of honor, retired Brigadier General James Latham. A decorated combat pilot, former prisoner of war, and Thunderbird Commander, General Latham’s remarkable career is a testament to courage, leadership, perseverance, and service. His story reflects the values that have defined the Thunderbirds for generations and continue to inspire those who dream of taking flight.
The Thunderbirds represent excellence, precision, teamwork, and service. Their legacy extends far beyond the skies, inspiring future pilots, maintainers, engineers, astronauts, and innovators. Every ticket, sponsorship, and donation helps Wings Over the Rockies create life-changing opportunities that prepare young people to become the next generation of Thunderbirds.
At this event, you’ll experience:
- Cocktail reception and elegant dinner
- Keynote discussion with retired Brigadier General James Latham
- Exclusive unveiling of our F-16D, painted in its original Thunderbirds livery
- View 4 additional historic aircraft models flown by the Thunderbirds
- Hear remarks from Thunderbirds Association Chair, Michael “Mo” Beale
- Interact with Thunderbirds pilots, maintainers, and crews
- Live auctions that include once-in-a-lifetime aviation adventures
Trust us, you don’t want to miss this remarkable evening honoring generations of aerospace excellence!
Buy Tickets
Interested in sponsoring this event? Learn more here!
Air & Space Museum