Frecce Tricolori on the Adriatic 2026: Lignano (12 July) & Jesolo Air Show (12 September)
In a nutshell: The Frecce Tricolori — the aerobatic team of the Italian Air Force — will fly twice on the upper Adriatic in 2026: on 12 July 2026 in Lignano Sabbiadoro and at the Jesolo Air Show on 12 September 2026 (rehearsal Friday, 11 September). Show time in Jesolo roughly 2:30–6:00pm, with the show centre on the beach at Piazza Brescia. Access is free, the show can be seen along the entire beachfront — and in Jesolo it is broadcast live on RAI television.
When red, white and green smoke draws across the Adriatic sky, it’s air-show time: the Frecce Tricolori are among the most famous aerobatic teams in the world and have been a fixed summer highlight on the Venetian Adriatic for over 25 years. In 2026 there are two chances to experience the spectacle.
The 2026 dates
- Sunday, 12 July 2026 — Lignano Sabbiadoro: a Frecce Tricolori air show over the beach.
- Friday, 11 September 2026 — Jesolo: a training/rehearsal day, also roughly 2:30–6:00pm (often already worth seeing).
- Saturday, 12 September 2026 — Jesolo: the Jesolo Air Show — main show roughly 2:30–6:00pm, live on RAI TV.
Who are the Frecce Tricolori?
The Frecce Tricolori (officially the Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale, PAN) are the aerobatic team of the Italian Air Force — and with ten aircraft (nine in formation plus one soloist) the largest aerobatic team in the world. They were founded on 1 March 1961; since 1982 they have flown the Italian training jet Aermacchi MB-339, which is gradually being replaced by the more modern M-346. Their trademark is the green-white-red smoke — the Italian tricolour in the sky.
For the Adriatic region the team is almost a home fixture: their base is the Rivolto military airfield in Friuli, only about an hour’s drive from Lignano. The Frecce Tricolori’s connection to the Friulian-Venetian coast is correspondingly close.
Jesolo Air Show: programme and best spots
The show centre is on the beach at Piazza Brescia; the manoeuvres, however, can be seen free of charge along the entire beachfront — for example from Piazza Marina to Piazza Manzoni. The main show on Saturday (and the rehearsal on Friday) runs roughly from 2:30 to 6:00pm.
Alongside the Frecce Tricolori, further teams and solo pilots traditionally perform — aircraft of the Italian Air Force, the army, the navy, the Guardia di Finanza, the coastguard, the police and the fire service, as well as foreign armed forces. Experience shows that the organisers usually confirm the exact 2026 programme only shortly beforehand. The show is — as several times before — broadcast live on RAI television.
Lignano: the home fixture in July
As early as 12 July 2026, the Frecce Tricolori fly over Lignano Sabbiadoro — practically on their own doorstep, since their home base of Rivolto is in Friuli. The same applies here: a free view from the beach, secure a spot early, and check the exact start time shortly beforehand.
Practical tips for the visit
- Be there early: the shows draw tens of thousands. Secure your spot on the beach several hours in advance — bring a blanket, water and sun protection.
- Getting there: on show days, access roads and car parks fill up early; if you can, come by bus/bike or on foot. Notes in our guide to the Adriatic beach resorts.
- Best view: along the open beach sections with a clear view of the sea; around the show centre (Piazza Brescia) it is busiest.
- Binoculars & camera: a telephoto lens — and ear protection for small children — are worthwhile, as the low passes are loud.
- Accommodation: the respective weekend is in high demand in Jesolo and Lignano — if you want to stay overnight, book early.
- Weather: in poor visibility or wind the show can be postponed or shortened; follow the organisers’ announcements shortly beforehand.