The gates of Beale Air Force Base will open for its first public air show in seven years when the 2025 Air & Space Expo takes place this weekend.

The Yuba County military base, focused on reconnaissance and home to the stealthy U-2 “Dragon Lady” spy planes, hosts its first air show since 2018 on Saturday and Sunday, with a lineup of aviation displays slated to begin at noon each day.

The Thunderbirds — a performing pack of F-16 Fighting Falcons — headline the afternoon set, which begins with an opening ceremony and includes a procession of military, civilian and historical acts taking to the sky.

“We’re happy to bring that back to the community,” said Janice Nall, a board advisor to the Beale Military Liaison Council, a nonprofit that supports the base.

“The base brings so much to th

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