United States Air Force Academy

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Prepare for Takeoff - May 28, 2026

Graduation 2026

Cadets hat toss after being dismissed.




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May 28, 2026

Graduation Ceremony

The Graduation Ceremony is held to honor each graduating cadet’s successful completion of the Academy’s intensive 47-month program. It embodies both the academic ceremony of granting the Bachelor of Science degree as well as a commission in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force.

Gates at Falcon Stadium open at 6 a.m., and guests are encouraged to come out early to watch the performance by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band.

Livestream Graduation Ceremony

Livestream Graduation Commencement (Watch 2025 Graduation replay)

Thursday, May 28, 9 a.m.

Thunderbird demonstration

At the conclusion of the Graduation Ceremony (weather permitting), join us for a magnificent flyover by the Air Force’s aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds. Be prepared to witness airpower up close and through impressive precision maneuvers.

Hat collection

As the final names in Squadron 32 are called, children 7 to 10 years of age should gather in a designated location. They will be escorted to the stadium floor for the hat toss. Each child will be allowed to take one hat. Parents should wait for their children east of the scoreboard, on the south end, and pick up their children directly after the hat toss.

Thursday, May 28, approximately 11 a.m.

Important details

Graduation takes place at Falcon Stadium. In the event of severe inclement weather, the ceremony may be delayed or moved to the Cadet Field House (Clune Arena). This announcement will be made the morning of the ceremony and shared across the Cadet Wing.

Stadium gates will open at 6 a.m. and entry will not be allowed once the ceremony begins. Tickets are required for this event.

All personnel must remain in the stadium until the Thunderbirds’ aerial demonstration is completed. Following the Thunderbirds’ last pass, the gates will open for departure, at approximately 11:55 a.m.

Male cadet during graduation.
Cadets in parade uniform celebrate by throwing their caps into the air as the Thunderbirds fly in formation overhead against a cloudy blue sky.
Cadets in parade uniform with white hats raise their right hands, taking an oath. They wear yellow and gray sashes over white trousers, standing under a partly cloudy sky.
A cadet in parade uniform with white gloves gestures while holding her diploma. They are among seated cadets wearing parade uniforms at graduation.