As the year draws to a close, it is naturally a time to reflect and set goals for the months ahead. For many in our community, 2026 could be the perfect opportunity to finally visit one of the major flight simulation gatherings. Just in time for those planning their calendars, the organizers for both FlightSimExpo and FSWeekend have released new details regarding their upcoming schedules, helping virtual pilots prepare for a busy year of events.
FSWeekend sets the stage in March
The first major stop on the 2026 calendar is FSWeekend, which returns to the historic Aviodrome Aviation Museum in Lelystad, Netherlands. The event is scheduled to take place over the weekend of March 21-22.
Organizers have opened ticket sales for the main exhibition. A full weekend pass is priced at €32.25, offering a discount compared to single-day entry, while individual Saturday or Sunday tickets are available for €21.50. These passes grant access to both the flight simulation exhibits and the surrounding aviation museum, allowing visitors to explore real-world history alongside virtual aviation.
While the main exhibition is open for booking, the social events are already seeing high demand. The organizers recently announced that early bird tickets for the “Captain’s Dinner” on Friday, March 20, and the “After Dark Party” on Saturday have sold out. The team states that any remaining tickets for these specific gatherings will go on sale in February 2026 at regular prices.
FlightSimExpo heads to the Twin Cities in June
Shortly after the European event, the focus shifts to North America for FlightSimExpo 2026. Taking place from June 12-14, the conference moves to the Saint Paul RiverCentre in Minnesota.
Registration opened earlier this month on December 14, with the Flight Simulation Association (FSA) putting a focus on affordability. General admission for the entire event is currently $75 USD, which the organizers state is roughly 15% lower than the 2025 edition.
The FSA also highlights additional savings for members of their “FSA Captain” program. Captains receive 20% off registration, and the first 200 registrants were able to secure tickets for just $50 USD. Membership costs $48 per year and includes perks such as a dedicated entrance line and priority registration for seminars.
Accommodations are also part of the cost-saving initiative for 2026. The organizers say that negotiated hotel rates are approximately 25% lower than last year, with options starting at $149 USD per night. Additionally, they have arranged travel discounts with major carriers like Delta, United, and Southwest to assist attendees flying into the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.
Summary of dates
Both events provide unique opportunities for the community to connect with developers and fellow enthusiasts in person. For those looking to book their travel arrangements, here is the current status for both conferences:
FSWeekend 2026
- Dates: March 21-22, 2026
- Location: Lelystad, Netherlands
- Status: Exhibition tickets available; Early Bird social event tickets sold out.
FlightSimExpo 2026
- Dates: June 12-14, 2026
- Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Status: Tickets on sale now; Early Bird pricing available until March 1.
