NASA to Host CapeWeek Aerospace Event in 2028
The new annual event will debut at Kennedy Space Center as a public-private partnership with the state of Florida and Space Florida.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Space
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NASA plans to host CapeWeek, a new U.S. aerospace event, at Kennedy Space Center in 2028. The event is being developed as a public-private partnership that includes NASA, the state of Florida, and Space Florida, though NASA will not contribute any funds.
Why it matters
CapeWeek is intended as an alternative to costly global air shows, which have become expensive for participating companies. Its organizers aim for it to occur annually and eventually draw more than 500,000 people to Florida's Space Coast.
The planned attendance target of more than 500,000 people per year is the stated long-term goal, while the 2028 debut is the first confirmed date. Boeing has declined to comment on whether it will attend, and CapeWeek organizers have not disclosed exhibitor commitments.
The players
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the U.S. government agency responsible for civilian space exploration and aerospace research, and it is a partner in CapeWeek without contributing funds.
Boeing
The Boeing Company is a major American aerospace manufacturer known for its commercial airliners, including the 737 family, and it has declined to comment on its CapeWeek plans.
Space Florida
Space Florida is the state's aerospace development agency that works to attract space industry investment and operations to Florida, and it is a partner in developing CapeWeek.
The details
CapeWeek is being developed by a public-private partnership and is being run by Cyrus Sigari, who co-founded the venture capital firm Up Partners. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said nothing has changed regarding the company's timing on a new airplane, which was previously indicated would not come to market until the end of the next decade.
Timeline
Next year (2027): Boeing is expected to begin initial technology and supplier selections for a 737 replacement.
2028: CapeWeek debuts at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
End of the next decade: Boeing's new airplane is expected to reach the market.
Industry Context
CapeWeek is being positioned as a U.S. counterpart to established global air shows such as the Farnborough International Airshow in the U.K. and the Dubai Airshow, which have become expensive for participating companies. The event's organizers are targeting a model in which a single annual event at Kennedy Space Center becomes a recurring gathering for the aerospace industry.
Residents of the Space Coast and visitors interested in aerospace should expect the event to draw large crowds to the Kennedy Space Center area when it debuts in 2028. Those planning to attend should watch for official announcements on dates, exhibitors, and ticketing as the event's programming takes shape.
The takeaway
CapeWeek signals an effort to keep major aerospace industry gatherings in the United States as global air shows grow more expensive. Whether it succeeds will depend on whether companies such as Boeing choose to take part.
Further reading
For more on the space industry's expansion along the Atlantic coast, see Space coverage in Florida.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Texarkanagazette.
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