MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Central Florida residents and visitors will have a chance to experience high-flying aerial demonstrations, cutting-edge aerospace technology and NASA exhibits as the MAX POWER aerospace festival takes over Kennedy Space Center this weekend, November 7–8, 2026.
The two-day event will bring together aviation enthusiasts, families, space fans and technology innovators for a celebration of flight and space exploration, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, NASA aircraft, astronaut appearances and futuristic technology demonstrations.
The event is being held in recognition of America's 250th anniversary and will feature activities at multiple locations across Kennedy Space Center and its Visitor Complex.
However, residents planning to visit the nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge should be aware of temporary road and trail closures beginning Wednesday, November 4, to accommodate the air show and ensure public safety.
Three Experiences Across Kennedy Space Center
NASA's MAX POWER festival will feature three separately ticketed experiences, allowing visitors to choose between aerial performances, futuristic technology exhibits and space exploration attractions.
One of the biggest draws will be the Air Dot Show, taking place Saturday and Sunday at Kennedy Space Center's Launch and Landing Facility, formerly known as the Shuttle Landing Facility.
The air show will feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, along with additional military and NASA aircraft flyovers and static displays.
Gates will open at 9 a.m. both days, with aerial performances scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The second experience, UP.Summit, will highlight the future of transportation and aerospace innovation. Visitors can explore advanced aircraft, autonomous vehicles, drones, robotics and other emerging technologies.
UP.Summit will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The third experience will take place at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where guests can explore space exhibits, hear from NASA experts and take part in special activities celebrating America's space program.
The Visitor Complex will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, November 6, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
NASA officials, researchers and astronauts are also scheduled to participate in presentations and discussions throughout the weekend.
Topics will include the agency's experimental X-59 aircraft, future Moon bases, space exploration technologies and preparations for astronauts to live and work on the lunar surface.
NASA astronauts are scheduled to participate in question-and-answer sessions during the air show on both Saturday and Sunday.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Announces Temporary Closures
While MAX POWER is expected to draw aviation and space enthusiasts to the Space Coast, the event will also affect public access to portions of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Refuge officials have announced temporary access restrictions from November 4 through November 8, 2026, at the request of Kennedy Space Center.
The restrictions are intended to protect visitors and natural resources during aerial demonstrations and flight operations.
The most significant closure involves the 2.5-mile Peacock Road, which will be closed to all public access, including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians, throughout the restriction period.
Peacock Road is located immediately west of the Shuttle Landing Facility runway and near the designated aerobatic box where aircraft will perform during the event.
According to the refuge, the closure is necessary to prevent members of the public from entering an area where aircraft will be conducting flight operations. Only emergency personnel will be permitted access.
Additional closures will take effect during the main event weekend, November 7–8.
Areas closed November 4–8:
- Peacock Road, including all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian access.
Additional areas closed November 7–8:
- Palm and Oak Trail
- Center Road
- South end of BioLab Road
- Eastern Gator Creek Road
Despite these restrictions, much of the wildlife refuge will remain accessible to visitors.
Popular Wildlife Viewing Areas Will Remain Open
Visitors planning a wildlife drive, hike or photography trip to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge will still have several options during the event.
The Refuge Visitor Center and popular Black Point Wildlife Drive will remain open throughout the temporary closure period.
Other areas remaining accessible include Scrub Ridge Trail, Pine Flatwoods Trail, West Gator Creek Road and Catfish Creek Road.
BioLab Drive will also remain partially open, with vehicle access permitted from the northern entrance to the Max Hoeck Road intersection. Drivers will be able to turn around safely at that location.
The southern access gate will be closed by the National Park Service, affecting approximately 0.85 miles of the six-mile BioLab Drive.
Pedestrian and bicycle access will remain permitted within that restricted section, according to the refuge.
Visitors using West Gator Creek Road and Catfish Creek Road should also be aware that the normal exit through East Gator Creek Road will not be available during the November 7–8 closures.
The Peacock's Pocket impoundment levee will remain accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists from the western access point, but access from the east through Peacock's Pocket Road will be closed.
Refuge officials say normal access to facilities and affected areas is expected to resume Monday, November 9, 2026.
What Central Florida Visitors Should Know Before Going
With thousands of aviation and space enthusiasts potentially traveling to the Space Coast for the weekend, residents heading east from Orlando, Titusville, Cocoa, Merritt Island and surrounding communities should plan their visits in advance.
NASA says separate tickets are required for each of the three MAX POWER experiences.
Admission to the Air Dot Show does not automatically include access to UP.Summit or the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and visitors wishing to attend multiple experiences will need the appropriate tickets.
Shuttle transportation will be available between select venues for guests holding valid tickets to their next destination.
NASA has also introduced a MAX POWER mobile app featuring event schedules, maps and other planning information to help guests navigate the festival.
For those who prefer a quieter weekend exploring the Space Coast's natural attractions, Black Point Wildlife Drive and several refuge trails will remain available, although visitors should pay attention to posted restrictions and avoid closed roads.
The event offers Central Florida residents a rare opportunity to see military aviation, NASA research aircraft and emerging aerospace technologies showcased together at one of the nation's most historic spaceflight facilities.
MAX POWER takes place Saturday and Sunday, November 7–8, at Kennedy Space Center, with additional Visitor Complex activities beginning Friday, November 6.
For event schedules, ticket information and updates, visit NASA's official MAX POWER website at https://www.nasa.gov/maxpower/.
Visitors can also access the event's mobile planning website at https://maxpower.kennedyspacecenter.com/.
Normal access to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge facilities affected by the event is scheduled to resume November 9.
