The drone industry shows no signs of slowing down in 2026, with an impressive lineup of events spanning professional conferences, racing competitions, and unique photography expeditions. Whether you’re a commercial operator, recreational pilot, or aspiring aerial photographer, this comprehensive guide covers every must-attend drone event of the year. So mark your calendars, as these are the 2026 drone events to make an excuse to take a vacation for!
Bookmark this page to 2026 drone events as we continue adding new events throughout the year. Oh, and one more thing: I’m working on a guide to the best drone light shows of 2026, coming soon!
Best 2026 drone events
This guide to 2026 drone events is posted in chronological order.
CES 2026 (Consumer Electronics Show)
When: Jan. 6-9 2026
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
Who Should Attend: Everyone from industry professionals to tech enthusiasts
CES 2026 seems to be the global epicenter for all sorts of innovation, drones included. This year features some of the most-anticipated tech, including the Antigravity A1 drone and a very neat water light show drone called the ARIVIA Water-Surface Drone. That’s on top of panels from key industry players, including folks from Wing and Amazon Prime Air.
Website: ces.tech
Mikkeli International Drone Seminar
When: April 14, 2026
Where: Mikkeli, Finland
Who Should Attend: Nordic drone professionals, emergency services, public safety operators
This Finnish event focuses on practical drone applications in emergency services and law enforcement, featuring expert speakers from police departments and rescue operations across Europe.
Website: droneseminar.org
NAB Show 2026
When: April 18-22, 2026
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Who Should Attend: Content creators, filmmakers, media professionals
Yet another Vegas conference! This is less focused on pure new tech and more about media and camera gear. That makes NAB Show the premier gathering for media, entertainment, and technology professionals.
We don’t have too many details yet, but typically DJI and other major manufacturers showcase their latest camera gimbals, transmission systems, and cinematography drones. This is where you’ll find cutting-edge tools for aerial filmmaking and content creation.
Website: nabshow.com
Drone Safety Day 2026
When: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Where: Events nationwide across the U.S.
Who Should Attend: All pilots, educators, families, beginners
Formerly known as National Drone Safety Awareness Week, this FAA-sponsored event is anything but bureaucratic. It’s a community celebration featuring fly-ins, STEM demonstrations, pilot training sessions, and both in-person and virtual events. Whether you’re passionate about Remote ID compliance, mentoring new pilots, or just looking for an excuse to fly, this is your day.
Typically colleges, local drone meetup groups and even companies will host activities tied to Drone Safety Day. Check the NCA Tech website for specific events near you.
Website: ncatech.org/about-drone-day
Palm Springs Drone Fest
When: April 30 – May 2, 2026
Where: Palm Springs, California
Who Should Attend: Families, FPV racers, hobbyists, aspiring entrepreneurs
The second annual Palm Springs Drone Fest promises to be even bigger than the inaugural 2025 event. This family-friendly festival packs multiple facets of drone culture into one epic weekend. We don’t have a ton of details yet about this year’s event, but last year we saw:
- Drone Soccer World Cup Qualifier competitions
- FPV Racing for adrenaline junkies
- Drone Film Festival showcasing aerial cinematography
- Trade Show & Workshops for aspiring drone business owners
- Drone Light Show over Palm Springs (a personal highlight!)
- Live music and food trucks
Tickets are affordably priced, making this one of the best value drone events of the year.
Website: psdronefest.com
AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2026
When: May 11-14, 2026 (Education: May 12-14)
Where: Huntington Place, Detroit, Michigan
Who Should Attend: Defense contractors, commercial operators, industry professionals
The world’s largest unmanned systems event returns to Detroit with over 25,000 square feet dedicated to defense applications. XPONENTIAL brings together the Defense Technologies Zone and MDEX, offering unprecedented insights into how drones are advancing national security and mission-ready technology. Expect exhibits, keynotes, and deep-dive discussions on emerging regulations and enterprise applications.
Website: xponential.org
International Drone Show
When: June 3-4, 2026
Where: Odense, Denmark
Who Should Attend: European professionals, BVLOS operators, research-focused attendees
This leading European drone conference draws 500+ serious industry participants annually. Hosted by Odense Robotics and the UAS Denmark International Test Center — a premier BVLOS testing facility — the event delivers cutting-edge research, business insights, and networking opportunities with global drone leaders.
Website: internationaldroneshow.com
NAB Show New York
When: October 21-22, 2026
Where: Javits Center, New York City
Who Should Attend: East Coast media professionals, content creators, broadcasters
NAB’s New York edition brings similar content and exhibits that you might see in the original Vegas event, but this time it’s on the East Coast, making it more accessible for those who can’t make the Vegas show. Perfect for regional networking and seeing the latest production technology.
How to choose the right 2026 drone event for you
For industry professionals: XPONENTIAL, NAB Show, International Drone Show
For hobbyists and families: Palm Springs Drone Fest, Drone Safety Day
For content creators and photographers: NAB Show, NAB Show New York
For defense/commercial operators: XPONENTIAL, International Drone Show
This guide will be continuously updated as new events announce dates and details. Check back regularly or bookmark this page to stay informed about the latest drone industry gatherings.
Which 2026 drone events are you most excited about? Have a drone event we should add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
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