The annual Festival of Flight will once again land at the Long Beach Airport later this month, featuring aircrafts on display, live performances, food, activities and more.
Thousands of people are anticipated to attend the 2025 Festival of Flight, the airport’s signature annual event that celebrates Long Beach’s rich aviation history and local community, officials said.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, with an estimated 15,000 people of all ages expected to take part in the outdoor festivities at the west end of the airfield, 3590 E. Wardlow Road.
“Walking the airfield and seeing these planes up close is an experience like no other,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “Festival of Flight captures the energy of our historic airport and the community spirit that makes Long Beach unique.”
The lineup of aircraft expected at the Festival of Flight includes the C-53 “D-Day Doll,” which participated in the D-Day invasion and Operation Market Garden in Holland; a KC-46 Pegasus, an air-to-air military refueling aircraft; and the VX-31 Search and Rescue “Dust Devils,” a U.S. Navy helicopter crew that rushes into action supporting downed aircraft, lost hikers or missing persons on land or sea. The Condor Squadron, flying the AT-6 Texan, will conduct two flyovers during the event.
All aircraft displays are subject to change, according to a press release.
Thousands of people attend the Festival of Flight on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, featuring dozens of aircraft of all kinds on display at Long Beach Airport. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
An attendee poses for a photo in front of a 1999 Yakolev Yak-52W on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at the Festival of Flight at Long Beach Airport. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
A commercial Southwest jet takes off from Long Beach Airport on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, as attendees check out a military aircraft on display at the Festival of Flight. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Thousands of people attend the Festival of Flight on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Long Beach Airport. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
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Thousands of people attend the Festival of Flight on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, featuring dozens of aircraft of all kinds on display at Long Beach Airport. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
“The Festival of Flight gives us the opportunity to witness the unique combination of innovation and history found at Long Beach Airport,” Fifth District Councilmember Megan Kerr said in a statement. “It’s a special day where families, aviation enthusiasts, and visitors come together to enjoy all the Long Beach Airport has to offer.”
Other attractions at the event will include children’s activities, food and beer trucks, and performances by the Satin Dollz, DJ Dennis and AbSOULute – a band that performs a blend of soul, funk, R&B and classic rock.
The Festival of Flight has been a tradition in Long Beach since 2013, when it launched in celebration of the LGB’s 90th anniversary, according to a press release. The aviation-themed event has since continued to raise awareness about California’s oldest municipally owned airport, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2023.
“Festival of Flight is more than an event – it’s a chance for our community to experience the excitement of aviation up close,” Fourth District Councilmember Daryl Supernaw said in a statement. “It’s a day full of fun, discovery and memories for people of all ages.”
Attendees are advised to bring water, wear sensible shoes and be prepared to be outdoors, rain or shine. Coolers will not be allowed, and bags will be subject to search. Service animals will be permitted, but pets will not.
Free parking will be available at the corner of East Wardlow Road and Globemaster Way beginning at 8 a.m. Alternate modes of transportation, such as cycling, carpooling, ridesharing and public transportation, are highly encouraged. Free bicycle valet parking will be available.
Overflow parking will be available in the parking structure at Long Beach Airport Business Park, 4901 Airport Plaza Drive. Attendees should enter via Clark Avenue and park on the first, second and third floors in unreserved spaces. Free shuttle service will run continuously to the event site.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the community to Long Beach Airport for this beloved event,” airport Director Cynthia Guidry said in a statement. “Festival of Flight is a chance to spark curiosity, share the excitement of aviation, and create lasting memories for visitors of all ages.”
For more information about the event, visit the Festival of Flight webpage at longbeach.gov/lgb.