NAVAL AIR STATION JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Naval Air Station Jacksonville is expecting 200,000 visitors to attend this weekend’s air show, featuring the beloved hometown favorite Blue Angels flight squadron, which returns to its birthplace.
The gates open at 9 a.m., and the show will begin at 11 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. The Blue Angels will fly as the grand finale at 3 p.m. each day, including the practice show, which is open Friday to anyone with base access and their guests.
The show will also feature a variety of military and civilian demonstrations, including the Air Force Thunderbirds.
Traffic & parking
Admission and parking are free, and because of the expected crowds, officials are asking everyone who’s coming to be prepared for hefty traffic delays, saying it could take up to two hours to get everyone off the base and onto U.S. 17 after the show.
When you arrive at the base for the show, anyone over 18 must present a government-issued Real ID. Foreign Nationals must present a passport for admittance, and legal permanent residents may show a green card for access.
All visitors must enter through the Allegheny Gate and will not be allowed south of Yorktown Avenue.
Click here for directions and a map of the show.
People with authorized base access may use the Birmingham Gate for regular business but will not have access to the flight line.
NAS Jax is working with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Orange Park Police Department and Florida Department of Transportation to assist with traffic congestion.
Once you enter the base, you will be guided to the nearest available parking area.
NOTE: Parking is not permitted in the Target shopping center parking lot during the air show. Vehicles parked for any reason other than to shop will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Handicap parking is available with a placard, and security will direct you accordingly. There is also a section cordoned off for handicap visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can also watch the show by boat from the St. Johns River but avoid the restricted water zone, which will be clearly marked. From previous shows, organizers expect over 100 boats in the water.
The show will be broadcast on 87.9 FM radio beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of air show weekend.
NOTE: There are no refunds and no rain dates for the event. Check the event website or Facebook for inclement weather announcements.
What to see & do
In addition to the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force C-17 East Coast Demo Team will demonstrate the tactical and aerial capabilities of its C-17 Globemaster III, nicknamed Moose.
Other performers include Matt Younkin in a Beechcraft Model 18; Skip Stewart in a Pitts S-2S Prometheus; Jeff Shetterly in an SNJ-6 Texan; Kyle Fowler in a Long EZ; Adam Baker in an Extra 330; and Redline Airshows, featuring two RV-8 aircraft.
The performance schedule is the same both Saturday and Sunday, but low clouds or high winds can affect the performers’ acts.
More than a dozen military and civilian aircraft will also be on display.
The event will include food and beverage vendors and a Kids Zone with games and activities, including a STEM area.
The cost of entry for the Kids Zone is $10 per child per day and $5 per adult per day, paid in cash on the day of the event. The Kids Zone will be open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. It will feature:
Blue Angel Obstacle Course
36-foot Turbo Shuttle Slide
Extreme Air Power Jump
Hands-on STEM Tent
Face Painting
For more rules about the Kids Zone, click here.
Options for paid seating ($25), a Biergarten ($85) and premium chalets (Sunday only) are available, but must be purchased with cash on site. You can find details at this link.
What to bring (and leave behind)
Organizers warn that there is no shade on the flight line and recommend visitors bring sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. Large sun umbrellas are not allowed.
The show is LOUD, and organizers recommend bringing ear protection, especially for small children.
The air show will have a limited number of free earplugs available on a first-come, first-served basis, and some vendors will also sell ear protection.
Organizers also ask you to bring your own chair or blanket and set up along the flightline. They remind you that chairs will be checked upon entry.
Permitted items include refillable water bottles (there is no potable water at the airfield), cameras (bags will be checked by security), wagons and strollers, handicap scooters and electric wheelchairs.
You can bring bags, but there are size restrictions:
Opaque bags may not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″
Clear plastic or clear vinyl bags may not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
Cash is also recommended, as it varies from vendor to vendor whether credit cards are accepted. An ATM will be on site near the show center.
Prohibited items include:
Drones (the base is a No Drone Zone)
Pets (service animals are allowed on base)
Roller skates, skateboards, bikes, golf carts
Pop-up tents and sun umbrellas
Coolers or outside food/drinks (baby bottles & small snacks for infants are OK)
Cooking grills, smokers, cookers (no tailgating)
Weapons of any kind (even permitted firearms)
Cigarettes or e-cigarettes (jet fuel is highly flammable)
The show’s official website has more details on directions, seating and visitor rules.
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