Mark your calendars for October 4-6, 2024! The world-renowned Pacific Airshow returns to the beautiful shores of Huntington Beach, California, promising another thrilling weekend packed with jaw-dropping aerobatics, stunning beach views, and endless fun. Since its debut in 2016, the Pacific Airshow has rapidly grown into the largest airshow in the United States by attendance, drawing millions of spectators from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned airshow enthusiast or a first-timer, this event offers something for everyone, from breathtaking aerial performances to on-sand entertainment.
What makes the Pacific Airshow stand out? It’s not just an airshow; it’s a multi-sensory experience that combines the power of flight with beachside entertainment, creating an unforgettable weekend by the sea. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the most of your experience at the 2024 Pacific Airshow.
Pacific Airshow Schedule
Sunday, October 6th, 2024
Sunday wraps up the Pacific Airshow with another incredible day of aerial excitement. Below is the schedule for the final day of performances. As always, please be aware that the schedule is subject to change due to availability and weather conditions.
- SOCOM Para-Commandos Streamer Drop: 10:51 AM
- Dawn Patrol RV Formation: 10:56 AM
- Matt Jolley Show Intro: 11:07 AM
- Opening Ceremony – USA Anthem: 11:09 AM
- SOCOM Para-Commandos Flag Jump: 11:09 AM
- STOL Demo + Aerobatic by Luke Czepiela: 11:16 AM
- Jeff Boerboon – Extra 330SC: 11:37 AM
- Grumman Albatros Demo: 11:50 AM
- USMC MV-22 Osprey Demonstration: 11:58 AM
- B-25 “Guardian of Freedom” from Lyon Air Museum: 12:11 PM
- Rob Holland – MXS-RH: 12:19 PM
- USN Growler Demo + Legacy Flight: 12:32 PM
- USN F-35C Demonstration: 1:00 PM
- FedEx B757 Flybys: 1:16 PM
- US Army Helos UH-60 Blackhawk x2: 1:25 PM
- Torrey Ward – Subsonex Microjet: 1:32 PM
- Scaled Composites Proteus + ARES: 1:40 PM
- USN F/A-18 Super Hornet Demo: 1:48 PM
- USAF KC-135 Demo Team: 2:04 PM
- USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration: 2:13 PM
- USAF Heritage Flight (A-10, F-22, P-51D): 2:29 PM
- USAF A-10 Demonstration: 2:40 PM
- Mike Goulian – Extra 330SC: 2:56 PM
- Ace Maker T-33 Jet – Greg Colyer: 3:09 PM
- USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration: 3:27 PM
Don’t miss out on the action-packed day! Come early, settle in, and enjoy the stunning displays in the sky.
Saturday, October 5th, 2024
- SOCOM Para-Commandos Streamer Drop: 10:47 AM
- Dawn Patrol RV Formation: 10:52 AM
- Matt Jolley Show Intro: 11:02 AM
- Opening Ceremony – USA Anthem: 11:04 AM
- SOCOM Para-Commandos Flag Jump: 11:07 AM
- STOL Demo + Aerobatics by Luke Czepiela: 11:16 AM
- Jeff Boerboon – Extra 330SC: 11:37 AM
- Grumman Albatros Demo: 11:50 AM
- USMC MV-22 Osprey Demonstration: 11:58 AM
- B-25 “Guardian of Freedom” from Lyon Air Museum: 12:11 PM
- Rob Holland – MXS-RH: 12:19 PM
- USN Growler Demo + Legacy Flight: 12:32 PM
- USN F-35C Demonstration: 1:00 PM
- FedEx B757 Flybys: 1:16 PM
- US Army Helos UH-60 Blackhawk x2: 1:25 PM
- Torrey Ward – Subsonex Microjet: 1:32 PM
- Scaled Composites Proteus + ARES: 1:40 PM
- USN F/A-18 Super Hornet Demo: 1:48 PM
- USAF KC-135 Demo Team: 2:04 PM
- Louisiana ANG F-15 “Bayou Militia”: 2:13 PM
- USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration: 2:19 PM
- USAF Heritage Flight (A-10, F-22, P-51D): 2:35 PM
- USAF A-10 Demonstration: 2:46 PM
- Mike Goulian – Extra 330SC: 3:02 PM
- Ace Maker T-33 Jet – Greg Colyer: 3:15 PM
- USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration: 3:33 PM
Friday, October 4th, 2024
- Thunderbirds Diamond Practice: 10:30 AM
- Matt Jolley Show Intro: 11:18 AM
- Opening Ceremony – USA Anthem: 11:20 AM
- SOCOM Para-Commandos Parachute Team: 11:22 AM
- STOL Demo + Aerobatic by Luke Czepiela: 11:31 AM
- Jeff Boerboon – Extra 330SC: 11:52 AM
- USMC MV-22 Osprey Demonstration: 12:05 PM
- B-25 “Guardian of Freedom” from Lyon Air Museum: 12:18 PM
- B-1B Lancer “The Bone”: 12:24 PM
- Rob Holland – MXS-RH: 12:33 PM
- USN Growler Demo + Legacy Flight: 12:46 PM
- USN F-35C Demonstration: 1:12 PM
- FedEx B757 Flybys: 1:28 PM
- Torrey Ward – Subsonex Microjet: 1:37 PM
- Scaled Composites Proteus + ARES: 1:45 PM
- USN F/A-18 Super Hornet Demo No. 1: 1:53 PM
- USAF KC-135 Demo Team: 2:09 PM
- USAF A-10 Demonstration: 2:15 PM
- USAF Heritage Flight (A-10, F-22, P-51D): 2:31 PM
- USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration: 2:42 PM
- Mike Goulian – Extra 330SC: 2:58 PM
- Ace Maker T-33 Jet – Greg Colyer: 3:11 PM
- USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration: 3:29 PM
- USN F/A-18 Super Hornet Demo No. 2: 4:15 PM
The Evolution of the Pacific Airshow: From Humble Beginnings to Soaring Heights
Since its inception in 2016, the Pacific Airshow has become one of Southern California’s most iconic annual events. With each passing year, it continues to draw massive crowds and capture the imaginations of aviation enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.
A few key highlights of the Pacific Airshow’s journey:
•2016: The Pacific Airshow launches, attracting immediate attention with its impressive lineup of military and civilian aircraft.
•2020-2022: Consistently ranked in USA Today’s Top 5 Best Air Shows, solidifying its reputation as a premier event.
•2022: Honored as the Civilian Airshow Site of the Year by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
•2024: Once again, the show ranks in the Top 3 Best Air Shows by USA Today, further establishing its place in aviation history.
What sets this airshow apart from others around the country? It’s the unique combination of world-class aerial performances, on-sand entertainment, VIP hospitality, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The event is designed to be much more than a standard airshow, offering something for everyone in attendance.
Must-See Aerial Performances at the 2024 Pacific Airshow
With a lineup that features the best military and civilian aerial performers in the world, the 2024 Pacific Airshow is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Here are some of the most anticipated performances you won’t want to miss:
1. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds – Pride in the Sky
Returning for the seventh time, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will once again electrify the Huntington Beach crowd with their precision aerobatics. Flying the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons, the Thunderbirds are known for their tightly choreographed formations, often flying with wingtips just feet apart. These elite pilots represent the pinnacle of American aviation skill and precision, showcasing patriotism, professionalism, and daring in every performance.
2. The F-22 Raptor Demo – The Ultimate Fighter Jet
The F-22 Raptor, widely considered the world’s most advanced fighter jet, is a highlight of the 2024 show. This aircraft’s unparalleled stealth capabilities, combined with super-cruise speed and extreme maneuverability, make it a true showstopper. Witnessing the Raptor’s agility and power up close is an experience you won’t soon forget.
3. The A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) – Final West Coast Performance
The 2024 Pacific Airshow will mark the final West Coast performance of the beloved A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Team. Known affectionately as the “Warthog,” this aircraft has been a staple of close air support for over 40 years. The A-10’s unique design and combat capabilities make it an audience favorite, and this year’s show offers one last chance to see it in action on the West Coast. Don’t miss this farewell performance – it’s a piece of aviation history in the making.
4. U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet
The Super Hornet is one of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile aircraft, excelling in air superiority, reconnaissance, close air support, and precision strikes. The F/A-18 Super Hornet will demonstrate its multi-mission prowess during its performance at the Pacific Airshow, showcasing the raw power and advanced technology of modern military aviation.
5. U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II
Returning to Huntington Beach in 2024 is the F-35C Lightning II, a supersonic, stealthy multirole fighter jet. This cutting-edge aircraft is designed for maximum lethality and situational awareness, making it one of the most formidable fighters in the world today. Prepare to be awed as it takes to the skies in one of the Pacific Airshow’s signature performances.
On-Sand Fun and Entertainment Beyond the Skies
While the aerial performances will undoubtedly be the main draw, the Pacific Airshow offers plenty of on-sand entertainment that ensures a fun-filled day for everyone. Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or flying solo, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained between aerial demonstrations.
Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
• Beach Bars & Food Vendors: Enjoy delicious local food and refreshing drinks at the beach bars scattered along the Huntington Beach shoreline. From craft beers to gourmet street food, there’s something for everyone.
• Live Music: Kick back and relax to the sounds of live music performances that will be happening throughout the weekend.
• Performer Meet-and-Greets: Get up close and personal with some of your favorite airshow performers during autograph sessions and meet-and-greets.
• Interactive Exhibits: Explore aviation-themed exhibits that provide hands-on learning opportunities for kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re looking to relax or immerse yourself in the world of aviation, the on-sand entertainment at the Pacific Airshow ensures that there’s never a dull moment.
Where to Watch the 2024 Pacific Airshow
When it comes to viewing the Pacific Airshow, you’ll want to grab a prime spot along Huntington Beach’s iconic shoreline. Show Center is located between Twin Dolphin St. and Beach Blvd. on Pacific Coast Highway, offering some of the best vantage points for aerial displays. However, with an event of this magnitude, arriving early is key to securing a great spot.
A few tips to maximize your experience:
• Arrive Early: The airshow gates open at 9:00 AM, and aerial performances start at 10:00 AM each day. Arriving early ensures you can claim a good spot along the beach.
• Parking: Huntington Beach is expected to be crowded, so it’s advisable to use public transportation, rideshares, or park in nearby lots. The city often provides shuttle services to help ease congestion.
• Bring Essentials: Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a light jacket (it can get breezy by the ocean). Beach chairs and blankets are also a must for a comfortable day of viewing.
• Upgrade to VIP: For the best experience, consider purchasing VIP tickets, which provide exclusive access to hospitality areas, reserved seating, and premium viewing locations. VIP tickets also come with the added benefit of private bathrooms, food and drink service, and access to special meet-and-greet events.
Why the Pacific Airshow is a Must-See Event
The 2024 Pacific Airshow is more than just a collection of breathtaking aerial performances. It’s a celebration of aviation, history, and community, set against the stunning backdrop of Huntington Beach. Here’s why you should add this event to your calendar:
1. World-Class Performers: From the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to the F-22 Raptor, the lineup of aerial performers is second to none.
2. Exclusive Entertainment: The Pacific Airshow offers more than just what’s happening in the skies. Enjoy beachside entertainment, live music, food, and interactive exhibits for all ages.
3. A Piece of Aviation History: With the final West Coast performance of the A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Team, the 2024 Pacific Airshow will go down in history as a special event for aviation enthusiasts.
4. Family-Friendly Fun: This event offers something for every member of the family, with plenty of activities to keep kids and adults entertained all weekend long.
5. Stunning Location: Huntington Beach is one of Southern California’s most beautiful coastal cities, making it the perfect backdrop for this high-energy event. The Pacific Ocean and sandy beach provide an unmatched view as aircraft soar overhead.
How to Get Involved – Tickets and VIP Packages
The 2024 Pacific Airshow offers a range of ticketing options to suit every budget and preference:
•General Admission: Perfect for families and groups looking for a fun day out. Bring your own chairs, blankets, and sunscreen and enjoy the airshow from the beach.
•VIP Hospitality Packages: Looking for a more luxurious experience? The VIP packages offer exclusive seating areas, catered food, private bathrooms, and premium views of the action.
•Meet-and-Greet Events: Want to meet some of your favorite pilots and performers? Consider attending one of the VIP meet-and-greet events happening throughout the weekend.
Where to Buy Tickets: Visit the official Pacific Airshow website for ticket pricing, VIP package details, and more information on special events.
Conclusion: Prepare for the Thrill of a Lifetime
The 2024 Pacific Airshow is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet, with
