The Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds are both heading to Naval Air Station Jacksonville this Saturday and Sunday for a free air show that organizers expect to draw 300,000 visitors and roughly 75,000 vehicles trying to squeeze in and out of the base gates at the same time. Gates open at 9 a.m. both days, with flying beginning at 11 a.m., and admission and parking cost nothing — no tickets required.
This marks the first time the Thunderbirds have performed at NAS Jax alongside the Blue Angels, according to Action News Jax, which reports the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron will join the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron on the 2026 bill.
Timing for the Blue Angels' finale is one detail worth double-checking before you head out. The official NAS Jax Air Show event pages list the Blue Angels as the 3 p.m. grand finale, while Action News Jax reports a 2:30 p.m. start for the Navy squadron's performance. A practice show, open to people with base access, local schoolchildren and their guests, is scheduled for the Friday before the public weekend, per Action News Jax.
What Else Is Flying
Beyond the headline squadrons, more than a dozen military and civilian static displays will line the flight line, and the event will also feature a C-17 East Coast Demo Team performance along with food booths and a Kids Zone. Additional acts on the schedule include Skip Stewart Airshows, Matt Younkin Airshows, Redline Airshows, Adam Baker Airshows, Jeff Shetterly and opening ceremonies.
Getting In and Parking
Every visitor 18 or older needs a physical photo ID, and the event's official FAQ specifies a government-issued Real ID-compliant license or card is required. All visitors will be directed to the Allegheny Gate and will not be allowed south of Yorktown Avenue; volunteers are directed to the Yorktown Gate. The Birmingham Gate is reserved for DOD ID cardholders, base access pass holders and distinguished visitors. Drivers entering the base will be directed to the nearest available parking area rather than a specific lot.
Road guidance differs by direction, per the outlet's reporting: southbound U.S. 17 drivers headed to the show should use the left two lanes for the Allegheny and Yorktown gates, while northbound drivers are advised by officials to stay in the left two lanes until they pass the Birmingham Gate. The nearby Target shopping center parking lot is explicitly off-limits for air show parking, and organizers say vehicles parked there for reasons other than shopping will be towed at the owner's expense.
Boats, Radio and the No-Fly Zone
Anyone hoping to skip the gate lines entirely can watch from the water — boaters may view the show from the St. Johns River, where a restricted zone will be clearly marked, and organizers expect more than 100 boats based on turnout at previous shows, according to the nasjaxairshow.com FAQ. Those who'd rather stay dry can tune in on 87.9 FM, which will broadcast the show beginning at 10 a.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, per firstcoastnews.com's guide.
Drones are strictly off the table. NAS Jacksonville is a designated No Drone Zone, and an FAA temporary flight restriction extends five nautical miles from the base over land and water from October 15 through October 18, prohibiting aircraft flights, including drones, inside that zone. Organizers warn that personal drone operators caught flying in or near the show may face significant penalties or criminal prosecution.
What to Pack — and What to Leave Home
Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, but pop-up tents and sun umbrellas are banned for safety reasons, and tailgating setups including cooking grills, smokers, cookers and coolers are not allowed anywhere on the grounds. Roller skates, skateboards, bikes, smoking and pets other than service animals are also prohibited. Cameras are permitted, though bags are searched: opaque bags can't exceed 4.5 by 6.5 inches, while clear plastic or vinyl bags are allowed up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches.
Cash is the smart move for food and merchandise. ATMs will be available onsite. With the scale of the crowd expected and tens of thousands of vehicles converging on the same gates afterward, patience may be the most essential thing to bring along.
