Heading to the Pacific Airshow? What you should know before you go – Orange County Register

The jets and planes are fueled and ready to soar across the skies over the Huntington Beach shoreline this weekend.

Now in its sixth year, the upcoming Pacific Airshow has grown into one of the region’s busiest events, bringing world-class military aviators and civilian performers to the skies for the three-day show.

Here are a few things you should know:

When is it?

The event will run over three days, starting on Friday 30 September. The promotion starts at around 10:30 a.m. each day and ends around 4:30 p.m. Gates open at 9am for the ticketed areas, so get there early to secure your ticket. Friday is a practice day so expect smaller crowds and easier parking times for a taste of what’s to come on Saturday and Sunday.

who flies

The event will be headlined by the US Air Force Thunderbirds, celebrating the industry’s 75th anniversary. All three days of the airshow will feature a full lineup of performers, including the Navy’s Leap Frogs and the Army’s Golden Knights precision parachute teams, as well as civilian aircraft such as BlackFly, all-electric fixed-wing aircraft, the Red Bull Air Force, and vintage and modern propeller and jet aircraft. The US Air Force will fly the T6-A in four-ship formation and the F-16 Aggressors, the Navy will demonstrate an F-35C and an F/A-18 Super Hornet, and the Lyon Air Museum will fly a B-25 Mitchel -Bomber.

For a full list of performers and schedules, download the Pacific Airshow app.

What should I bring?

Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat and water – it’s supposed to be a cozy weekend, even on the beach. If you are not in a ticketed area, use a towel or chair to sit on. Cameras and binoculars are good to enjoy the show.

What am I not allowed to bring?

Leave guns, alcohol, drugs or anything else you shouldn’t have at home. All bags and containers will be checked upon entering the event or exhibition area. Also, the Pacific Airshow is a “drone-free zone.” Tents and umbrellas are also not allowed.

what about parking

Hundreds of thousands of spectators will turn up, so get there very early to snag a seat. Think of the 4th of July crowds. Use Uber, Lyft, shuttles, buses, or bikes to avoid traffic and parking hassles. There will be fewer crowds and easier parking on Friday. Also, the city is increasing parking fees during the event, so bring extra cash for a spot.

Will food be available?

It never hurts to pack a few snacks, but there are food trucks and vendors in the area, or visit one of the many restaurants downtown on Main Street or across the beach in Pacific City.

how loud is it

Some of the planes and jets can really boom, so bring earplugs for youngsters or those with hearing sensitivities.

How can I best view the event?

There are plenty of free spots on the sand to enjoy the show, or $25 tickets are available if you want to be near the water, which also has the added benefit of audio commentary to highlight the performance, access to additional restrooms and bars offers.

The best vantage point is across from the Waterfront Beach Resort on the Pacific Coast Highway, with aerial views extending more than a mile north or south of that location.

There’s also pier seating for $60 or $299 “Premiere Club” seating in a tent pavilion with all-day hosted beer. If you require ADA assistance, arrive early to secure some of the limited ADA seating at the pier.

Additionally, Hulu will stream the airshow live on Saturday, October 1st.

Can spectators watch from the water?

Boats will be in abundance on the ocean to see the show, but from 10:30am to 4:30pm there will be a “safe zone” in the water marked with buoys. The US Coast Guard and lifeguards on jet skis will patrol the area.

Swimmers, surfers and boogie boarders should expect to only be able to swim in waist-deep water during the event.

Will there be a music festival this year?

Last year’s event added a concert after the airshow, but delays this year in obtaining the necessary permits forced organizers to postpone the Afterburner music festival to 2023.

For more information about the event, visit pacificairshow.com.