Blue Angels Air Show 2026
The Pensacola Beach Air Show returns with an expanded lineup, earlier start times, America’s 250th celebration, and the 80th anniversary of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
No Drones or Kites
Drones and kites are strictly prohibited during the Pensacola Beach Air Show. Any drone detected within a five-mile radius of the restricted flight zone will result in an immediate halt of the show. Anyone caught flying a drone in restricted airspace could face arrest.
Pensacola Beach Air Show 2026 Event Details
The Pensacola Beach Air Show is one of the biggest summer events on the Gulf Coast, bringing thousands of locals and visitors to the beach to watch military aircraft, historic warbirds, elite aerobatic performers, and the hometown Blue Angels fly over the Gulf.
Red, White and Blues Week Schedule
Air show week includes four days of Blue Angels activity over Pensacola Beach, leading up to the official Saturday show.
Wednesday, July 15
Breakfast with the Blues begins around 7:30 AM as the Blue Angels arrive over Pensacola Beach.
Thursday, July 16
The Blue Angels are scheduled for a full practice show over Pensacola Beach at 2 PM. No civilian acts are scheduled.
Friday, July 17
Dress rehearsal begins with flight demonstrations at 10:46 AM. The Blue Angels are scheduled at 2 PM.
Saturday, July 18
The official Pensacola Beach Air Show follows the Friday dress rehearsal schedule, with the Blue Angels closing the show at 2 PM.
Updated Friday and Saturday Performance Schedule
The Santa Rosa Island Authority has released the updated Friday and Saturday schedule for the 2026 Pensacola Beach Air Show. Performance times are subject to change due to weather, safety requirements, aircraft availability, or other operational needs.
| Time | Performer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 10:35 AM | Water and airspace clearing begins | Spectators and vessels will be cleared from Gulf waters inside the marked aerobatic box. |
| 10:46–10:56 AM | Show Opener | Red Bull Air Force flag jump with the National Anthem, plus a teaser featuring Aaron Fitzgerald, Kevin Coleman, and precision jumpers. |
| 10:58–11:02 AM | Shannon Elliott in the SNJ-5 |
Historic military trainer performance.
Friday only |
| 10:58–11:08 AM | Shannon Elliott in the SNJ-5 |
Historic military trainer performance.
Saturday |
| 11:04–11:08 AM | U.S. Air Force T-6 Texan IIs |
Four-plane formation highlighting precision flying in the modern military trainer.
Friday only |
| 11:10–11:20 AM | The Pink Jet | A pink L-39 Albatros flown by Stephanie Goetz and Olga Sannikova with a breast cancer awareness mission. |
| 11:22–11:32 AM | Frank Kimmel in the F4U-5 Corsair | A rare 1949 Corsair, one of the most iconic World War II aircraft. |
| 11:34–11:44 AM | 187th Fighter Wing F-35s | F-35A Lightning II aircraft from the Red Tails, carrying forward the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. |
| 11:46–11:58 AM | Third Strike Wingwalking | Carol Pilon performs atop a vintage Stearman biplane in a tribute to classic barnstorming. |
| 12:00–12:10 PM | RJ Gritter | Bellanca Decathlon routine with loops, rolls, hammerheads, and smoke-trailing maneuvers. |
| 12:12–12:24 PM | Redline Airshows | Father-and-son duo Ken and Austin Rieder perform in matched RV-8 aircraft. |
| 12:26–12:39 PM | Titan Aerobatic Team | Three WWII-era AT-6 Texan aircraft fly tight, precision formation maneuvers. |
| 12:41–12:51 PM | Skip Stewart | Prometheus delivers aggressive snap rolls, vertical climbs, and a signature inverted low-level pass. |
| 12:53–1:18 PM | Red Bull Air Force | Featured performance with helicopter aerobatics, Kevin Coleman’s Extra 300SHP, and precision skydiving from the Red Bull Air Force Jump Team led by Luke Aikins. |
| 1:20–1:30 PM | B-1B Lancers |
Two B-1B Lancers from the 28th Bomb Squadron return to Pensacola Beach.
Friday only |
| 1:20–1:24 PM | U.S. Air Force T-6 Texan IIs |
Four-plane formation over Pensacola Beach.
Saturday only |
| 1:26–1:30 PM | Veterans Flight |
Aerial tribute honoring Capt. Royce Williams and all World War II and Korean War veterans.
Saturday only |
| 1:30–1:50 PM | Short Water Break | Spectators will have a short window to cool off in the Gulf before the Blue Angels finale. |
| 1:50 PM | Water clearing resumes | Lifeguards and public safety personnel will begin clearing everyone from the Gulf ahead of the Blue Angels performance. |
| 2:00–2:45 PM | U.S. Navy Blue Angels | The Blue Angels close the show in F/A-18 Super Hornets with signature maneuvers including the Diamond Dirty Loop, Double Farvel, Vertical Pitch, Fleur de Lis, Opposing Knife Edge Pass, and Sneak Pass. |
Best Places to Watch the Pensacola Beach Air Show
The main show center is near Casino Beach, but there are several ways to watch depending on how close you want to be to the action and how much of the crowd you want to handle.
Casino Beach
This is the main show center and one of the most popular viewing spots. Arrive very early if you want a prime spot on the sand.
Beach Bars and Hotels
Nearby beach bars, restaurants, and hotels may offer strong views, especially from balconies, patios, and beachfront areas.
From the Water
Watching from a boat can be one of the best ways to experience the show, but boaters must remain outside restricted areas and follow all safety instructions.
Parking and Transportation Tips
Arrive Early
Main beach parking fills extremely early during air show weekend. Many spectators arrive before sunrise for the Saturday show.
Expect Traffic
Traffic coming onto and leaving Pensacola Beach can be heavy, especially after the Blue Angels finish. Plan extra time and be patient.
Consider Staying Late
Instead of rushing into traffic immediately after the show, consider grabbing food, visiting the Boardwalk, or waiting for traffic to clear.
What to Bring
Beach Essentials
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Beach towels
- Chairs or blankets
- Umbrella or shade
Stay Hydrated
- Bring plenty of water
- Plan for long periods in the sun
- Remember that Gulf access closes during performances
Protect Your Stuff
- Bring a small bag for keys and phones
- Keep cash, ID, and cards protected from sand and water
- Do not bring glass containers
Want to Watch from the Water?
Boat cruises are one of the most popular ways to watch the Blue Angels during Pensacola Beach Air Show week. Availability can sell out early, especially for Friday and Saturday.
See Blue Angels Boat CruisesFrequently Asked Questions
When is the official 2026 Pensacola Beach Air Show?
The official Pensacola Beach Air Show is Saturday, July 18, 2026. Friday, July 17 is the dress rehearsal and follows the same general schedule.
What time do the Blue Angels fly?
The Blue Angels are scheduled to fly from 2 PM to 2:45 PM on both Friday and Saturday, weather permitting.
What time does the air show start?
Flight demonstrations begin at 10:46 AM on Friday and Saturday. Gulf waters inside the marked aerobatic box will begin clearing at 10:35 AM.
Can I swim during the air show?
Gulf access inside the show area will be restricted during performances. A short water break is scheduled from 1:30 PM to 1:50 PM before the Blue Angels perform.
Are drones allowed?
No. Drones and kites are strictly prohibited. Any drone detected within a five-mile radius of the restricted flight zone will result in an immediate halt of the show.
Stay Updated
Air show schedules can change because of weather or operational needs. Check for updates before heading to Pensacola Beach, and sign up for the Must Do Pensacola newsletter for local events, beach guides, and weekly things to do.